Darn that David Archuleta. My world used to be so sensible before he came along. I went to bed at the same time every night. Spring followed winter and summer followed spring. Christmas came after Thanksgiving, which came after Halloween.
I was disgusted with those stores that rushed things, putting their Christmas decorations out while the Halloween candy was still on the shelves. Then he came along and the seasons got ridiculously out of whack. Christmas in October? Please. “Christmas From the Heart” was already available in September.
The MoTabs were relatively late, waiting clear till October to make their guest artist announcement that set off a frenzy as desperate fans registered every friend and family member alive and dead in hopes of getting tickets to the Christmas concert. And now this year it’s August. Like most normal people, I’m staying indoors because of the heat and he’s got me wanting to light a fire in the fireplace and drink hot chocolate as I listen to “Glad Christmas Tidings”. It’s like having a new baby or puppy– he completely messes up my life and I love him for it. It’s sickening.
I went to the concert. We all gushed on various fan sites, blogs, and twitter at the time. I won’t go into it again. I’ll just summarize by saying it was THE best David thing I’ve been to, hands down. Classy, professional, spiritual, and there was a tuxedo. What could be better? Nothing.
A kind friend made me a secret hush-hush recording of the concert that I’ve listened to almost daily on my iPod. I will be forever grateful. But after awhile, you want a visual to go with the audio. You want proof that it was as wonderful as you remember. You want to be able to capture those moments you may have missed when you had to blink occasionally.
I knew they’d have to edit out a great deal of the rambling “I-see-that-teleprompter-back-there-with-the-scripted-comments-I’m-supposed-to-say-but-I’m-going-to-mostly-ignore-it” comments he made between songs. It was inevitable. As absolutely adorable as we fans find every word that tumbles out of his mouth, the Tabernacle Choir has a dignified reputation to uphold and a time constraint imposed by PBS for the broadcast. I’m okay with it–mostly.
(I would’ve paid extra for them to slip in the off-the-cuff “that was for all the Latinos…and for …anyone else who enjoys Spanish songs” he said Saturday night after “Los Pastores a Belen”. It was classic David. Heaven forbid he give a shout-out just to the Latinos. Ever inclusive.)
In my stupidity, I didn’t pre-order the DVD or CD. Heavens, why should I? I’m in UT where it’ll be on the shelves at the local Deseret Book and other stores. Then people started getting their copies WEEKS early. Will I ever learn? Well, I pre-ordered and when I saw it in my mailbox a few days later I let out a squeal of delight then rushed inside to watch. In August. While sweating. Again, darn you, Archuleta!!!
And yes, it was as I remembered. The tuxedo — still there. The hair, which has been a bit flat of late? Shiny, spiky, and full of volume. It added at least 2 inches to his height with all its gloriousness. The smile? Dazzling, bright, genuine. The eyes? Twinkling and sparkling to put Christmas lights to shame. The backstage interview? Much too short, but he’s articulate, calm, winning. No flailing hands. How could anyone not be charmed into fandom by him? How is someone in showbiz so centered on what’s really important in life? I know the answer, but that’s a whole different post. It’s clear though, that he knows who he is.
And the music. Yes, there was music–and it was beautiful too. But something seemed slightly muffled. Maybe my sound system isn’t the best? I don’t know, but I felt I was missing out on the crystal clear tone I remembered from the concert. So I downloaded the songs from iTunes and BINGO! There it was! Ahhhhh.
As I said on twitter, it was like a heavenly partnership. I’m no Master Class Lady. I have no idea what you call the various vocal techniques, how you define all those terms, head voice, chest voice… All I know is heart voice. Heart voice was definitely there. I don’t know how to describe what I feel or picture when David sings spiritual songs. Maybe it’s that I see a feeling, if that’s possible. I see peace– can I say that? It sounds stupid and New-Agey, but there it is. I see peace.
My recommendation: buy it all. Buy the DVD. Buy the CD. Buy the iTunes downloads. If they come out with a full-color coffee table book, buy that. Soak it all in in whatever format you can. Start your Christmas shopping. It is August, after all.
— therealnewangel
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
LOLOL! Great post, therealnewangel!!! Loved every syllable.
Now, where did you say I went to order the coffee table book?
😉
B., you are such an amazing writer *I-am-not-worthy bows* … thanks so much for bringing back some of my favourite moTab moments (like David’s asides between songs…they would have made a great “extra feature” on the DVD, lol) … and THIS: “I see peace– can I say that? It sounds stupid and New-Agey, but there it is. I see peace” … does not sound stupid. at. all. ♥
therealnewangel, Loved every word!!! And I had completely forgotten about “that was for all the Latinos…and for …anyone else who enjoys Spanish songs”. LOL, oh David.
Reading your post is getting me more amped (if possible) for my dvd! Can’t wait!
*hand to heart* Thank you Brynn. How I miss your writing. I teared up twice in there and am off to buy the iTunes. Which I wasn’t going to do, but you are one hard-selling soft-spoken babe. “Heart voice.” Perfect.
therealnewangel,
This is witty and beautiful. Have the dvd but going now to itunes to get that too. Love this: “Darn you, Archuleta!… It’s like having a new baby or puppy– he completely messes up my life and I love him for it. It’s sickening.” But like you say, “What could be better? Nothing.” 🙂
therealnewangel……….Your name suits you. What a wonderful article! Love your description of the concert and yes I missed some of the rambling when watching the DVD. Was pleased that the captured the concert so well. I must admit skipping most of it except David the first few listens but eventually settled down to watch the whole thing. Confession: I actually enjoyed Michael York’s portion more on the DVD, than I did at the concert. (the pictures and knowing I would hear David as much as I wanted helped)
…….continued. I listened to the Itune clips but now will definitely download now even though I’ve ordered more DVD/CD’s.
I ‘heart’ you therealnewangel. Can hardly wair for my DVD/CD’s to arrive. Chritmas in August to be sure, what could be more natural than that, LOLOLOL. Memories re-lived, thank you.
(((((newangel)))))) Love this!!!!
“All I know is heart voice. Heart voice was definitely there. I don’t know how to describe what I feel or picture when David sings spiritual songs. Maybe it’s that I see a feeling, if that’s possible. I see peace– can I say that? It sounds stupid and New-Agey, but there it is. I see peace.”
I know that this is why I will continue to do whatever I am able to see David perform. There are no barriers when he performs live…………… even this DVD can’t do justice to his live voice (very close though) I must get the itunes one as soon as I am back home as well. My son texted me that my DVD arrived a few hours after we left 😦 for a week away 🙂 AND I CANT WAIT TO RELIVE IT !!! lol it is gonna be a long vaccation (jk)
Where can I order the coffee table book??
therealnewagnel…love this – thank you! Heart voice…an absolutely perfect description!
Brynn, you rock! This is awesome, a favorite cliché made better when it’s true.
Aside from the gloriousness of David Archuleta’s voice and persona, one of the best things about being in this fan base is the frequent contact with goodness and genius.
This was best David event I have ever attended also. (Ahhh, “heart voice,” exquisitely perfect!). I preordered and pre-complied with your recommendation: DVD, Blu-Ray, CD, iTunes, all in multiples; and I await publication of that coffee table book. Santa is so proud of my August efficiency. (Beat ya, Costco!) It will be the gladdest year of Christmas tidings in recent memory.
Just got home from work and checked this out first.. yup! Brynn, you rock! 😀 Great post! Especially for someone who couldn’t be there last year. I soak up every single word that I can find about the performance. Thanks! I listened to GCT for the first time yesterday.. Was completely blown away… heart voice! You got that right! wow…. tears.. smiles… and all filled up! love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! and yeah… you did good!
I enjoyed reading your write up so much!! Love the part about how the sparkle in his eyes put Christmas lights to shame. I laughed out loud at so many parts and nodded constantly with total understanding of what you say. Yep, Christmas is here by golly… it’s August ya know! This year, I think Christmas will carry over into January (like it did last year… and some), but this time, it may just not ever stop again! David needs to write a new song called the 12 months of Christmas. 🙂
Heart peace??? Heavens YES! Perfect description! And I want to hug that last picture.
I mean heart VOICE. I’m old and tired. lol.
Brynn – I relived MoTab all over again. Thank you so, so very much. Your post is a keeper in the permanent “Archu-chives.” Your joy, love, enthusiasm, fan-frenzy in this post is a mega-dose of sunshine, Vitamin C and absolute pure goodness all rolled into one. 😀
This so resonated:
It was THE best David thing I’ve been to, hands down. Classy, professional, spiritual, and there was a tuxedo. What could be better? Nothing.
How is someone in showbiz so centered on what’s really important in life? I know the answer, but that’s a whole different post. It’s clear though, that he knows who he is.
I don’t know how to describe what I feel or picture when David sings spiritual songs. Maybe it’s that I see a feeling, if that’s possible. I see peace– can I say that? It sounds stupid and New-Agey, but there it is. I see peace.
I so agree about his focus in life. It is amazing to see and his vulnerability pleated with such strength shared so simply, astounds me for a 20 year old.
And, that whole other post you speak of….I see peace, love and a vision of the world, of the future that is being detailed in each song, each performance. It is a thing of such incredible beauty.
Thanks so much for a Wednesday gift! Simply heart-warming, poignant and inspiring.
Finally got my DVD and I’m goin’ in … it’s been nice knowing y’all!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Brynn,
I’m like you…..head voice? chest voice? heart voice!! ♥♥ that’s the voice I hear ♪♥♫♥. You’ve really created a great scrapbook page here. Your words have created mental pictures that created remembering a great weekend is SLC. Thanks!! 🙂 How I would love to re-live that weekend for realz again. **sigh**
Off to download iTunes. 🙂 🙂
Tawna
♥ heart voice ♥
Finally found time tonight to listen to my itunes downloads.
He is G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S! Amazingly glorious. Don’t even know what else to say.
These will be on repeat, repeat, repeat to Christmas and beyond.
It’s a shame his name is not on Gesu Bambino. Those that didn’t buy it are really missing out.
therealnewangel, I read through your article with laughter and delight, giggling at your verbal antics, and then I got to this, “All I know is heart voice”…..you ’bout killed me with that one.
This is how I will now forever think of his voice. Gracias.
therealnewangel….thank you for your wonderfully enjoyable and humorous post! Loved all of it and this…Heart Voice, absolutely says it all. Perfect, just as David’s glorious voice is perfect.
Adore everything about MOtab and still anxiously waiting for my DVD. Listening to the songs from Itunes is heaven and I can only imagine what the DVD will bring. Well it will bring even more heaven! You have said everything that we all can relate to and said it so delightfully.
emmegirl, yes it is a shame that his name is not on Gesu Bambino, an absolutely beautiful, stunning piece by David, oh how I love it. Cannot say enough about each of the songs, words seem to fail.
“Heart Voice” though is so wonderful and says a great deal. ❤
Lovely article 🙂 I’ll get my copy of the MoTab magic sometime next month, maybe. I hate waiting, but luckily I have the Celtic Christmas dvd to releave the pain 😉
I woke up, coudn’t go back to sleep, and found this treasure of an article! Awww Brynn, how I love you. ❤ HEART VOICE!!! YES, THAT'S IT! That's the perfect description! It makes much more sense than that head voice, chest voice stuff ever did for me. I am now going back to reread your article with David's itunes songs in the background…………………………..Yep, I see it, I see peace! And that picture up above! Is his face the perfect definition of joy or what? And love, love is such a part of what is happening when you listen to David sing Christmas carols.
Oh dear, the combination of your words and David's voice in the background is lethal, and made me cry, and gush and just…thank you David, and thank you Newangel. I shall now go nestle all snug in my bed with visions of peace and love and joy dancing in my head. Merry Christmas everyone. Claudia
Thank you so much for writing this recap. The glow on David’s face was a shinning light in the sea of music sadstorms. I could not wait to get my hands on that DVD and the goosebumps I got watching it brought joy to my heart. David singing the spanish carol was unbelievable. He really
was in seventh Heaven performing that, David you really need to record a Spanish album. I really
do not speak the language but omg the joy it brings you. I held back the tears when he sang Silent Night but I had to let go at the end. You make Christmas special for years to come. Well, see ya in January back to the downloads and DVD. Thanks again for your wonderful words that speak volumes to the true belivers.
therealnewangel
Enjoyable article! Nothing like Christmas in August to feed a fan’s need to listen to “new” material from David.
Abrra
Brynn, loved reading your post again after watching the DVD for the first time last night … well, not the whole DVD, just the David parts, lolol … and I so agree with Harold Weinstein on Pastores, he just lit up. In fact I called Mr. TO into the room for that one because he noticed during the CFTH tour how David’s whole body language changed & he came alive when he sang in Spanish.
Saw these interesting @SunnyHilden tweets re “scratch vocals” last night (I know Sunny can be … well, sunny … but I find the whole technical/production side of things fascinating):
A scratch vocal is temporary, to test tempo, key, structure, build of a new song, before committing to more instruments.
During Monday’s scratch vocal, we changed the order of the verses, the key, the tempo & experimented with the time signature.
During Tuesday’s scratch vocal, on a different song, we added time after the 1st chorus & altered the piano part
For those of you asking what “comping vocals” is, one song had 40 takes – comping is figuring out which line to use from which take.
Some takes have melody experiments, a “v” that sounds too much like “d,” magic moments, “p’s” that “pop,” fun puzzle:)
I love hearing the technical side of writing and producing.. It sounds like so much fun!
Brynn will forever be known for the 2 most iconic phrases in David land, “feather duster eyelashes” and now “heart voice”. Thanks, Brynn. That’s it in a nutshell :)))
haha, “feather duster eyelashes” LOLOL perfect! How did I miss that one??
… Crossing guard: We interrupt regularly scheduled GCT flailing to give right of way to these aMAZing backstage vids of Jakarta MH & FS!!!!
@therealnewangel i ❤ you forever.. and always!
Thanks so much for your write up Brynn. This was the concert that was meant to be. What I found so startling was how David was so calm while inside he knew this was a seriously important milestone of his life. But I don’t think I have ever seen him calmer. But the excitement came out in his eyes. And in that ad-libbed “…and for anyone else who loves Spanish songs”. Among the excitement he was MOST inclusive. I can only hope my “September” Christmas present arrives soon! Can’t wait to re-live this great event!
Who do we talk about regarding the coffee table book? *pre-ordering*.
And to whomever posted the My Hands vid up above ~ I love you. Oh, that would be you, Deb ❤
Loved reading this!
Realnewangel, you brought the magical feeling David shared with us with your beautifully written article. I’ve been listening to my downloaded songs and that voice, heart voice is pure heaven. Thank you.
A little bit of SnowAngelz MoTab…too good!!!
TOfan, “feather duster eyelashes” came from a story Brynn wrote for Snarkies to win a flight and tickets for a solo David concert in 2009…or perhaps it was the recap she wrote after the show, I’m not sure which one…Brynn, help me out, lol.
It was from the recap. Good memory!
You’ve all been very sweet with your comments. Thank you so much. xoxox
Brynn, I remember it well…it was the first time I became aware of your writing.
REALNEWANGEL – can I hug you? pleeeeease????
LOVE THIS: “..and there was a tuxedo..” Nice fitting tuxedo I might add (yeah AI, that’s the way to dress a guy with, esp one w/ “feather-duster eyelashes” and a “heart voice”
Hope you write more often 🙂
tofan, do you know where that pic (top right) is from? And how long has it been there?
Gotta say it – adorable.
Have a good day everyone!
emmegirl, the pic on the top right is from Todd Pennington’s FB. It was from the children’s home that David visited after he sang God Bless America at the Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game.
thanks, Janey!!! I came across the pic on Twitter but had no idea where it originally came from … although that “Heroes” (how perfect is that??) jersey gave away the GBA event itself. And it was just too adorbs not to share! 🙂
… just saw D’s tweet about the MoTab DVD “can’t wait for you guys to see it”??? Does he really not realize we have followed newangel’s instructions 😉 & have preordered, downloaded & already rewatched like 10 gazillion times?? Oh, David.
TOfan, I believe Todd’s FB is public, there’s one other group pic you might like 🙂
Thanks janey! He just looked like he was having the time of his life.
Yep. Have the songs on DVD and iTunes with an audio CD to come, and this morning I put the ITunes version on a disc for my car and listened with delight all the way home from my daughter’s school drop-off (and then a few times around the block.)
Got a HUGE outburst of goosebumps during a particularly resonant “Loooooooord,” btw.
In my very best “heart voice,” I adore you, Brynn.
therealnewangel,
This is such a great post. Your first two sentences, “Darn that David Archuleta. My world used to be so sensible before he came along.” perfect;y sum up my life these days. Seems that nothing is beyond impossible now that David is a part of it.
Thank you for the heartfelt description of the MoTab performance. I wasn’t able to attend these performances so I have had to live them vicariously through all of those who were so blessed with this opportunity. Needless to say, writing talent abounds in the David fan community, so I have been able to extract some incredible information over these past few months. Each story that I read is filed in my brain along side the others, compiling an extraodinarily detailed picture of what occured in Utah during those special days.
I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my MoTab DVD so I too can revel in the splendor of that concert. I am so happy that iTunes released the songs early, so that I now have new sounds of David floating through my mind as I wait.
Thank you for penning a new saying for David’s singing. His “Heart Voice” is truely what makes David special.
Margy (PandasMama)
http://www.cacophonyvsharmony.blogspot.com
http://www.margywrites.wordpress.com
Gah…. having a great time in Montreal> except I keep thinking about that DVD sitting at home on my desk still wrapped up…. wah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
{{{{{ref}}}}} Montreal is fAnTaStIc!!!!!
I just fell in love with McGill Univ community and and the old quarter especially. The history and architecture is one of a kind.
And, the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, inspired by St. Andre Bessette, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II and in 2010 declare a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI is just glorious. His story is not only inspirational but also historic. Check it out: http://www.saint-joseph.org/en_1123_index.php Just holy, cow; holy wow; too much!!!!!
Canada is just G.L.O.R.I.O.U.S.
Love ya!!!!!
Newangel, great post and so true! I have really been enjoying my DVD and reliving it too, but now I’m also off to iTunes for the downloads.
Looking forward to seeing everyone that’s coming to AZ for the concert. Just 2 weeks and we hear that glorious voice again LIVE!
hey, sweetonda!!!!! *waves* Just saw news of the new Nov. skating event in Phoenix … “AZ is the new Utah” … lol’d at that on Twitter, from @rhiminee, who also posted links to these behind-the-scenes Tosh.0 vids (had NO idea David was actually INSIDE that box! What a good sport! 😆 :
“I think she’s petting his hair” bahahahahaha
wow! I didn’t either. He definitely was a good sport about it! He is looking good too.
Those gals became famous for a time and looks like they were treated royally.
Back to Motab!
So excited for you gals going to Arizona
Thought that was so funny from Tosh 2.0 (which my kids watch but I don’t unless they DVR it and want me to watch a segment.) Tosh is fresh, edgy, current, in-your-face, and a bit over-the-top. A now happening thang.
I just remembered I wrote this parody of “Pop Goes the Weasel” on AFS last August when that segement aired- hahaha
All around the purple ballooned table,
The Tosh chased the Archie.
The Tosh thought ’twas all in good sport
Pop! goes the Archie.
A Randy for a ‘check it out,’
A Simon for a vee-shirt—
That’s the way American Idol goes,
Pop! Goes the Archie.
The Natalies’ need web reeee-demp-tion
And Maddie’s got the envy
That’s the way the story goes
Pop! Goes the Archie.
I AM L.A.M.E…. 😉 lololol
ha! ha! Kizzi. I have a whole new appreciation for the Tosh episode now that I know David was actually there doing this LIVE. Before I thought it was done somehow with special effects computer pictures.
I wasn’t sure know what to think of Tosh before but sounds like its popular with the younger generation.
Such a contrast to Motab . David has a wide range of life experience and talent. Watch out world.
bahahahaha, Kizz “A Randy for a ‘check it out’ … a Simon for a vee-shirt” LOLOL 😆
oops eliminate know in second paragraph first sentence above.
Haha, David in a box….yes, such a good sport. Add that to his list of great qualities. Kizzi, had to chuckle at your great little poem!
Well, Arizona will be doubly blessed….David in September and David in November. Some folks have a good thing going on!
I am one of those people who will not get to watch the magic of the MOtab DVD until after Sept. 6th (I ordered from the one place that doesn’t ship until then) so I will be be completely enjoying it as per David’s tweet! Hmm, guess there actually are a few of us still anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.
Hope everyone has had a good Labour Day weekend,
Hope yours arrives soon, peppertara!!!
New post/thread!
🙂
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