Every picture tells a story: David Archuleta’s SBL vid

Posted on 08/12/2010 by TOfan

Pause, replay, ponder, repeat. This has been my pattern since the day – no, the moment – David Archuleta’s “Something ‘Bout Love” music video was released. I know it’s just a 3.58-minute clip, but every time I watch it (especially in HD 🙂 ) I find something new and cool that catches my eye … and often my heart.

Here are my faves so far:

Walk this way

I don’t know if it’s because of all those nail-biting weeks on A.I. watching David stroll out for results night, but I find his walk unique and quirkily charming … much like the man himself. Here,  seeing him make his way along the sidewalk past scenes of people connecting with one another, and past a big white arrow pointing the way forward, tells me that maybe if we just keep putting one foot in front of the other and staying on the path we know is right and true, we too will be headed in the right direction.

Watch this

David tweeted that the switch of his watch from left wrist to right then back again was intentional. I admit I noticed the watch right away, probably since he usually doesn’t wear one. I think it fits in perfectly with his yin/yang, down/other side of down way of looking at things. Love can break your heart but can also set you free. And also the theme of time that turns up in other songs … throwing the alarm clock in the fire … “I just want to steal this moment right away from time.” Either that or his wrist got really sweaty….

When the world falls down like rain…

Okay, confession time. The cynic in me actually replayed this the first time to see if the “nice” girl was actually a crafty pickpocket who swiped the old lady’s wallet… she didn’t. But in doing that, I noticed a classic David item rolling out of the lady’s bag … a water bottle! (Look closely at the bottom-left of this screen cap.)

On the fence

I’ll leave this one to the dynamic duo of Kizzi and Beebee:

Kizzi: So it’s allegorical…as in the runner (break neck speed in real life events) jumping over the fence (daily obstacles) with headphones (music) and missing the train (traveling to or with loved ones or perhaps missed opportunities, family time, old friendships) and it keeps happening every day. And why, because his love of family, friends, the familiar is breaking his heart and their love is his base of support and sets him free.

Beebee: My take on the fence jumper and the train is simple and uncomplicated: I see them as simple metaphors for overcoming obstacles and moving on, moving forward. Both (in the context of the vid) say don’t allow yourself to be limited, held down, or trapped (“trapped in the small town” of your misery?), presumably by the “lows” of love, but instead be inspired and motivated to move forward through life by the UP side of love. Leave the past in the past… set yourself free…move on and embrace/discover your future.

Hey, Soul Brothah

Does the shot of the train pulling out of the station represent another way to move forward and not get stuck in the past? Or is it a nod to a group David clearly likes (Hey, Soul Sistah, Calling All Angels) … Train! … Doubtful.

Aha, moment

The close up on the one naked bulb right as he belts out his first “… there’s something ‘bout love” was a literal “light bulb” moment for me. A visual smack-upside-the-head that yes, love can suck, but it can also light up … everything. But it’s up to us to turn the switch and let that light shine on (okay, now I’m sounding like a Cook song.)

Gotta have heart

The painted heart sort of speaks for itself, but I thought it was significant that she’s not tagging the wall, she’s hearting a bunch of old newspapers. And if you look really closely, you’ll see each page features a story about David’s victory on Junior Star Search. Not really.

Artist as observer

I know there’s been a lot of debate about the Sony product placement in the vid (hey, if it means $$ in D.’s pocket, I say go for it), but the shots of David and the camera meant something else to me. I thought it echoed one of the themes of the whole video – the artist as observer.

From the beginning, David walks alone, taking in the highs and lows of others’ experiences, filtering them through his own inner artist’s lens and expressing the universal truth he distills … through song. … Or he just thought it was cool to be behind the camera for once.

Ode to Joy

I’m still not sure why the phone is passed through the party before it gets to David (wouldn’t she be texting him on his phone?) but I loved this little scene just the same. Mostly because of the love connection (friend or otherwise) that makes David smile that smile and gives him a happy ending of his very own. And when I read this comment on YouTube, I thought it was a great way to interpret that scene and sum up the whole dang thing!

“Love this song, and love all the cool symbolism in this video. One example is when he gets the message from Joy, saying “See you in a bit.” It is like he is telling us that ‘joy’ will come to those who wait, even if love has broken your heart. That is just one of the cool symbols from this video that is fun to look for and is uplifting!!”

Now, what do you guys think? Have I missed any other cool signs or symbols? And don’t you just love the warm colours and lighting Mr. Director used?

P.S. And here’s a lovely collage of screencaps from HanneDenmark!



Posted in Video review | Tagged | 65 Comments

SBL video buzz, TCA rapping, and more!

Posted on 08/09/2010 by TOfan


Great fans do think alike! I’d been compiling my favourite (possibly non-fan) comments from David Archuleta’s new “Something ‘Bout Love” video and WHAMO! Abanana77 and Kizzi were doing the same!

Here’s what we found:

"Loopz™ plays changing patterns of light and music, all you have to do is repeat them by waving your hands through the matching loops ... you can even create your own music!" 🙂 (Pic: David-Daily.com)

From abanana77:

Awesome how many views his SBL video is getting. It’s definitely helping promote the song! I was bored and started reading the comments (don’t judge, lol) and I found some interesting ones (from mostly non-fans I think). From VEVO:

I was watching Adam Lambert vids when this advertisement under the screen went “Something ‘Bout Love by David Archuleta Premiere”. Before Glam, I used to listen to Archie. And because of Archie I met Adam. I’m gonna support Archie’s next album.

Great song. havnt heard about david for a long time.. maybe hes gonna rise again!

i have the jeans he is wearing at 57 seconds. i got the from the buckle! [LOL]

his eyes look like keanu reeves. [LOLOLOLOLOL]

great song, i’m not a huge fan but he has a great voice, i love justin bieber and i don’t know why david isn’t as popular as justin

a lot of people say he’s boring yada yada but i don’t think he is. He’s someone that I wouldn’t be embarrased to say “I’ve gone to his concert” or “I like his music”. Just because he’s not stripping and kissing girls left and right doesn’t mean he’s not a good entertainer.

Am I the only one who thinks David Archuleta looks like Mike Myers? Lol anyway, amazing song, but I feel the Video On Trial will enjoy bashing David and his videoclip. [LOLOLOLOLOLOL]

I love this!! Why haven’t I heard it before??  When did it come out??

first time i have heard this song but i love it already……………..for some reason i used to hate this guy but i got his music stuck in my head and i love it i listen to it everyday that i live……………:)

omg if the beat and melody of the songs first 5-10 secs dont hook me i dont like the song, but this song did it, wow

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

OK I am done now but that kept me entertained for a while. Lalalal

From Kizzi:

I am getting big chuckles out of the YouTube comments. This from what appears to be a young music fan (I’m guessing over 18 and under 25) from San Diego whose cyber name is 11prepprincess11:

Hello David. Will you be my husband for life and beyond? Yes? That is just fantastic. Because you are gorgeous, and you are amazing at singing and living. Therefore, us getting married will just make life a lot sweeter! Pretty sure God spent a LITTLE extra time on you…

Love you! And this song/video!

Now that’s a marriage proposal….

… and here are some comments I came across:

Stick with the Loopz game, D. Step away from the hat. (Pic: David-Daily.com)

From mjsbigblog:

Kitwana: Watched the video again. I agree with the Bill Lamb Top 40/Pop Blog comment that spirit of the video matches the song perfectly. It captures both the joy and sadness that comes with love. I think the video is also a great vehicle for introducing an older, more mature David to the public. The first 30 seconds of the video showing a serious and sombre David is a side of him that I have NEVER seen. Full credit to the director for getting this out of him and full credit to David for producing. I really like this video.

tinawina: I think the video takes him out of “cute awkward kid” territory and closer to “nice looking young man” territory. To me, he looked a lot less self conscious, more at ease than on the past. It is shot beautifully IMO. He’s seen at a more mature setting towards the end.. I definitely got college-age vibes from the party.

I do think the video could have been faster-paced. Maybe in the editing? The song is bouncy and hopeful, and the video seemed to drag it down a bit. All it really needed was more energy to me. The product placement is so common these days it almost didn’t even register to me until it went on a little long.

Still, in the end I think it does its job. He looks older, attractive to his age group, and it doesn’t make me dislike the song. I don’t think videos really matter unless they are absolutely fantastic or really distractingly bad. This one is neither, so it’s fine.

From TheProphetBlog.net

chance:  Love the beat. Love the heck of vocal range, especially after key change. I listened to the song the other day while driving at night. You just get soaked in it. There’s something about his voice. The song has fun beat, but still it comes to your touchy emotions. I think it’s because of the quality of his voice; airy, husky, emo, and pure…

And finally, I think this ‘bout sums it up from YouTube:

FoundYourCar: *Love Stare*

Posted in Fan experience | 41 Comments

David Archuleta’s SBL vid: For Everyman

Posted on 08/05/2010 by TOfan

Vodpod videos no longer available.

SBL, posted with vodpod

I feel like I’m going to EXPLODE! With something ‘bout LOOOOOOVE!

Even though I dreamed up a whole fake screenplay for the video, to be honest, I wasn’t all that excited for it. I mean, the Crush vid was cute. The ALTNOY vid all angsty and swanky.

But I didn’t really expect much more for this one than a fun romp through the park… with ethnically ambiguous skateboarders, of course.

Gotta love a happy ending! (Screencap: Snarky Janey)

But this. THIS!

It’s so, SO FREAKIN’ … DAVID!

His brother’s friend helping a kid sink a basket?

A geeky wallflower (aka David circa 2007) finding a soulmate?

A granny getting a helping hand?

All under twinkly lights with dancing fools and a side of heart-hands … and SPARKLERS???????1

I’m dying to watch it again2 but I don’t think I can take it.3

Please help me out here, what do you guys think?4

Footnotes:
1. I also love the shots of him getting so into the song that his feet are bouncing on the sofa or ottoman or whatever he was crouched on. (Nothing to do with the shoes, nothing.)

2. If only to figure out what the guy jumping the fence for the train has to do with anything.

3. Don’t even get me started about the head flip.

4. No, he’s not alone at the end, he got a text from a pretty girl who made him smile. (Ya, okay, she’s married in real life … subtext people, subtext!)

5. This is what the title of this post refers to. One of my favourite Jackson Browne songs … gee, who does it remind me of…:

FOR EVERYMAN

Everybody I talk to is ready to leave
With the light of the morning
They’ve seen the end coming down long enough to believe
That they’ve heard their last warning
Standing alone
Each has his own ticket in his hand
And as the evening descends
I sit thinking ’bout Everyman

@kricket_rc234

Seems like I’ve always been looking for some other place
To get it together
Where with a few of my friends I could give up the race
And maybe find something better
But all my fine dreams
Well thought out schemes to gain the motherland
Have all eventually come down to waiting for Everyman

Waiting here for Everyman–
Make it on your own if you think you can
If you see somewhere to go I understand
Waiting here for Everyman–
Don’t ask me if he’ll show — baby I don’t know

Make it on your own if you think you can
Somewhere later on you’ll have to take a stand
Then you’re going to need a hand

Everybody’s just waiting to hear from the one
Who can give them the answers
And lead them back to that place in the warmth of the sun
Where sweet childhood still dances
Who’ll come along
And hold out that strong and gentle father’s hand?
Long ago I heard someone say something ’bout Everyman

Waiting here for Everyman–
Make it on your own if you think you can
If you see somewhere to go I understand

I’m not trying to tell you that I’ve seen the plan
Turn and walk away if you think I am–
But don’t think too badly of one who’s left holding sand
He’s just another dreamer, dreaming ’bout Everyman

Posted in david archuleta, Video review | Tagged | 121 Comments

Northern Lights, eh

Posted on 08/03/2010 by TOfan

Photo: CANADIAN PRESS/ AP - M. Scott Moon

I’m sitting here on the edge of my seat waiting for something magical to happen. No, not a David Archuleta moment. Not this time.

Aurora borealis, the Northern Lights, are supposed to be visible in our night sky tonight and tomorrow night. Normally the “dancing red and green curtains of light,” as my news station called them, can only be seen up north. But apparently two solar storms are pushing the aurora borealis our way.

What causes this phenomenon? The solar wind launched by the sun contains clouds of plasma, full of particles that include electrons and positive ions. When they reach the Earth, they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, activating oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

Electrons and positive ions … now that does sound like David.

I’ve actually compared David to the Northern Lights in several posts. His voice has always seemed a force of nature to me — and the awe-inspiring power of these shimmering, morphing blazes of light such a perfect metaphor for David’s mercurial, enigmatic talent.

When I saw that David had a brand new song called “Northern Lights” registered on ASCAP, it felt so perfect to me. Without even hearing it, I knew I’d love it.

As Ms. Kizzi reminded me recently, Northern Lights is also the name of the venue near Albany, N.Y., where David officially “headlined” for the first time back in December 2008. After that show, Refnaf and I met a bunch of our online David friends for the first time, including Kizzi, Happy, djxox, Bluebarsa, Ninaf, HelloGorgeous, and Newangel.

So yes, I love “Northern Lights” already and have a feeling it will be on the album.

It’s even on this probably-not-for-real-but-fun-to-speculate-about “leaked” track list, which was posted on IDF by archfan13 (link tweeted by the lovely @Jonerz on the weekend):

1. Something ‘Bout Love
2. The Last Thing (If Only I Could Tell You)
3. Falling Down
4. Time
5. Beautiful Distraction
6. (Not A Very Good) Liar
7. Parachutes
8. Other Side Of Down
9. Escaping The Pain
10. Northern Lights
11. Only Because
12. Beneath The Surface
13. Something ‘Bout Love (Acoustic) [All Markets]
14. Untitled Studio Bonus Track #1 [iTunes Exclusive]
15. Untitled Studio Bonus Track #2 [iTunes Exclusive]

Although I’d love to hear an acoustic version of SBL, I’m taking the list with about a thousand grains of salt for now, since we’ve seen other questionable “leaks” in the past. *cough*MiHistoria*cough*

Okay, I’m heading outside again to try and catch a glimpse of Aurora … or Borealis … I’m not picky.

What do you think “Northern Lights” could be about? Which songs (or even covers) do you hope make the album? Do you feel like you’re on the edge of your seat too?

P.S. Photos from David’s visit to the Gifting Services Showroom in L.A. yesterday. More photos HERE.

[picapp align=”none” wrap=”false” link=”term=People%3a0.794%3a%22David+Archuleta%22+david+archuleta&iid=9489608″ src=”http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9489608/david-archuleta-visits/david-archuleta-visits.jpg?size=380&imageId=9489608″ width=”380″ height=”527″ /]

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… Auditioning for The Price is Right?

[picapp align=”none” wrap=”false” link=”term=People%3a0.794%3a%22David+Archuleta%22+david+archuleta&iid=9489610″ src=”http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9489610/david-archuleta-visits/david-archuleta-visits.jpg?size=380&imageId=9489610″ width=”380″ height=”570″ /]

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… “If I keep smiling will they let me take off this stupid bracelet?”

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

He was born a ramblin’ man

Posted on 07/30/2010 by TOfan

True story: This afternoon I snuck a peek at David Archuleta’s vlog at the office as soon as it was posted, then right after had to attend an all-company staff meeting. The first part of the meeting was a deathly boring profit-loss presentation.

Then, the president of the company, who’s NEVER called on me once during one of these meetings, decided to address me directly… meanwhile, I had completely zoned out ’cause I was replaying the vlog in my head.

There was this awkward silence that seemed to go on for all eternity as 70 pairs of eyes turned to me for my response to his question. All I could think of was “wackety wack” (don’t worry, I kept that to myself). Thank goodness he took pity on me and repeated his question.

Note to self: Never watch a David vlog before a meeting … or operating heavy machinery!

I don’t know about you, but this was my favourite (non-Toronto 🙂 ) vlog so far. (Although the “mirror mirror on the wall” one is a close second.) Why? Let me count the ways.

Credit: Snarky Archies

1) It was long. Ramble away ramblin’ man.

2) It had David in it…. seriously though, do you need much more than that?

3) The hair’s in a good place.

4) He looks more grown-up, more self-assured. Like his own older brother or something.

5) LOVE the way he says his friend’s name, “Joy.” Want that as my ring tone! lol

6) Had to laugh at the way he basically told us (in his own Davidish way) that he doesn’t want to get the Fanatic Fan Teen Choice Award. Been there, won that.

7) He seemed so, so …  so happy! Not giggly, bouncy David happy, but deep-down-to-your-toes I-know-I’m-on-the-right-path-and-please-come-along-with-me-because-I-want-to-share-it-all-with-you-guys happy. You know?

8 ) Selfishly, it made me feel special. Every word he said made me feel appreciated and valued for doing something I couldn’t help even if I tried — supporting and cheering on this incredible guy. It reminded me of why I do this, and made me proud to be a fan of someone so genuine and real and true blue.

Credit: Snarky Archies

9) Loved that he made reference to our “job” and his: “Just wanted to let you guys know how much I appreciate what you do and it just makes me want to work hard to do what I do.”

10) Best. Ending. Ever. “I’m feelin’ really good about things. Life is good. And God is good. And you guys are great. So. I’ll talk to you guys later.” *waves*

So what did you guys think? (I won’t ask how many times you watched it!) Fave parts? How do you feel after watching David’s vlogs?

P.S. I’m also sooooo intrigued with the Power Balance Silicone Wristband he was wearing. According to amazon.com, it uses “Performance technology that uses holograms embedded with frequencies that react positively with your body’s natural energy field. When the hologram comes in contact with your bodys energy field, it allows your body to interact with the natural, beneficial frequency stored within the hologram resulting in improved energy flow throughout your body. Helps promote balance, strength, and flexibility.

Holograms? Energy fields? Oh my heck, he IS a superhero!

P.P.S. Embe, the screen cap of the 1st two secs up top is just for you. lol

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 72 Comments

Great expectations: What do we want from David?

Posted on 07/27/2010 by TOfan

When I first posted this last July, many responded by sharing what they wanted “for” David. With a new CD on the horizon, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the topic, and pose the original question: What do we want from David?

Even in a beanie, David's recognized by a fan who lists "celebrity spotting" as a hobby in her Twitter bio.

“Fame, celebrity – it’s not such a big deal in Europe. People seem to understand that you just have a weird job. They’re not running after you, trying to carve chunks out of you. It’s strange in the States. Most fans here are great, but there’s a handful who have seen the movies and feel they know you. They think it’s alright to touch you and ask personal questions.”
— Johnny Depp

In the beginning, there was the voice. Like the mythological Sirens’ song that lured sailors to their destruction, David Archuleta’s voice bewitched us into submission from the very first note and we were powerless to resist it. (Luckily, there were no cliffs to crash into, only Simon Cowell.)

And in the beginning that Voice was enough for us. We looked forward to hearing it week after week on A.I.; YouTube-ing and iTunes-ing it until digital reproduction left us wanting more. And we got more … the Idol Tour.

As the tour progressed, fan-encounter reports sent our expectations into overdrive. We wanted, no needed, to hear The Voice live, to see David in the flesh, maybe get an autograph, a picture, a hug. Give him a letter or a gift or a compliment and get a reaction, a smile, an “aww, thanks” or, better yet, an ArchuGaze.

When the single and the CD were released, the crowds grew bigger – and, sometimes, more intrusive. In one interview, David recounted going to the movies with his friends and being recognized by fans who wanted him to sign autographs and smile for pictures. He said he didn’t mind doing that when he was “working,” but he’d been with his friends. It seemed to surprise him that even the most devoted fans don’t always recognize the boundary between the public and private life of a celebrity. And where David was concerned, that line was about to get blurrier.

We soon wanted to examine every public and private move of his to determine whether or not each fit with our idea of what was best for him. We wanted him to become a critically acclaimed superstar, yet not be lonely or miss out on graduating — to be on the cover of Rolling Stone and win Grammys, but get to go to his prom and have a normal teenage life.

We wanted him to be protected from those so demanding they ask for kisses on the cheek and piggyback rides, but yet remain available and accessible to us.

As we voted in endless online polls, stalked radio request lines and gifted countless CDs, our expectations grew about his career and his image.

We wanted him to “own” his star power, tour in grown-up venues, take a pass on kiddie TV roles and Teddy Bear songs, lose the “ballad boy” image … no, wait, sing more ballads … get a new label, new management, new marketing strategy. We began to want it all.

“I don’t think I realized that the cost of fame is that it’s open season on every moment of your life.” — Julia Roberts

And then there was Twitter.

David now has more than 144,372 followers on Twitter [EDIT: Now 412,613!] – me included. As soon as he replied to that first fan, we collectively screamed like the baby birds in the Twitter logo … “He’ll talk to us!”

Some spam him repeatedly for hours IN ALL CAPS begging for a reply. Even on his sick bed he felt it necessary to tweet “been trying to rest and haven’t been on the computer much today since I’m sick. Hope you guys understand! ”

As if a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds would play out and thousands of frenzied tweeters would peck away at him if he went AWOL for one day. And then “thanks for your get better messages!!! You guys are too nice haha ”

To me, it was code for “For the love of Spongebob, give me some space haha ” Even Brooke had to reply to one of the fans to tell them “don’t be sad, he’s very busy and can’t reply to everyone.”

A clue to the motivation behind this Twitter mania lies in a message from a fan who’d just been replied to by David: “This is officially the happiest day of my life! Hah,” she tweeted. “Can’t get over it! … He definitely now knows that I exist!”

On some level, is that what we’re all seeking? And, if not, then what do we want from David? At first glance, it seems like an odd question. We want to hear him sing every song ever written. To be swept away in the rapture of his voice. To watch every thrilling stage of his burgeoning career. To witness his star rise around the world as people in every land discover his glorious brilliance. And that may be all we have the right to expect.

For as accessible and generous as David has been to date, the pressure of our collective expectations and the demands on his time and attention will inevitably wear him down. He will eventually need to step back, take stock, go off in a new direction or just take a break. And when he does, I hope he knows that we love him enough to let him fly and be free. To let him be.

“No matter how much fame you have, it’s not something that belongs to you. If I’m famous, that doesn’t belong to me — that belongs to you. If you can’t remember who I am, I’m no longer famous.” — Michael J. Fox

What do you want, expect from David? Regular tweets? Vlogs? Thank you notes in return-address envelopes? Concerts in your home town? (*guilty*) Or are you happy to sit back and enjoy the ride?

Is it just me, or does it seem that the more he gives us, the more we ask, no demand, from him?

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 87 Comments

BUT Something ’bout style

Posted on 07/25/2010 by awestruck

Some reviews of David Archuleta’s new single, Something ‘Bout Love, have stated that they think he is growing up musically.  Hard for me to judge if the structure of the song is any more mature than those of his debut album.  Lyrically is it better because it is coming from David?  Certainly the hardcore fans may think so.

But, this is not the emphasis of this post, OH NO, it is not…

Ms. Beebee's version.

.

My apologies to be forcing you to gaze once again upon this magnificently captured loose, carefree, happy picture of David, but this is the BUT about this post, lol.

Up to now I have never really cared about David’s “look” or “IMAGE.”

Sure, I’ve thought that some of his performance getups have had more pizzazz than others.

For example:

Yes.

Def. YES. (Photo: contactmusic.com)


No, just NO – I couldn’t bring myself to show the entire suit, lol (I know, I know this wasn’t’ his choice. (FOD pic.)

.

.

And YES, some that were PERFECT for the occasion. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

But – there it is again, the word but – it has never really mattered to me what David wore, performing or not.

BUT – ok now I will bold it and see how many times I can use it in this post – the “Not Final Art” TOSOD cover art changes that for me.  Is it time to create an IMAGE for David clothes-wise?

Perhaps it is the photographer making the difference, BUT the look from the Pro-Am game (below) is bang on for David, imho.  Not for performing, BUT for day-to-day going about town to meetings, interviews etc. (he can still be just your basic David at home or on his days off – I will allow him that 🙂 ).  Though I must say his casual getups are looking a bit more attitudy … to use a technical fashionista term. 🙂

Sorry, but showing off a hint of belt is def. a stylist tip.

David is so considerate of his fans isn’t he?  Maybe he will allow me to make the following recommendation for him – for the fans’ sake!  I think he is already halfway there though.  This casual look allows him his T’s – graphic or not, and his favourite jeans; BUT, I just have to encourage him to don any jacket such as the one in THE PIC; and voila you have an IMAGE.

And the boots – TOfan’s fetish is rubbing off on me – well just let me say that they give the IMAGE a certain EDGE don’t you think?

Oh, and by the way, keep the longish hair – it has grown on me!

Not to be totally frivolous about the whole thing, BUT could this heightened attention to style signal the new “phase” David spoke about in interviews last winter both musically and image-wise? Certainly ties in well with the more focused marketing push exhibited by Jive this time out, don’t you think?

— awestruck

P.S. David is quite the enigma isn’t he, so very “his age”-looking in THE PIC, yet so young when just hanging, especially when compared with this older pic… the more things change, the more they stay the same?



Posted in Project Runwayish | Tagged | 23 Comments

David Archuleta finds The Other Side of Down

Posted on 07/22/2010 by abanana77

Super-sized by Ms. Beebee

Finally, after oh so many months of waiting, we are getting close to what we’ve all been waiting for — David’s sophomore album! Hard to believe it is less than two months away! And in those couple of months we fans have lots to do — buy/stream/request Something ‘Bout Love, spread the love for that song, and of course speculate about the title of the album “The Other Side of Down.”

What does that even mean? And does that title reflect the overall themes in the album?

According to David’s twitter: “There’s a few different reasons for the title :).” That doesn’t tell us too much, except that he seems to be happy with it and that some thought went into it. It seems to me that he definitely had some say in the title, don’t you think? I hope so anyway.

And knowing David Archuleta, that means there will be layers of hidden meanings, some of which may not get exposed until way later. He amazes me the way he can come up with so many different meanings for the same song (Example: Stand By Me for the troops), so I am excited to see how many ways this album title can be interpreted.

Peace out: Photo from the set of the SBL video shoot (from DA.com, click to enlarge 🙂 ).

The first time I heard the title I had no idea what it meant. I hadn’t mentally prepared myself for picking apart five words and trying to decipher meaning out of it, so I just thought it was a cool title. Different than other titles I’d heard. But after thinking about it for a while, I think he’s talking about staying positive in bad situations. Obviously, this is just my take on it, but the title reminds me of the saying “There are two sides to every coin.”

So, even if what you’re going through seems terrible (“down”) there’s always something good about it (“the other side”), if you look at it differently. To me, “The Other Side of Down” gives off an “Every cloud has a silver lining” message, which I think is SO David. And I am hoping that theme is reflected in the songs on the album, because David singing uplifting/inspiring songs is exactly what I wanted from this album.

But, as David tweeted, there’s more than one reason for the title, so I started thinking of all the other possible reasons behind it. And you know what? I couldn’t think of any! I have a terrible time of thinking up multiple answers for one question (which is one of the reasons why I am terrible at crosswords. I think of one answer to the clue, but if it doesn’t fit I can not think of anything else. I just keep thinking of the same thing over and over).

So I decided to survey my family instead and I asked them what they thought “The Other Side of Down” meant. (I did not tell them it was David related though, because otherwise they probably would not have answered). Here’s what they said:

17-year-old brother: “Obviously it means up… or happy. One or the other”

Mom: “I think it must mean the upside. As opposed to the downside.”

9-year-old cousin: “Down to the left or down to the right, whatever that means. This is about David Archuleta isn’t it?”

Aunt: “The other side of down must be up.”

12-year-old brother: “I think it means if you’re like sad and then someone makes you happy again. Like the sadness won’t last forever.”

So there you go — my family is no more insightful than I am 😛

What do you guys think? What do you think the meaning behind the title is? Do you like it? Do you think this gives us a hint to what the album will be like? I’d love to hear what everyone else thinks of “The Other Side of Down”!

— abanana77

From @VEVO's Twitter (lightened by @Zully_FOD).

Ninja David sang the anthem at the NFL Pro-Am football game in Malibu, Calif., yesterday (July 22).

More pics at FanScene (via JustJaredJr.com)

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 54 Comments

There really is something about SBL

Posted on 07/18/2010 by TOfan

(B&W version of single cover from the lovely @AnnieDAFG.)

Okay, true confession time, guys. When I first heard the snippet for David Archuleta’s Something ‘Bout Love, my heart sank. I did not connect with it at all. It sounded bubble-gummy and generic to my ear. I wanted SO much to like it but it left me cold. And what’s worse, I felt like the worst, most unsupportive fan ever.

I’d been listening to Parachutes & Airplanes and NAVGL on constant repeat and I guess I was hoping for that singer/songwriter vibe or a more soulful WFM feel for the first single.

But I vowed to keep my opinions to myself until I heard the whole song. I also relistened (for the first time in about a year) to Top 40 radio. Wow, what an eye (or ear) opener. Not only did SBL fit right in, but except for a few bright spots, I thought it was light-years beyond most of that repetitive, forgettable stuff.

Confession #2, once I had an mp3 of the whole song on my iPod (now don’t go getting your knickers in a twist, you know I will be buying, ahem, several legit copies), I literally couldn’t stop replaying it. Why?

Because there IS something about love … my love for that voice and soul and message of David’s … there IS something about SBL that breaks your heart, that sets you free … may sound über-cheesy but it’s true. It hooks you and holds you prisoner as much as some of David’s more “serious” material does. How could it, you  ask?

Because there’s one important common denominator: Mr. David Archuleta. Techno-ize and auto-tune him all you like but his raw passion and fire and authenticity blaze through like a blowtorch and next thing you know … you’re toast.

Blogosphere buzz
I thought it might be interesting to take a look around the interweb and check out what peeps without David avis 🙂 were saying about SBL:

From Idolator.com

trezoc Total earworm…Can’t get this outta my head!! My boyfriend is walkin around humming this LOL and he is not particularly a fan!

c80 Love it!! Perfect summer dance tune. Wouldn’t be a David Archuleta song without a key change, killer bridge and vocal range that eliminates all others. I think the techno/electronica/dance vibe and groove is just throwing people for a loop, those who can’t quite grasp or believe David could pull off a song like this. It is what it is – and it’s darn good.

Nl Wow – this surprised me – in a good way! It got stuck in my head right away so I say great job Archie and I am happy that I read that he co-wrote this!

mikecosentino I agree its not bubble gum or disney, definitely radio friendly

LMG surprisingly, I like this

(Photo: David Archuleta Vietnam)

From VotefortheWorst.com

quietnoise I like it. And I hate that I like it.

bluegenie I HATE him but have to admit the song is good, good being relative to what is on the charts these days, which is mostly all sh***y crap- I think this will do well. It’s not groundbreaking, very cliche but it’s a fun song.

picoharmotimpo I liked it. Whatever you say about Archie, his season on AI actually had a number of talented people who are having some success in the music business. Can’t really see the same happening for most of this season’s crew.

From Jewelry Box: Your popular music review:

Dharma i like this freaking song – played it at a little party with some friends, and we jammed our asses off. i think he’s got a monster waiting to happen. the clubs should pick up on this and spin the shizzzz outta it, gets the crowd jumping. dude can jam – who knew, lol.

From mjsbigblog

inspiredbycook I am a huge David Cook fan (hence the user name) and have been lurking on here since season 7. I had to come on here and just say I am really excited for David Archuleta and his fans. This is such an exciting time! I think this song will definitely be a hit and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!

suenigma Another huge Cook fan here, and I freaking love this song! Yeah it is pure, airy pop, but his lovely voice elevates it, IMO. So damn catchy, and perfect for Summer. Someone else aptly called it “hopeful”. Gotta say, I’m all verklempt at the mutual admiration society thing happening here in regards to the Davids. Season 7 for the win!!!

yaminacookie Well, this Huge Cook loves it – dare I say more than Crush. I can’t stop bouncing in my chair. Its got the sound that’s all over Top 40, but stands out from the baby-girl voices. David’s voice is so unique – even with the bells and whistles, its undeniably Archie.

GlowStick photo: Seattlest.com

And my personal favourite :) :

ammasta Holy HELLISH 80s, Batman! I hate the 80s in music for the most part (For some reason, whenever I associate 80s with anything, I think of obnoxious electronic music playing with people with mullets, pants up to their ribs dancing, and more faded colors like on 80s TV shows. The horror. SOOO glad I was born at the end of 89 so I didn’t have to live through all that horror.)

It’s strangely cute. Holy hell.

This goes against anything that I believe in. Why the HELL do I like this? It’s a bit too produced for me, usually.

….You know, I’d be kinda excited to hear an acoustic version or something without the drums and slowed down a bit. I dunno, it bears a “quite-vague-but-there” resemblance to Broken Open by Adam Lambert, and that is totally one of my favorite songs on his album.

Alright, bridge? Bring out the damn glowsticks and let’s freaking GO. Eek @ drum part to the “money chorus”, did not like that part so much.

Someone had to compare it to My Life Would Suck Without You, didn’t they? Thanks to you, I need new underwear. Both songs are pretty cool.

DOWNLOAD. DOWNLOAD. WHEN?!

P.S. And when David starts doing the rounds of TV and radio appearances (hopefully LOTS … and hopefully on the TCAs or, dare I even hope for it, SYTYCD) and singing this LIVE … watch out world.

How about you? Did SBL grab you right from the first snippet? Or did it grow on you the more you listened? And do you think, in the first chorus, the line is “You still believe” or “You still bleed”?

Posted in Fan experience, Music review | Tagged | 145 Comments

Spoiler alert: David Archuleta’s new music-video (not really)

Posted on 07/13/2010 by TOfan

A top-secret source1 just leaked to SnowAngelz the following music-video script for David Archuleta’s new single, Something ‘Bout Love. (We determined the script was legit after the completion of extensive forensic testing2).

[EXT., SUBURBAN STREET, DUSK]

As the sun sets over a sleepy subdivision in Everytown, U.S.A., the camera pans along a row of small bungalows, stopping at one with a white picket fence and a bicycle and scooter leaning against the front porch.

.

[INT., BEDROOM, NIGHT]

We zoom in through a ground-floor window where we find a cute, charming 20something girl sitting on her bed. (The girl has a bit of an edge … we know this because she has a red streak in her otherwise perfectly coiffed hair … and her name is Dangerous, K. Dangerous.)

K. glances at the time on her alarm clock (singed from being thrown in the fireplace), then at the two Demi Lovato concerts tickets in her hand. She shakes her head realizing it’s too late to make the show and crumples up the tickets.

We hear a distinctive morning-voice-ish low register start to sing:

Every night, it’s all the same
You’re frozen by the phone
You wait, something’s changed
You blame yourself every day
You’d do it again
Every night

The cellphone on the night table starts to flash and K.’s face brightens as she grabs it to read the text. Her smile fades as a tear glistens on her ethnically ambiguous cheek. We cut to a close-up of the text, which reads: “Ah, so nice looking at all the little animals in Petco.” K. slams the phone on the bed, pulls on an American Apparel hoodie, and a helmet (she’s not that edgy), runs outside and hops on her scooter.

Mr. Morning Voice clears his throat and belts out:

There’s somethin’ ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh
It sets you free

[EXT., AMUSEMENT PARK GAME ARCADE, DUSK]

The camera pulls back to reveal Ricky Archuleta, an ethnically ambiguous young guy in red pants and swanky Desert Boots3 throwing darts at a wall of balloons. On each balloon is a picture of a wild dog gnawing out the eyes of a stuffed Totoro. Ricky fiercely throws each dart, hitting and popping balloons at lightning speed as he starts to sing:

There’s somethin’ ’bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh-oh-oh
You still believe
When the world falls down like rain
It’ll bring you to your knees
Somethin’ ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh
But don’t give up
There’s somethin’ ’bout love

[EXT., RAIN-SOAKED DESERTED ROAD, NIGHT]

Dissolve to K. Dangerous on her scooter riding through the rain, tears streaming down her Caucasianish face. The camera pulls back and we see the lights of the amusement park in the distance, the bright ferris wheel slowly spinning against the darkness.

Whoa, there’s that sultry Morning Voice again:

When you were young /Scared in the night
Waiting for love to come along /And make it right
Your day will come, the past is gone /So take your time
Live and let live

[EXT., ENTRANCE TO AMUSEMENT PARK, NIGHT]

K. wheels through the entrance gate then stops to scan the crowd. A skateboarding competition near the entrance catches her eye and she wipes away her tears and breaks out in a big smile as she watches the expert riders doing all the big tricks – 360 kick flips, bonless, Ollie, 6-step with mute grab4.

She watches the gravity-defying competitors flip and fly through the air as the chorus swells:

There’s somethin’ ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh
It sets you free

There’s somethin’ ’bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh-oh-oh
You still believe

When the world falls down like rain
It’ll bring you to your knees
Somethin’ ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh
But don’t give up
There’s something ’bout love

When one skateboarder takes a bad fall, K. winces, turns her head and spots Ricky Archuleta at the balloon arcade. He’s teaching a frail widow how to throw darts.  Realizing he is not at Petco, her eyes flare, reflecting the fiery lights of the Tilt-A-Whirl. She zooms off on her scooter, races onto the skateboard track and flies down the ramp onto the course, executing a perfect 360 kick flip … with a twizzle5 … hanging in mid-air for what seems like … seconds.

Don’t fight
Don’t hide
Those stars in your eyes
Let ‘em shine tonight
Let ‘em shine tonight

Hang on
Hang in
For the ride of your life
It’s gonna be alright
Hold on tight

There’s somethin’ ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh oh oh

[EXT., ARCADE BALLOON GAME, NIGHT]

At the sound of thunderous cheering and applause, Ricky and the frail widow turn around and see Ms. Dangerous holding a huge trophy and being lifted onto the shoulders of a crew of blond, blue-eyed non-ethnically ambiguous Adonises (Adonisi?). The camera zooms in on Ricky’s distraught expression at the precise moment the groovy blip-bloop arcade noises and key change hit.

Pic cropped to protect the ethnic ambiguity of Edgy Girl.

There’s something ’bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh
It sets you free

There’s something ’bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh-oh-oh
You still believe

Ricky looks over to the Kiddie Karaoke booth where little Jonah is wowing the crowd with another hunkerdown. Ricky whistles to Jonah, tosses him his armful of Totoro prizes, handing the rest of his darts to the widow (who makes a fist-pump “Yes!” motion). Ricky then runs in flat-footed slow motion toward the skate park.

When the world falls down like rain /It’ll bring you to your knees
Something ’bout love /That breaks your heart
Whoa oh-oh-oh /But don’t give up
There’s something ’bout love

As the music swells to a crescendo, Ricky races to the winner’s circle and takes K.’s hands in his. He motions for her to wait a second. The camera zooms in on his hand pulling a dollar bill from his pocket. His hands whir around the bill in a Superman-ish blur of speed, too fast to follow. They stop, and Ricky opens his hands to K., presenting a perfect origami peac***.

Fireworks explode above the park.

Whoa oh-oh-oh
Sets you free
There’s something ‘bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh-oh-oh
You still believe

[THE END]

How do you envision the SBL music video?

Footnotes:

  1. We don’t have a source, top-secret or otherwise. And definitely not this guy.
  2. Our forensic testing was basically, making sure there was a “g” on “Something.”
  3. 🙂
  4. No idea what these mean.
  5. For all you ice-dance fans out there.
  6. If you believe any of this is true, I’ll come to your house personally and give you a power noogie.

Photo credits:
House pic from HERE; Hoodie pic from HERE; Balloon game pic from HERE; Ferris wheel pic from HERE; Skateboard pic from HERE; Scooter pic from HERE; Red pants pic from HERE; Fireworks pic from HERE.

Posted in Utter nonsense | Tagged | 185 Comments