Reactions to story from http://miamiherald.com

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  Claymates slam critics who carp about Clay Aiken

  http://miamiherald.typepad.com/idol_watch/2008/05/claymates-...
  3 days ago in Idol Watch · Authority: 12

  Pavlov had nothing on the Claymates. Clay Aiken put out a new CD this week and, of course, critics slammed it. [I gave it 2 out of 4 stars, lamenting the Hallmark Card-variety lyrics and a sameness of tone, but had praise for his beautiful vocals which have never had a better showcase on CD until this one. Claymates might not believe this, but I actually liked Clay when he was on Idol and admit to having his first single, Invisible, as well as Solitaire, on my iPod. I'm still waiting for Clay to fulfill the promise he had on that show yet a good four, five plays of this new CD just hasn't convinced me he's anything but a lightweight with a lovely voice. Many other reviews, however, weren't that charitable and slammed the ballad-heavy disc with a plain F.) Read my review here. Here's some reaction: I am really perplexed by your review of Clay Aiken's most excellent CD to date. Why is it that you don't really review the CD but rather diss his fans and insinuate he has baggage that you know nothing about? Are tabloids really what drives you and motivates your opinions? That's really tacky and says more about you than about the music on this CD. How is this a review of the music? I am a music major and I think this CD is full of layers and layers of excellent production and superb vocals. Though there are several ballads, there are also several interesting pop rock songs where Clay's voice soars. Sometimes I truly wonder if any of you insecure males even bother to listen to Clay Aiken. Yeah, you give his beautiful voice credit but really, did you hear the same CD I just listened to? Can you really be fair with your preconceived bias? How about opening your mind and actually listening? BTW folks, give this one a chance. It really is Aiken at his best so far. There is something for everyone because Aiken can do it all. As a guy who never owned a Barry Manilow album I am quite confused by your review. My wife is a fan and I've had the opportunity to see Clay in concert as well. There isn't anything on this new album that is 70s-like unless it's the fact that the pop songs are beautifully constructed and sung in an innovative way - in the way people like Stevie Winwood and Freddy Mercury used to sing. The ballads are few and the lyrics are pretty compelling for pop music. There's a funky bluesy song, some pure pop/rock songs and a healthy dose of uptempo stuff that's full of real music and innovative arrangements. You're naturally entitled to your opinion but I wonder if you wrote this review with a National Enquirer in your ear. I read your review of Clay Aiken's CD, and it appears that you're guilty of reviewing an album without listening to it. "a preponderance of lush ballads that blend into one other for 12 songs" you say? How could you have not noticed the uptempo songs if you had actually listened to it? One or two of them start off slow so if you had given it more of a listen than 5 seconds you would have realized that. I certainly respect your right to not like Clay's CD - different strokes for different folks. But other than stating that it's all ballads (not true), and reflecting on the secret hidden subject matter behind the lyrics there is almost no mention of the music itself. IMHO the album is fantastic. This is the first album that he's put out where absolutely every track is a keeper. No, I wouldn't expect a music critic to be as enthusiastic as a fan like me would be. And I'm so glad that you recognize the quality of his voice. But I would expect a reviewer for a publication like the Miami Herald to have at least given it a thorough listen.

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