but don’t you think that works for invested fans than non-fans or casual AI fans?

Oh, absolutely. I found it fun because it reminded me of a time when rock album covers were like a parlor game where you always tried to figure out what the singer/band was trying to say. It was all part of the mythos of the group. Remember we didn’t have the internet back then. *g*

And I absolutely agree that this sort of thing is meaningless to the casual fan, who needs to be attracted by good cover art, not repelled. There is no doubt in my mind that RCA did Cook a disservice with the cover art in the same way they did with picking singles. None represent what he is about, IMO.

As for Kris’s cover, the tension in the photo bothers me, but I also agree that it is compelling. And it isn’t in any way, shape or form as bad as the Cook photo. Thankfully for Kris!

Were there insinuations about this? I’m quite pleased with the Kris Allen deets, I’ve been finding. Are you refering to this site? I wasn’t aware of any sour grapes.

Oh, and did you mean “hog” rather than hug? As in hogging the headlines. ::grin:: I’m not big into the celebrity thing. For the most part it’s a turn off to me. I don’t quite see Adam as a celebrity, yet.

‘(‘American Idol’) is the most prestigious karaoke bar on earth

What a …strange thing for Scott to say.

On Cookie’s album cover – I like the design, don’t like the photo they chose. there are so many gorgeous pix of him around. I do like the interior shots of him making the funny face. That’s the David Cook the fans”know”.

E.V. ‘Idol’ contestant to give Mesa concert
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/145816

“MacIntyre is moving on to other projects, including a new album slated for a pre-Christmas release and a deal with a New York publishing house to ink an autobiography. He’s also met with music producer David Foster about putting his songwriting skills to use.

“(‘American Idol’) is the most prestigious karaoke bar on earth, and it’s been such a blessing,” he says. “It’s humbling to know that so many people around the world have taken an interest in my passion for music.”"

Oh and I agree MollyAnnMay that Allison’s cover is the best of the AI8 crew thus far and agree about her expression being mischevious, cute and appropriate to her as an artist and for the song. Plus the rest of the artwork and her hair and everything, very good. I like Kris’s album cover art more than you though, and a lot of people it seems, in part because of that unknown of why he’s looking over his shoulder. It creates some drama/tension and sense of movement I find interesting and gets people involved with it and thinking about it. Or at least that’s my take.

I can’t find the source, but I once read an interesting analysis of the cover art on DC’s 3 solo albums. I’m paraphrasing the original source here.

On the cover for Analog Heart, which he did design, the only part of him present is his hand print.

On the next album, the one that was in the works but never got released because of AI, David *is* present, in a photograph where he’s precariously balanced on a railing over a highway, but his back to the camera so you can’t see his face. (I can’t find a link to the photo, but I’m thinking this symbolizes that he’s ready to take a leap of faith into the unknown — or that he’s ready to jump if the music thing fails and he has to get a real job. *g*)

On DCTR, he’s finally turned to face the camera — and the audience. He looks straight ahead (no pun intended) with no embellishments.

So yeah, I wish they’d used a different photo (I agree with whoever said it sucks the charm and life right out of him), but I do like what the DCTR cover stands for within this (to use a DC word) progression.

Within that context of CD covers being more than just a snapshot, Kris’s CD cover puzzles me. It’s a gorgeous photo, but why is he looking away? And what is he looking at so intently? Maybe it will make more sense when it’s linked to the music, but I wish they’d used the man in the mirror shot instead. He looked thoughtful and introspective, but not stressed.

Eh, I think Allison’s single wins the cover shoot contest so far. The look on her face with its mischievous smirk is not only cute and appealing, it works really well with the song.

Q3
October 15, 2009 at 2:28 am
I was very impressed by this from the EW.com photo gallery:

ADAM LAMBERT, IN THE STUDIO

The singer crafted a mission statement for his album, due out next month. ‘ I told the producers, ‘Look, I wanna do music that’s very rooted in classic rock as far as the melodies, the guitars, and the vocal energy,’ ‘  Lambert says. ‘ But then I really wanna overlay a lot of dance-y, synth-y, futuristic stuff on top of it.’ 

I was wondering how so many of the producers and writers who are collaborating on Adam’s album seemed to have the same visions. Now it is clear that Adam provided a singular direction by articulating his vision into a formal mission statement. So simple, but so rare, and so brilliant. It provides a framework without restricting innovation and creativity.

Brilliant. This is why Adam is such a star. He really is a prodigy, with the self awareness, intelligence and instincts to make all that hot, mad talent work.
No wonder he is winning, not just admiration, but respect.

The only thing I think that hasn’t been said is: At least Drake wasn’t in his undershirt

Cold weather took care of that …

The song might not be right for this event. Surely, someone has at least thought to ask those in charge for their opinion.

Surely, someone has. Does anybody really think that Kris & Co. are stupid and insensitive? Really? And what about the people running the event? Are they stupid and insensitive too? Surely, they are not. So why are we second guessing them?

Again ‘” why would it be insensitive? The song is saying that you should live as if each day is your last,

Because some of these people are already living like they are dying…because they ARE dying. Or their wife, mother, sister or best friend is dying.
The song might not be right for this event. Surely, someone has at least thought to ask those in charge for their opinion.

I wondered if David wasn’t secretly relieved that they got kicked out. Since he’s admitted that he won’t even go inside hokey haunted houses for Halloween, I imagine a movie about zombies wouldn’t exactly be his cup of tea. Maybe *that’s* why he went to speak to the manger — to be *sure* they’d all be kicked out. Heh!

I was wondering how so many of the producers and writers who are collaborating on Adam’s album seemed to have the same visions. Now it is clear that Adam provided a singular direction by articulating his vision into a formal mission statement. So simple, but so rare, and so brilliant. It provides a framework without restricting innovation and creativity.

Yes, Q3, I thought the same thing when I read that caption.

BTW, here is the banter from the Richmond David Cook show about getting kicked out of the movies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvdlBtVuiEk

Aww, David is sooo adorable here. Love him to pieces.

Love him or hate him, he does have more than 1.5 million followers on twitter, @PerezHilton:

Has anyone else begun listening to Christmas music already? I have! Ha
@DavidArchie Love your new Christmas CD! xoxo

ETA: BTW, “Christmas from the Heart” is still in the Top 10 of iTunes albums. Yay!

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20311923,00.html

This sounds promising:

”There’s also a handful of songs I helped write that are really close to me,” he says. ”They’re not quite as obviously commercial; they’re a little bit more esoteric.”

ADAM LAMBERT, IN THE STUDIO

The singer crafted a mission statement for his album, due out next month. ”I told the producers, ‘Look, I wanna do music that’s very rooted in classic rock as far as the melodies, the guitars, and the vocal energy,’ ” Lambert says. ”But then I really wanna overlay a lot of dance-y, synth-y, futuristic stuff on top of it.”

I was wondering how so many of the producers and writers who are collaborating on Adam’s album seemed to have the same visions. Now it is clear that Adam provided a singular direction by articulating his vision into a formal mission statement. So simple, but so rare, and so brilliant. It provides a framework without restricting innovation and creativity.

I’ve mentioned that I’m not a big fan of Adam’s voice, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a big fan of *him*.

This vid pretty much explains one reason why.

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

ETA: EmmaJK thank you for the link to the review of David Cook’s Richmond show. I hope the message got across that the acoustic interludes don’t just break up the show nicely, they show of a different side of DC that’s just as compelling as the hard rocking side. I’m pleased he’s doing acoustic out of choice now, and not just necessity.

http://www.samantharonson.com/”

so sometimes twitter is not the devil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmoKOrjBbqk

Nice interview,thanks CindyM

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20311923,00.html

from MTV:
“David Archuleta attends the “We’re All for the Hall” benefit concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on October 13.”

from OMG! Yahoo:
“As usual, 18-year-old “Idol” runner-up David Archuleta was grinning from ear to ear.”

from Neon Limelight:
“Hey you, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and Jennette McCurdy of the popular Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly, are you putting the moves on David Archuleta? No? Good! (PHEW! Don’t make us call you a hob knocker!) Turns out while Hillary performed with her band, Jennette was just there to lend her support for the cause and enjoy some great country music!”

from Shine On Media:
“David Archuleta snaps a pic with Jennette McCurdy and Dave Haygood and Charles Kelly of Lady Antebellum backstage at the We’re All For the Hall Benefit in Nashville.”

from JustJaredJr.:
“David Archuleta hangs out with CAA rep John Huie backstage at the ‘We’re All For The Hall’  benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame held at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday night (October 13).”

from the Boot:
“David Archuleta Knows His Country Music!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvdlBtVuiEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmoKOrjBbqk

Love her or hate her, she does have more than 1 million followers on twitter, so this plug might get some people who wouldn’t otherwise have thought about Kris to take a listen to his single…

http://www.samantharonson.com/

Is it one of those degrees you get from drawing the cartoon on a matchbook cover? Because otherwise I think David wouldn’t get a passing grade for that cover. That white background, the bad picture, the font, the static/deadness of it, how it doesn’t represent David. It’s not enticing or interesting or representative of who David is, in my opinion. But if he helped create it, maybe that explains why it’s part of the shoot that is now his background of his Twitter background. David Cook’s cover art is another example of why I am so glad for Kris’s cover art, so very glad.

I see what you are saying.

And I guess, for Kris gig, he will be singing his new single. He does have to promote his album.
If he does not sing his second/latest single , people will think that like NoBo he also does not feel comfortable singing it live. On other hand, not a lot of people know about No Boundaries so I guess it will not matter.
Best to sing what you sound good at and get more sales beyond the current fans.That’s business- widen your market base at every opportunity.