February 21, 2009
Clay Aiken parts ways with label
Looks like Clay has finally parted ways with the record label:
…Clay Aiken is setting the record straight: the former American Idol has parted ways with RCA Records, Aiken’s rep has confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE. “We were unable to come to terms in a recent contract negotiation, and decided that it was best to move on,” the rep, Cindi Berger, said Friday.
Source: People, Clay Aiken Leaves Record Label, February 20, 2009
Not much of a surprise. Clay and RCA has always been an awkward fit. The mindset of execs there obviously tuned towards music that fits the pop radio format in the US (witness the brouhaha over Kelly Clarkson’s previous album).
My personal wish list for the future:
- I’d like to see more regular releases from Clay in the form of digital singles, rather than see him work on a full album just for the sake of doing so.
- And, with so many fans on the internet, it’d be wonderful to see more official video media put up, particularly music videos, webcast of concerts (during the lull between tours), etc.
- For Clay to make his way to Singapore, to SING!
AdNotes: Nice Moo-ve, Marigold
There are lots of ugly taxi ads on the road in Singapore, so it’s refreshing to find one that catches my eye in a good way.
Marigold Taxi Ad
I like that the black-and-white background makes the colourful milk cartons pop out in the design. This should promote visual recognition – I can see myself spotting them quite easily among the many different milk brands on the supermarket shelves.
Cow spots, while not exactly an original design motif, always seem fun and friendly, even warm. I love them, at any rate.
An ad which sells hard without being hard-sell. I approve!
February 17, 2009
Ever thought about how it’s time for a homo sapiens upgrade?
Over dinner the other day, my friends were talking about how working life today is so stressful. Life is general really, with so much to do, and so much that you can do that it feels like you need more minutes in a day. So much to experience, to learn, so little time.
As so often happens to me, I chanced upon a book in the library that sounded fascinating – Greg Bear’s Darwin’s Radio
Darwin’s Radio explores the idea that our genetic code may be “upgraded” in response to environmental, social, physical and other stresses. That life has been stressful for quite a while now that it’s time we get an evolutionary response in the form of a new human species. Fascinating!
Now I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel Darwin’s Children
Crooked Turret 