Monday Morning Mediabase Update – 08/02/09

Kelly sure isn’t getting much airplay.

On the one hand, I’m glad something of Kris’ is still up there.

On the other, I HATE that it’s “No Boundaries.” I hope he can get a single out soon. The producers really should have realized what a dud they had before NB ever saw the light of day – if it’s bad enough to be dropped from the tour, it’s bad enough that it shouldn’t be a single, ugh. I honestly feel like that song partially ruined both Kris and Adam’s finale runs – they could have performed some truly awesome songs if they weren’t saddled with that dud. I kind of wish they had done the same thing they did in S7 – Cook’s “Dream Big” performances was one of my favorites.

Awesome for Phil, reaching the top 20! His cd release party will be on the 21 in Wichita, KS, and the cd itself should be in stores on the 25th. It can be preordered as well. More info at http://philstacey.com .

“I kind of wish they had done the same thing they did in S7 – Cook’s ‘Dream Big’  performances was one of my favorites”

Mine too ryo. “Dream Big” and “TOML” both were structurally better songs that “NB”.

Good to see DC still charting after 9 months. Looks like his career is on its way!

CHART DATE: 08/03/2009
LAST UPDATE: 08/03/2009 11:34:49
NOW IN: 36.20%

LW TW artist / album label power index
1 1 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 56,489
NUMBER ONES
– 2 FABOLOUS DEF JAM/IDJ 34,418
LOSO’S WAY
6 3 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 33,828
ESSENTIAL
7 4 NOW 31 SONY MUSIC 31,109
VARIOUS ARTISTS
3 5 DAUGHTRY 19/RCA/RMG 27,644
LEAVE THIS TOWN

7 HANNAH MONTANA 3 WALT DISNEY RECORDS 20,353
SOUNDTRACK

30 JORDIN SPARKS 19/JIVE/ZLG 6,850
BATTLEFIELD

Good to see DC still charting after 9 months. Looks like his career is on its way!

This isn’t a new refrain, but it is so past time for a new single. I was at the Foxwoords show which was a very good overall but a bit uneven at some points. And one of the uneven moments was the performance of CBTM– it appeared utterly half-assed to me. The whole band seemed beyond bored with the song. And since it’s slow trajectory up the HAC charts (the only place on radio where it has a noteworthy presence) is producing only several thousand album sales a week, it’s time to pull the plug, let it die, and get a fresh song out there.

And since it’s slow trajectory up the HAC charts (the only place on radio where it has a noteworthy presence) is producing only several thousand album sales a week, it’s time to pull the plug, let it die, and get a fresh song out there.

It is reminding me of I Do Not Hook Up that way- lots of radio play (though Kelly got a lot more than CBTM), but not selling itself or the album. Still, RCA seems to prefer moving at a glacial pace on these things. At least they’ve almost used up all of the generic songs on DCTR as singles. Hopefully things will go up from here, and they’ll start a new single out soon, since CBTM looks like it’s peaked on HAC. I’m waiting to see what he sings on GMA and Regis and Kelly Friday.

I saw that CBTM currently has well over 4000 spins on HAC, and yet it’s still only at #8. It’s weird, but I wonder if RCA isn’t hell-bent on getting it to Top 5 to match Light On? If so, why? Its spincount is nearly as high, so it’s reaching as many audiences, so who the F cares about the placement? No one’s breaking any records if it reaches #5. Getting CBTM on Top 10 broke one, and got a great little blurb on Billboard, so can we move on to the next single? /frustrated

Noctem, curious, besides CBTM (which never translated too well live, IMO), what else felt uneven to you?

No Surprise is 17 on Pop. I’m (heh) surprised how well it’s doing. It doesn’t seem to “fit” that well on Top 40, IMO, and yet stations are playing. Guess they like the Daughtry name.

Hmm, Cathy, dare we hope for “Bar ba sol” on Friday’s tv appearances? I know, I know, it’s highly doubtful. Anything but CBTM would make me happy at this point.

Anything but CBTM would make me happy at this point.

Me too! I’m hoping we’ll get just about anything else besides that or LO. Bar-Ba-Sol would be epic. He did Declaration and Heroes at the Home Run Derby. I was surprised that he didn’t at least do LO, since that’s a muscular song. It gives me hope that he’ll do something else this week, even if whatever song he chooses doesn’t turn out to be the next single. Avalanche could be a nice choice for R&K. I can’t even guess what’ll happen on GMA, since Kris and Adam will be there as well. He needs to do something to get more people interested in checking out the album.

ETA:
“I saw that CBTM currently has well over 4000 spins on HAC, and yet it’s still only at #8.”

CBTM has 2783 spins on HAC. I think the 4,000 spins you’re thinking of was the total spins across all formats.

Yeah, I’m hoping DC introduces a new single on Friday. I’ll be thrilled if it’s Heroes (good uptempo song) or LOTM, which has the best chance at CHR success, IMO.

DCTR is still selling around 5,000 a week, but it could be at least double that if he had a hit song on the POP charts. If he had a song that does as well as No Surprise or that retched Battlefield, then he’d be selling around 15K a week, easily. And he does have songs on the album that are capable of such.

My bad– 4000 spins is total. But I think I saw he was up to over 3000 on HAC? Anyway, point is, I don’t think it’ll make Top 5, and I hope RCA’s not waiting for that…

The big difference between DC and Kelly is HAC isn’t known for moving units the way Pop is capable of. When he had his biggest sales weeks it was when LO was moving up the Pop charts (and his Idol pimping). I know it Lo wasn’t considered a smash or anything but compared to how CBTM did on Top 40 radio he definitely had more presence on Top 40 with that. Even a Top 15/20 hit on Pop can get sometimes get you more spins than a Top 10 HAC hit.

At Starland the other night RCA people were in the audience as pointed out by DC. so yay they still know he exists, now they just have to get cracking on a single because its getting ridiculous. CBTM might still get the occasional HAC add but the song has no life left. Even the VH1 countdown its sliding more and more and I fully believe that countdown isnt totally reflective of votes. NEXT.

Mediabase week ending 8/2/2009

Come Back to Me 3276 spins on HAC
4169 total spins

The official video for Come Back to Me posted on You Tube is still gaining views each week. Total views for the week ending Aug. 3, 2009 was 53,681 or once every 11.26 sec (taken from Chart thread on DCO). I don’t think this song is dead yet, but I think they’re preparing for a new single to be released late August or early September. Just my guess.

Oh, and I’m really beginning to feel sorry for poor Jordin. She has a song that is as close as it gets to a top 10 pop hit, yet her album is already tanking. I guess people download her singles but don’t care enough to buy the album. It’s unfortunate. I thought after the success she had with her last album (3 platinum singles and a platinum album) she’d be one of the top female pop singers this time around and sell at a better rate. I guess not.

CHART DATE: 08/03/2009
LAST UPDATE: 08/03/2009 16:00:28
NOW IN: 54.02%

LW TW artist / album label power index
1 1 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 80,821
NUMBER ONES
– 2 FABOLOUS DEF JAM/IDJ 55,230
LOSO’S WAY
6 3 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 47,103
ESSENTIAL
7 4 NOW 31 SONY MUSIC 42,198
VARIOUS ARTISTS
3 5 DAUGHTRY 19/RCA/RMG 36,424
LEAVE THIS TOWN

8 7 HANNAH MONTANA 3 WALT DISNEY RECORDS 29,929
SOUNDTRACK

10 30 JORDIN SPARKS 19/JIVE/ZLG 10,249
BATTLEFIELD

Looks like Jordin will do something in region of 20K, but might get 23K if she is lucky.

If DC gets a “for sure” hot single, it would do great, LO has done OK, CBTM is doing OK but not really moving up much. C’mon Cookie we need a smash hit !!!!

The official video for Come Back to Me posted on You Tube is still gaining views each week.

Interesting to see the video is getting watched, but, to me, it’s irrelevant in the long run if the song and the album aren’t selling. Radio play also stops mattering if units aren’t selling. That’s the bottom line. It’s not too early for another single, since the next one will also be likely to be a slow grower. Let it get started already, and for goodness sakes, pick a better song!

Interesting to see the video is getting watched, but, to me, it’s irrelevant in the long run if the song and the album aren’t selling. Radio play also stops mattering if units aren’t selling. That’s the bottom line. It’s not to early for another single, since the next one will also be likely to be a slow grower. Let it get started already, and for goodness sakes, pick a better song!

Yes, Come Back To Me is pretty much done, no point in wasting time waiting for it to die a natural death. The new single should be different from the last two singles, as I’ve said before, something up-tempo and upbeat, meaning either Heroes or Declaration. Perhaps with that he might reach a new demographic. After that either Lie or Life On The Moon if there is to be the luxury of two more singles.

But, but, but, after watching some videos of his recent shows, I’m now starting to think that if there is going to just one more single, then that one should perhaps be Lie. I think he is starting to hit the right note with that song, feeling the song as some might say, bringing out the emotion that may touch and resonate with people. His performance is not quite perfect yet (I think it should be much softer in some parts), but when it is done perfectly, I can see it going down a storm when he performs it live on TV shows.

Doesn’t look like Daughtry’s album is doing as well this time, and his video has already dropped down at VH1.

Doesn’t look like Daughtry’s album is doing as well this time, and his video has already dropped down at VH1.

He’s actually doing good. His single is not burning up radio but his album sales are pretty solid.

But, but, but, after watching some videos of his recent shows, I’m now starting to think that if there is going to just one more single, then that one should perhaps be Lie.

Yes, yes, yes, I agree!

But to be fair, I’ve always thought Lie should be the next single (as in next after Light On, next after CBTM…)

His recent renditions, with the acapella parts are stunning!

And, I’ve always believed that Lie is potentially a great man’s song — as in those elusive male fans may find it compelling. IDK why, I have no evidence, anecdotal or otherwise. Just a gut thing…

C’mon Lie, Lie, Lie…

Lie. LIE. Lie and Permanent are my favorite songs on the album. PLEASE RELEASE LIE! I always felt that CBTM was too close to LO (which I prefer) and LO still gets more plays in Boston than CBTM (never mind ToML, which will remain on the AC charts forever ;-p). I have been shocked at how bloody slow RCA has been about releasing his singles (I mean, hello, 9 months later, TWO SINGLES? WTF?). This makes me worry about Adam’s chances. If the first single only does so-so, how long will they release another single. Sadness.

I expect to hear MW, Heartless, and CBTM on Friday. Alas. At least we are spared NoBo. But how cool if we heard Falling Softly (Kris), ToMT or One or FG (Adam) and Lie or Permanent or Declaration or anything that is not CBTM (Cook).

Yeah, right. That’ll happen.

Noctem, curious, besides CBTM (which never translated too well live, IMO), what else felt uneven to you?

It’s interesting, sma11ie, because when I looked at the tour schedule I saw that Saturday night was going to be the fourth consecutive night in a row that they had a show, and I thought to myself that his voice might be in rough shape. And for the first two songs (Heroes; We’re Only Honest…) that prediction seemed to on point; my impression was that he was “off”. I don’t know if his mic was too low or the acoustics weren’t as good in the mezzanine, but that was what I perceived.

All of the sudden then he starts into, believe it or not, IDIFY, and he sounds great. I don’t know if they turned up his mic or what, but I was surprised how much I liked that performance– it was probabaly in the top five of the set. It used to be my least favorite on the CD, but, now I think with a few changes it could have actually been a single.

But, the other performance that I’d call “uneven” was Declaration. It’s funny because the SNL performance of that song generated so much buzz, and of all the times I’ve seen them perform it afterward on TV, video, and now live, I still don’t think they’ve ever knocked it out of the park the way they did the first time. Anyway, Declaration has actually taken IDIFY’s place as my least favorite on the record now (IDIFY has also passed Heroes to move in to the #10 spot).

But, other than those four songs, they nailed the rest, and, honestly, there wasn’t anything wrong with the performance of Declaration– I just don’t think it’s a very good song, unless they absolutely kill on it. Also, the youtubes of the first two songs sounded better than I remembered them, but they were recorded by people on the floor close to the front, so I am thinking acoustics may indeed have been a factor in the beginning of the concert.

The other thing that struck me as uneven was some of the banter. DC is witty and charismatic when he speaks, but there were times he started to really ramble randomly. I don’t think he’s yet found the right balance of engaging the audience between songs but also keeping the show humming along. Then again, at this point anything that stretches out the length of his set could be considered a good thing.

I should say too that there were some definite standout moments. The cover of “Dying In Your Arms Tonight” is outstanding. I was also surprised how good he was on LO since that’s supposed to be the song he considers the hardest to sing. Also, it’s a very cool moment to be a part of at the end of A Daily Anthem when 4,000 people are waving their arms on the singout. And Barbasol is nasty live (in a good way). Lastly, even when you’re expecting it to happen, the acapella chorus of Lie without a microphone really is just something special to hear when you’re there in person.

Thanks for the recap, Noctem. Always interested to hear your thoughts, whether I agree with them or not . I’ve yet to hear IDIFY live, but even though it was originally my least favorite on DCTR, the live youtubes have been swaying me a bit. But I have heard Declaration live in concert and thought it was great, and my non-DC fan friend said it was her favorite, so it may be a hit or miss live song?

But, the other performance that I’d call ‘uneven’  was Declaration. It’s funny because the SNL performance of that song generated so much buzz, and of all the times I’ve seen them perform it afterward on TV, video, and now live, I still don’t think they’ve ever knocked it out of the park the way they did the first time.

I agree that SNL was phenomenal, and the HRD performance suffered bad acoustics and some other issues, but I don’t think every subsequent live TV perfomance has been subpar. Have you checked out that GMA performance of Declaration from the Disney AI Experience opening? I thought that was pretty good too.

“And, I’ve always believed that Lie is potentially a great man’s song ‘” as in those elusive male fans may find it compelling. IDK why, I have no evidence, anecdotal or otherwise. Just a gut thing’ ¦”

I’ll subjectively confirm that, as I consider myself a man’s man Lie is my favorite song on the whole David Cook album (with the provision that the knockout one two punch of ‘Permanent’ and ‘A Daily Anthem’ is the most powerfully emotional moment of any album I have ever heard; but I like Lie the best in the sense of a hit song).

The theme is one that I think almost every guy can relate to as we’ve all *lived* this at one time or another.

Sidenote to this bittersweet theme which is I think is interesting. Transition from ‘Lie’ to ‘You Don’t Belong To Me’ by Daughtry. Similar theme, wildly different songs (of course) but for any guy who’s been in that situation the two songs actually are illustratative of the different ways guys will deal with a situation like that in their personal lives.

But yes, to throw my 2 cents in, not only is Lie one of the strongest songs on the album to be made into a single, but it is one that many, many guys will resonate with.

I also know guys who love/relate to the song Lie. It’s just a universal theme. Whereas they hate CBTM, haha. That’s every man’s nightmare– yeah right, just wait around like a wet dog while she goes find herself. I’m glad DC didn’t write it. The sentiment is so unrealistic. For that rare, ever patient dude, sure, but not a lot of guys will admit to being that guy, haha.

my impression was that he was ‘off’ . I don’t know if his mic was too low or the acoustics weren’t as good in the mezzanine, but that was what I perceived

Noctem, I too was at the Foxwood’s show and from where I was sitting, David sounded amazing. In fact, I think he was better than I’ve ever heard him. I honestly can’t pick a favorite song out of his set. They were all so good. I couldn’t believe how loud the crowd was for him. At one point, he was completely overwhelmed. He’s such a sweetheart. The band is awesome, especially the drummer. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I hope I have the opportunity to see him again soon.

A different take on the Foxwood Concert, I suppose. When a 19 year old can offer up praise for a performer they are not all that familiar with, then I’d say it’s all good. I was surprised when she said David Cook had a good sense of humor. I guess she enjoyed the rambling. DC, in fact, joked about how the show was not scripted after giving details about what he’d just eaten. I think there was a bit of truth in what he was saying: things coming up on him, I mean. Made me laugh. At one point, I felt his voice sounded a little hoarse when he was speaking, but he didn’t hold back vocally on the songs.

Declaration is not a favorite of mine, but it still gets the crowd going. Lie is definitely my all time favorite, and I think David might have interpreted the song in relation to Adam towards the end. “Lie to me and tell me everything’s alright… Lie to me and tell me we’ll make it through the night…” GAH! I think it holds more than one meaning. This just makes the song all that more powerful to me.

It was a great concert for me because it is the first time I saw David Cook “live” doing his OWN music. Also, it was my daughter’s first concert (not including the AI concert season7) and I got tremendous pleasure sharing it with her.

When I read a novel, I don’t usually read in editor-mode. I take in the story, the language. The same with music. Also, I’m not a musicain — so the technicalities might be lost on me, unless it’s blaringly obvious.

I stood the entire concert. Many older people near me were sitting. It was a mixed demographic for sure.

My 15 year old son loves Life On the Moon. He wants to be an Astrophysicist, so that might be coloring his choice a bit. Loves Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, as well. ; )

LIE would be an excellent choice for his next release, but perhaps he does need something more uptempo. As far as, hits are concerned, Light On is almost platinum. Come Back to Me most definitely is moving slowly in sales. What’s the right formula for success?

I was pleased with the venue. I was centerstage, third level. I’m glad I didn’t have the floor seats what with all the women standing pressed up against the stage.

I felt I got my money’s worth and more. The price of the ticket was $35, not including fees. It’s not very often that you can find a concert with that caliber of talent for that price. I wanted to see Van Morrison at Waterbury’s Palace Theatre with my son. The tickets start at $175.00 and where I would like to sit would go for $350.00. I’ll have to think about that one.

CHART DATE: 08/03/2009
LAST UPDATE: 08/04/2009 13:09:43
NOW IN: FINAL

LW TW artist / album label power index % change
1 1 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 112,631 -30%
NUMBER ONES
– 2 FABOLOUS DEF JAM/IDJ 97,969 –
LOSO’S WAY
6 3 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 69,848 -5%
ESSENTIAL
5 4 MICHAEL JACKSON EPIC 61,906 -17%
THRILLER
3 5 DAUGHTRY 19/RCA/RMG 61,341 -38%
LEAVE THIS TOWN

8 10 HANNAH MONTANA 3 WALT DISNEY RECORDS 40,817 -25%
SOUNDTRACK

10 29 JORDIN SPARKS 19/JIVE/ZLG 16,805 -65%
BATTLEFIELD

That isn’t good.

Aren’t Jordin’s album sales numbers just the normal decline for the 2nd/3rd week after release?

The big difference between DC and Kelly is HAC isn’t known for moving units the way Pop is capable of.

Are you talking singles or albums? Because isn’t Kelly moving albums slower than DC and DC never ever had the traction on pop that Kelly did? Also, see Jordin Sparks above. All DC ever really had was HAC spins — well and a peak to Top 20 with LO on the Pop charts.

Aren’t Jordin’s album sales numbers just the normal decline for the 2nd/3rd week after release?

Yes, but with such a bad opening week, she needs to have better showing to get any kind of reasonable sales number for the album. The way it is going it may take almost two months to get to 100K, 200K perhaps never (not that I think this is likely to happen, it’s the worse case scenario, and other singles should spur sales a little, but still, it is bad.)