Many of us wanted to be rock or pop stars or at the very least, make a living playing music. For most of us music is an avocation and not how we make our daily bread. I gave it a good shot though by starting out working in a recording studio to managing and producing a number of bands and records. The biggest heartbreak being a major producer wanting to pick up the band I was managing only to have them implode just before signing. After that I vowed never again to work with anyone where band members were involved with each other. I also spent a lot of $$$ recording and putting out my own records but like many, still have a few boxes of these sitting in the closet. These days the cost of entry is much lower and digital access has totally changed the game, but that wasn't even on the radar back when the $$$ were only flowing one way. Still, I don't regret a moment of it and if never really successful, it was a great ride and the single my pal and I put out got a "Singles Pick" in Billboard (when Billboard mattered and 7" vinyl was still relevant). We followed the 7" up with an EP that cost even more money including 3k spent on the cover alone. Talk about the follies of youth and what I could do with that dough now.
Day After Day
http://www.alapoupee.com/picsforgbl/dayafterday.mp3
Question 1: Any follies of youth you'd like to relay?
Shipping Instruments and Amps or package, package, who has the package?
I touched on the fact that BB#1 had a mishap in shipping during its life and needed to be repaired. Over the years I've been pretty lucky and have only lost 3 instruments and 3 or 4 others damaged. The two things I learned are NEVER ship during the holidays since the seasonal help will often rip off anything they can, and for the most part insurance is useless. It was different before the shipping companies went to outside auditors but once they review your case, your packaging, and every other detail, they MAY offer to settle. IF, you give up the instrument. Which leads me to this story. I saw a really sweet looking, mint-condition, Leo-era ASAT on Ebay and hit the BIN. Was really looking forward to getting this guitar as the guy said it was basically unplayed and weighed under 7 1/2 lbs which is super light for an 80's ASAT. The great day arrives and on my porch is the box. But something doesn't look right. The box is wrapped in a plastic bag and soaked with what smells like perfumed oil. The guitar was half out of the case and all told things were a mess. USPS said they would honor the insurance but it meant giving up the guitar so after a lot of back and forth the seller gave me a 3/4 refund and I kept the instrument. It also seems as if it wasn't in quite mint condition either as someone did a nice job on the input jack and tried to remove it without the right tool. In any case "enjoy" the pics.
Question 2: What if any shipping horror's have you experienced?
G&L Question - Desert Island Guitars (with electricity)
Ok, I know this is lame as everyone does the desert island thing but considering there are lots of new folks around I thought it would be fun to find out what G&L (either one you own or want to own) would be your pick. For me it's an easy one. And no, as much as I love BB#1 my pick would be either my beat to crap Cavalier or SC1. Both of which are lively, resonant, light on the shoulder and sound great.
Question 3: What's your desert island pick?
The "Is Don, Is Good" spot that Jamie posted the other day was great and reminded me how much I like commercials when they're done well. I can remember a lot of great tag lines like "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" or "Where's The Beef?" and with Youtube finding these are a whole lot easier. One of my more recent favorites are the Malibu Rum spots and especially the one with the line "I just want to buy a melon." Which btw, is a very fitting statement and scenario for many things in life these days. I'll be posting some favorites over the next couple of days and hope you enjoy them. Will try and reply as best I can since I'm still in fire-drill mode at work, and thanks again for checking in.
[youtube]qtetWxWos2c[/youtube]
Although some of the funniest, though not intentionally, and actually rather sad, are the Paul Masson wine commercials with a majorly rotund and aging Orson Wells spouting the famous line "We will sell no wine before it's time." 
Thanks for cheering up my otherwise dismal Friday!