DJL

While Russ Ballard is well known as a Writer , his vocals are amazing .... especially the early stuff .

The first 2 Argent albums have been a constant here since early Summer . Mind blowing that it seems like few have heard them .....

Truth ? A fit of rage . Jamming with my long-time Drummer , I'd worn the Frets on my '75 Stratocaster pretty badly , so I borrowed a Neck from a '76 that a Friend had and put it on mine . In the middle of jamming ..... I took it off my Shoulder and started to SHAKE it (I don't use a bar , and it sounded great at that moment .)I wasn't aware that the Neck screw holes were almost stripped . The whole fucking thing folded and I lost it . Ripped the Neck off (pesky strings were still holding it together somewhat)and tossed the Neck , it landed perfectly at a 45 degree angle on the front of my Mesa combo . Without a thought , I ran over and have it a good stomp . My Drummer (Matt) looked like he was going to be sick . I picked up the shredded Neck , threw it across the room , and turned back looking at the Boogie . I managed a single step towards the Amp before Matt was up-and-over his Kit (He was/is a big fella , so that was 'interesting' to see ...) and tackled me . I laughed it off , but he seemed quite worried that , caught up in the moment ... I was going to burn the Planet . Nothing like surviving your early-20's , in spite of your own idiotic efforts ! D.~ P.S. - Matt and I are not Friends anymore (long story) , but he still has the Neck on his wall at home .

I've always been amazed by what a basic rig (say .... a Stratocaster and a Marshall) sounds like in different Hands - take Hendrix , Blackmore , Jeff Beck (Beck Ola album), Paul Kossoff (Time away), Uli Roth on In Trance , Gary Moore in the early-1980's , Robin Trower ..... all sound totally individual . D.~

Clownburst ('59) , only 'cause I have a sweetie .... D.~

How 'bout a pair of nicely figured Specials ?? Thanks to Gene for the killer deal on 'Achilles' !! I picked-up the Sunburst here , also ... David ~