Still no dice on finding that Philadelphia local commercial for Frank’s Soda featuring a then-unknown Patty Smyth and Scandal, but I did uncover two alternate versions of of what’s supposed to be a video demo that got the band signed to its first label deal. As if that old Frank’s ad wasn’t enough! Note one of the guitarists, who would go on to set rock longest (and still running) unbroken streak of inconsequential mediocrity.

Until seeing these videos, it never occurred to me that a video demo could be part of the process for getting signed. I’m cynical enough to believe that major-label bands since the late ’80s must be taking lessons in lip-synching, and I don’t even put it beyond the music video industry to call in stand-in, or “stunt,” musicians to “rock out” or whatever in a more animated way than an uptight band member. But a video demo? Was this practice in place much earlier than the time of these Scandal video demos? Can it be that Scandal was actually “groundbreaking” in some perverse way?

By the way, which version do you think sealed the deal?

Since the first time I heard it, probably at the age of 5 or 6, Del Shannon‘s “Runaway” has been one of the most fascinating songs I’ve ever heard. It sounds as fresh, yearning, and alien as ever. As much as I love this song, however, I don’t recall hearing any other song by Shannon except “Hats Off to Larry”, his other minor hit. (That is the name of that song, right? Pince Nez me if you must.) Oh, I think a friend once played me his psychedelic album, the one with his real name in the title. I barely remember a thing about it.

Tonight I came across this old Del Shannon clip.

All I can say is, it’s time I finally check out this artist in more depth.

Your off-the-cuff, from-the-gut responses to the following questions are vital to the health of Rock Town Hall! That, and we often hit on unexpected courses of conversation when you play. How about it? Let’s get a little chatter going!