A day at the Capitol (records)

I've said this a few times, but one of my favorite parts of working in advertising as a Creative Director writer is working with artists and musicians, and being part of the collaboration process.

This afternoon I got to work with a musician at what is arguably one of the most historic musical landmarks ever and that is Captiol Records. Even though the outside is under construction, there is no mistaking that iconic building resembling a stack of records.

Inside, the walls are decorated with musicians who have recorded there. Including Zappa.

While the musician is more mainstream and not necessarily one I would have chosen for the spot, her interpretation of a 90's hit song was unique and in some takes worthy of goosebumps. She was not only a professional but a a perfectionist; she stayed well past her agreed to time, as well.

No doubt the expansive studio was perfect for multiple musicians, but watching her tiny frame standing in the center seemed like a missed opportunity. As if the ghosts of people who'd recorded in decades past were just aching to hop on the piano, pull out a guitar or do something, anything to fill the void that Logic Pro presets can't replicate.

As a kid I remember raiding my parents' vinyl collection and looking at album covers.

Like The Mamas and The Papas "If you can believe your eyes and ears." Why were they all in a bath tub?I wish I still had that because I just learned recently that this cover was pulled because people thought the toilet seat was indecent, and so this version is rare.

Then there was the Sounds of Silence, by Simon and Garfunkel who looked so sullen. Where were they off to? Were they running away?

Neither one of these were recorded at Capitol and neither artist was on Capitol.

But the Beatles were, at least their U.S. distribution was. And whenever you took a record out of the sleeve you saw Capitol Records emblazed at the top like a giant stamp of approval.

Safe to say we didn't make music history today, it was still enjoyable. But it was still fun stepping through time for an afternoon.