Monday 30 September 2013

Analysing CD Covers





Like many CD covers from the Indie-rock genre, the Arctic Monkeys cover, which can be seen above, features members of the band. The cover has been produced to appear quite dark, which suggests negativity and depression, whilst the white effect used on the cover provides contrast. The band's name is quite small and discreet, allowing the photo to be the main focus of the artwork. In addition, this style can be used across many different types of marketing and promotional material.




The artwork for Definitely Maybe by Oasis also features a photo focus, whilst still retaining the iconic Oasis logo that has been used in much of their branding. There is still a focus on performance, as one of the members is sitting on the sofa with a guitar, although an element of disjuncture is present, with one person lying on the floor, and another sitting, facing away from everyone else. This is a theme that is potentially carried across in some of the band's music videos. In addition, the presence of wine in the shot perhaps links to the turbulent history that many of the band's audience may have.


 
 

The CD cover for Babel by Mumford & Sons does, like the other covers, retain the use of a photo focus, featuring members of the band. Here, the band appear separated from the rest of the scene, with the use of vintage props and items giving the cover and old feel. This perhaps indicates towards the band's background, and as the band are positioned in the centre of the shot, this draws attention to them. In addition, the shot appears quite informal, showing the relationship the band member's have between each other.

2 comments:

  1. • Research is comprehensive and detailed. You’ve covered more than is required which is really pleasing. There’s a real sense of teamwork and direction here. Make sure that you use the precise and correct technical terms when analysing promos and discussing conventions. You might expand the section on illustration, amplification, disjuncture?
    • Questionnaire is effective and you have analysed the results in detail. As you plan you production, show how you have used / addressed your audience feedback. We’ll do some more work on how to analyse digipaks / CD covers – you’ve got some good ideas here but need to show a bit more knowledge of conventions and be able to comment on design features a little more precisely.
    • Next steps – ensure that your audience research is comprehensive, well analysed and feedback is acted upon. Try to show how you incorporate your audience’s ideas into your promo. Ensure that you record this as you progress. Also, keep referring back to your audience to test ideas – basically show how your production evolves.
    • Also ensure that you show all the development stages during your planning; make sure that you demonstrate and justify how you have developed your ideas and shown progress. Use the sheet I gave you today to check the evidence.
    - Very well done - heading towards high L3 / B , into L4 / A if you maintain this quality.

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  2. Thanks sir, I will look towards maintaining this quality throughout my music promo planning and hopefully come out with a good grade. I have altered the names of many of my posts on Blogger in order to make it easier to navigate and make each post's title more specific to its content.

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