Sunday, July 18, 2010

records records records




So I want to research and discuss these three vinyl records; (top to bottom) Archie Shepp "Attica Blues" 1972, Chic "Tongue in Chic" 1982, and M.I.A. "Kala" 2007. When I go scavenging for records, the most striking cover artwork usually belongs to vinyl from the 70's, 80's and post millenial time periods, and I'd like to dig a little deeper into the reasons for this. The record cover acts as both a visual manifestation of the albums concept, advertisement/branding of the artist/band, and as a canvas. I think these varied usages, along with the nostalgia held by many for the format has created a very specialized field of design.

Although most vinyl records still around today are from 20 years ago or more, many labels still press new realeases, especially in the last ten years
. This resurgence of the vinyl format may also be worth investigating.

What do you guys think, is there enough here to create an interesting discussion?

2 comments:

  1. I think so - there is a lot to be said about personal branding and cover art work although what about the bordering of art vs. design work?
    I do like the idea of the record and it's design as a technology as such a lasting method of music playing as opposed to tape...mp3 players...cd's..

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  2. Of course this is fertile. The game will be mixing and matching with some Verve (pun intended). Find a theme in these --does it hold out equally?

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