3. Artwork – The Used Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? No, however I feel the choice to use this image is a lot more effective. The same perception and image of the band could not be achieved through an image of just the band themselves. I also feel the image used would appeal to the chosen target audience – rebellious, alternative teenagers. The choice of a tattoo-macabre-styled photograph would appeal highly to the adolescent rockers. How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The font of ‘work’ is sharp and ‘edgy’ suggesting the band itself are taking risks and breaking rules, which re-enforces the stereotype of their alternative/rock genre. The overall imagery of the image is again, quite dark, which the band generally aren't, however, unlike their more ‘fun’ album covers, you can clearly see their new direction with this album. How are the band presented / represented? The band are presented in quite a dark, morbid way, as the image itself is pretty macabre, however, the name of the album ‘Artwork’ suggests that the album is considered as more of a work of art than simply a few songs. The dark image reflects the stereotypical statements made about this genre of music. (rock).
4. Memory and Humanity – Funeral For A Friend Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? Again no. Although you can clearly see the message they are trying to get across. The small boy looking up into the clouds, looking up to his future. How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The image of the small boy looking up at his giant structure of DNA into the clouds, is suggesting that the band are hoping to look up into their future; hoping to find which direction to go in. The overall image of the band is that they’re curious. Not only about their music but about themselves. How are the band presented / represented? Here, the band are represented in quite an abstract, mythical way. The image of a DNA type structure growing out of the ground into the clouds could be related to ‘Jack and the beanstalk’ which again suggests the band are going in a more abstract direction.
5. Conviction – Aiden How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The font of both ‘Aiden’ and ‘Conviction’ are serif typeface. This gives a more mature look of the band. The roots at the end of the ‘A’ and ‘T’ suggest that the band are growing. The overall image of the band is that they are perusing a new take on their music and hope to grow into something beautiful. Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? No. The band and their new musical direction are clearly represented through this artwork. The blooming flowers and white background suggests their music is fresh. This image would highly appeal to the target audience. The zombie-like figure would appeal to the gothic, punk and alternative adolescent target audience. How are the band presented / represented? The band are represented by a zombie-like creature with a head of beautiful flowers. I feel this is suggesting that the band have been quite dark and mystical in the past, however they are now blooming and are taking a much more beautiful take on their music. Their genre of music, rock/punk rock, is clearly reflected by this album cover. Their lyrics vary from dark with deep hidden meaning, to beautiful and love-influenced.
6. Puzzle – Biffy Clyro How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The name of the band is in a small, white bold font in the corner. This suggests they don’t feel their name is as important as the message they are giving. Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? No. Again the image itself is strong enough to suggest what the band and the album are about. This image could almost be seen as a work of art which makes it’s appeal to a more mature target audience, high. The colours used are earth colours. Creams, oranges and browns. This would also appeal to the target audience. The streak of blue light coming from the door suggests that the music isn’t just plain, it has sudden urges of colour throughout. How are the band presented / represented? The band are represented in a way which suggests they feel they are falling apart. The ‘puzzle man’ is being laughed at and mocked by silhouettes, whilst he sits alone with a piece lost. It suggests that the band feel singled out. I feel this is a strong representation of the band.
7. Placebo - Placebo How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The image used is simple and casual. The image re-enforces the alternative/rock music genre as they are placed in a rural, run down area. This suggests their rebelliousness, however, contrasts with their plain choice of clothing and facial expression. Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? Yes. The image is in colour and the pose is casual, this suggests the band aren’t completely serious and they still have life left in them, which I again think could not be achieved without use of an image of the band. How are the band presented / represented? The band are presented in a simple way. The focus mainly on the front man, Brian Molko, and the band name. The bold, pink typeface suggests the band are wanting more of a focus on their music than the members themselves.
8. The Sound Of The Smiths – The Smiths How does the language and imagery of the CD cover tie in with the overall image of the band? The font for the album title and band name are what stands out in this image. This suggests the band are wanting more of a focus on their music than themselves, which is backed up by their simplistic black and white image. Does the artist or the band appear on the CD cover? Yes. I feel the use of the band on the CD cover is very important to represent the band and their music. Their overall look is serious. The simple black and white effect emphasizes their seriousness, as it shows they’re not fussy about presentation. How are the band presented / represented? The band are presented in a simplistic, black and white, serious way. The composition of the photograph shows how the band have a casual attitude towards fashion and lifestyle, yet a serious attitude towards their music. The representation is typical of the stereotype of The Smiths’ alternative/indie genre of music.
