1. Task 2 : Analysis of CD/Digipak &
magazine advertisement promoting
band

2. CD analysis of:
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
The entire CD album links to the music video ‘Time
To Pretend’ – one of the most successful songs on
the CD, and also pre-released on the ‘Time To
Pretend EP’ (released in 2005). The music video
displays the two characters on the Oracular
Spectacular CD album front cover, and the variety
of other characters on the back cover. This link
means that previous fans of MGMT will recognise
the CD cover.
The music video is somewhat psychedelic, with the
use of colour and special effects, potentially
hinting at the use of drugs (during the video, the
characters are shown to ingest ecstasy or other
potentially hallucinogenic tablets).

3. Front Cover
The colour used depicts a dream-like depiction, and is subtle: this puts emphasis The characters depicted in the foreground look like they could be
onto the foreground characters. This dream-like imagery, with the addition of the festival goers, which further supports the ‘magical’ atmosphere – the
sun and sand, denotes a relaxed, somewhat magical atmosphere; this is achieved glow-sticks worn by the character left of image further portray the
in many MGMT songs, and is also common to the Indie genre. ‘party’ element. They look almost stereotypically indie: the character
on the right is wearing a vintage scarf accompanied with having
long, untamed hair, whilst the character on the left wears
traditionally indie skinny jeans, a feather cape, face paint, has rips in
his jeans, and also has wild, long hair. This makes the album easily
approachable, mainly by people associated with the Indie
stereotype. These are the only two members involved with MGMT at
the time of Oracular Spectacular.
The band motif does not detract from the main imagery, but is
clearly visible. The motif looks 1980’s retro and blocky, which
denotes a nostalgic approach to motif design: this may be
aiming to achieve a sense of warmth/excitement generally
associated with nostalgia.
Additionally in the years of 1980, it was not uncommon for
there to be drug practise by many music bands: used to
achieve a sense of euphoria and surrealism. There may be a
subtle link between 1980’s music culture, the motif design,
modern indie-culture, the ‘dream-like’ design of the album,
and the nostalgic bridge between now and then.
Ultimately, the album art achieves a sense of alternative and
The red information box (bottom-left) is to show audiences the content art-like design: this I believe will attract the vast majority of
(previously released by MGMT) that has been successful, with which fans of indie audiences due to the way in which they can interact and
MGMT will associate with and thus be more likely to purchase the CD. associate with the album art and characters portrayed.

4. Inside Panel + back cover
The inside panel is constructed in a different way to normal CD digipaks: the way that
the CD is held is different (which is an obvious link to being different/individual and arty
– popular to the indie culture). This means that audiences are likely to be attracted to
the album and thus more likely to purchase.
The use of colour is minimalistic: tones are popular to indie culture. The use of stripes is also
a connotation of indie culture. The use of colouring in a number of gaps within the lettering
of ‘Oracular Spectacular’ is commonly associated with students that may colour in the
lettering of their work when bored – this shows that the album is approachable by younger
audiences.
Ultimately, the inside panel is easy to visually digest, and does not detract from the ultimate
aim of being a CD-holder – it allows you to not get caught up on taking out the CD and
playing it as soon as possible. All whilst being approachable to indie culture.
The back cover of the CD digipak follows the same colour-scheme as the front cover,
demonstrating consistency which allows for the album to be recognised from the
back as well as front.
The characters portrayed on the back cover include the two on the front: this
portrays the characters on the front being social; this is combined with the possibility
of nostalgia (from the sea-side), the ‘rebelliousness’ from throwing what appears to
be fire into the sea, and the costumes worn by the characters in the image, which is
ultimately desirable to any young indie audiences.
The writing on the back cover is small and barely detracts attention from the
cover art – this allows for audiences to be attracted to the CD digipak initially,
and the target audiences (being indie) can associate with the ‘artsy’ display being
creative.

5. Magazine cover analysis:
NME (indie magazine)
Image of Florence Welsh (main
singer in Florence and the Florence is wearing a white top and a
machine – an icon for indie gold love-heart (the pendant is popular
audiences. with indie audiences), which does not
detract from the vibrancy of the focal
Bold but colourless magazine point of the image, and the monochrome
title is obvious enough for white is appealing to indie audiences.
audiences to see but does not
detract from the main image. Spacing and colour of the text around the
magazine does not detract from focal
Simplistic colour scheme is easy point of the image but is legible.
to digest: the red of Florence’s
hair may attract audiences of Font of the text is simple and easy to
vibrant colours in hair-styling read – it is also in capital letters,
(i.e. Younger, potentially indicating a ‘bold’ presence (dictating
rebellious indie teens). that it MUST be read).
‘Serious’ pose of Florence which Wide range of music artists that all
possibly dictates the audiences can relate to.
seriousness/passion for music
and the magazine. The ‘Florence’ text (bottom-left/mid) is a
different colour, symbolizing its
Quote “I would never have got importance and distinguishing itself from
through the X-factor auditions” the other text. It also contrasts with the
– reaches mainstream white top that Florence wears.
audiences and provides a
potentially interesting read. It In regards to the male-gaze theory, the
also appeals to audiences that image does not represent any sexual
may not like ‘mainstream’ TV connotations, thus does not detract the
(Indie audiences) due to the magazine from its intended purpose
nature of the quote. (which is to inform audiences of music
and music icons).