Digipak Research
The Libertines- The Libertines album
This digipak is very unadorned with its simple use of imagery to reflect the Libertines genre and style of music. The image also reflects their attitude towards to the music industry and also their own lives. The image portrays a carefree mindset which I think they have and is seen through their music. Their facial expressions also reflect their carefree lifestyle.The text on the cover replicates newspaper cut out letters, this reflects that their band is wholly about their music and not presentation. There is a 'Parental Guidance' label which shows their personalties and how they are reflected through their music. The image of the cover only shows the two main band members, (the song writers) which again proves how they are based on the music only. In the image they appear to not be sober and show their tattoos which again shows their rebellious attitudes. The colours are bright and contrast with their pale skin. The bright red relates to both genders. The clothing is stereotypical for a boyish indie style, they are wearing a polo shirt and vest which is something their target audience would also wear.
Oasis- Definitely Maybe
This digipak for Oasis shows the whole band in a living room, there is a relaxed and casual atmosphere. They are in a very light room which reflects their emotions towards this album. Although the image is very natural it is a posed shoot in which the band hold guitars and all look in different angles. I think the fact they are looking in different angles shows that they all want different things from the band but on a whole are focused on the music. The globe represents the world and how the band will travel. The simplicity of the room reflects the bands indie/alternative style of music. Their clothes are very 90s and represent original rock/indie music in Britain. Oasis' signature logo is printed on the top of the cover so they can be recognized by fans. The glasses of wine show the bands casual attitude which is also reinforced with the fact one of them is lying of the floor and others slouching around the room. The room is relatively empty which enforces the idea that the band are collectively interested in their music and not being 'sell outs' or too interested in presentation.
Arctic Monkeys- Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not
This album cover is both simple and striking. The black and white aspect adds depth within the photo and perhaps relates to the content and material written for album. The image shows front man of Violet May (Chris Mcclure) a close friend of the bands. The images gives the a care free and relaxed vibe. The simplicity of the cover gives the impression that the band have focused on music rather than presentation. The fact that the Chris Mclure is wearing a white polo t shirt and smoking also relfects a stereotypical indie style. The black and white image allows the bands title 'Arctic Monkeys' to stand out as its highlighted across the cover. The font used also related to the bands name and the 'O' used in Monkeys is made to look like the tail of a monkey. The overall cover appeals to both boys and girls and doesn't stick to one particular genre. The simplicity of the album emphasises that the band focused on the music which is what the audience like about the band. Although this digipack is simple it is very memorable for a bands first album.


There is some good work here but a few bits and pieces could really make it an excellent piece of work.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing is that you have said the Libertines cover has 'explicit lyrics' sticker on it but the image you have used does not. It's a small detail but important to get right.
The second thing I would try to do is find the back covers to the albums. This might give you more to talk about. You could also try find any artwork from inside as well. This might help you further.
I think there is something interesting to say about a band who put someone else's picture on the cover of the first album. How does this idea fit in with the other covers? How does this fit in with the way indie bands represent themselves?