Loving ... Scott Hazen's Typophonic

Not content with collecting and then showcasing great book covers, Shawn Hazen collects and showcases vinyl too over on Typophonic.



Not just any cover, however ... he focuses on typographical album covers as he explains in the 'about' section:

"Typophonic is a collection of typographically driven 12-inch record covers from the 1950s through the 1980s. Some of the sleeves are type-only and some use type as a key element of the design. They’re all unique and speak to what was special about this area of design that has often been the most dynamic and experimental outlet for graphic designers. 

Album covers are a great window into the visual spirit of an era or subculture, and the type they use can be the most expressive part of the artwork.

Typophonic is meant as an inspiration for designers who create and push typography or just obsess about it’s form and layout. And all designers are concerned with type’s connotations and emotive power. But the site is not only for designers of course, but also for music lovers who appreciate the role the music’s package played in the presentation of a musician’s work or the representation of the music’s personality."

I would highly recommend diving deep into Hazen's vinyl collection. There is a lot there to inspire and delight.

Enjoy.

Tx

http://typophonic.com

Loving David Bowie's new single ... the Album cover, not so much

This morning I bought the new single from David Bowie. It is lovely ... in a melancholic kind of way. It really meanders nicely before building around the 2:40min mark ... in a truly effortless kind of way ... into something really special indeed. I really like it and am hopeful for the album when it is released in March. Have a wee listen below...



I am, however, not so hopeful about the cover. Whilst no one can argue that it isn't innovative ... albeit not as innovative as the video ... it just doesn't sit well with me. It seems lazy and lacking in imagination. I really hope it is a temporary cover and a better one will be unveiled when the album is launched.

I'll happily do one for you, Mr Bowie? Happy Birthday, btw.

Tx

Andrew Kolb's version of the "Pet Sounds" album cover

Image: Andrew Kolb via Flickr

I saw this image on Flickr by Andrew Kolb and totally loved it. It is a perfect take on the cover of my favourite album.

It stands up against the original, in my opinion:



It was created for the 33.3 Art Show ... and whilst I'm near 20 months late... I'm glad I can share it here. It really is that good.

Tx

Artwork for "Impermanence (waag_rel011)" by Ketsa

I thought I'd share the artwork for Ketsa's upcoming release on my netlabel weareallghosts.

Really loving playing with my iPhone5 and creating these images.

I wonder if any of my friends from Motherwell will recognise the building pictured?

Tx

Artwork for Complex Silence 28 by Cousin Silas

I was honoured to create the album cover for Cousin Silas' second release for Phil Wilkerson and Thomas Park's fab series Complex Silence :: complex silence 28.

For the artwork, I used one of Ade Hodges atmospheric paintings entitled 'Molten'.



In addition to front and back artwork... I created individual track art using a fraction of the whole painting:



I think it works well and gives the listener something that bit more with their download.

I have to say I'd love to see an album cover like this made up as a 12" record sleeve. That would make my day.















The album - complex silence 28 - is available here for free. Please, if you have the time, download the album, check out my liner notes and find some space to just be.

Tx

PS Spot the error on the back cover... only just spotted this tonight.

Artwork for Cousin Silas' next release :: Complex Silence 9 - Fresh Landscapes

Image #01 - "... and memories fade"

Recently I have been working with the ambient electronic genius Cousin Silas on the artwork for his next release. He has been working on the ninth release in the Complex Silence series from the Treetrunk Records netlabel... and asked me to contribute with some artwork.

Cousin Silas is a huge fan of my photos and a great encouragement to me... so it was my pleasure to work with him on this release.

The album is due to drop in November and I don't want to steal any thunder from its release other than to say... it consists of 10 wonderfully shaped ambient electronic soundscapes in which you can see, in my opinion, a fab progression from the other work he has released recently.

What I have created is an inlay card, a traycard and 10 individuals for the MP3... the idea being that each track has its own image and when playing on your iPod, iPhone or MP3 player of choice with a screen, you will see the image change when the track changes.


Inlay


Traycard


Image #05


Image #08


Image #02

My intention with the imagery was to use existing photos and recontextualise them to suggest an image in keeping with the track title and the ambience of the track itself... with the objective being to enhance the listener's experience.

The full set is available here. I would welcome your feedback. The response I have received from both Cousin Silas and Treetrunk Records has been very encouraging.

I am grateful to them both for this opportunity and look forward to working with Cousin Silas in the future.

Tx