STUDIO ONE SKA:Although this is not an actual artist, this compilation of various Ska and Reggae artists are presented very effectively on this record cover. Studio One is one of Jamaica’s most renowned recording labels and recording studios, and were involved with most of the major musical movements in Jamaica in the 50's/60's (including ska and reggae).
The record cover is extremely interesting and appeals to an older generation predominately as it's an authentic format of music, which is still massively popular. This vinyl appearance also caters young adults for example, DJ's who play a lot of electronic dance music, hip hop, punk and jazz. As of 2009 the use of viynl has become more popular to this generation and are used for the distribution for generally independent and alternative music artists, unlike more mainstream artists producing digital packs.
This compilation is incredibly eye catching and attractive to audiences who could be just flicking through Cd's in a record shop who stumble across this, and, I think this attractive display is effective for sales and the audience. The bright contrasting colours of blood red and dingy green reinforce a retro representation. This again, pulls in a wider audience of Reggae and Ska lovers of the 1950/60's, as well as a new younger fan audience who are passionate for Ska and Reggae. This appearance of the Cover is quite ironic as it looks like an old vinyl passed down, but actually was released in 2004. I particularly like how some of the artists names stand out from the rest, in bold white, and how the centre makes the appearance of a vinyl. I also like how their isn't a picture, just a list of influential Ska and Reggae artists, and how the layout is cluttered or impossible to read. The title is very eye catching and as it's one of the most important parts of a CD's appearance is presented well, and the different fonts are used for the different descriptions. I think this would be a good idea for my vinyl package as I think the audience and band members would be fond of this authentic format which will cater numerous generations.
THE SPECIALS:The Specials were and still are a very popular group who were considered a '2 Tone Ska' band. 2 Tone: is a music genre formed in England fusing elements of Ska, rock punk and reggae. There music had a focused and informed and political stance and their image was very mod, consisting of 60's period rude boy outfits and trilby hats and braces. Their messages portrayed through their music were very politically powerful especially 'Free Nelson Mandela' and 'Ghost Town'. 'Ghost Town' was in response to Margaret Thatcher's policies influencing the bands thoughts and lyrics on unemployment.
The appearance to their album 'Too Much Too Young' is very intertextulised. I believe this layout was influenced by their messages of Black and White races beings equal, displayed with the black against the white. This is also emphasises in the patterned black and white squares at the bottom and the kind of ‘Ying Yang’ effect it implies. Another reason for this Cd covers appearance is the bands co founded record label with Jerry Dammers. The record label was named '2 tone' and the 'Walt Jabasco Logo' is the signature image for the specials.
The packaging of the album 'Too Much Too Young' is simple but effective, I think the divide in the middle of the two tones creates a dramatic effect, and the signature logo fits in perfectly. I think the way they always include the logo in some, making it a well known face almost personifying it is intriguing. The title is presented well, just below the artists name which can't be missed far off, and although this is simpler than the other design of 'Studio One Ska' I think it is much better to their audience.
This Specials representaion was also used by Lily Allens Cd Cover/ Special additon viynl of her copy of 'Gangstas' by The Specials.
THE TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS:
Well done on your analysis - especially with The Specials. Good ideas surrounding the use of binary opposites.
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