From Tsog5000 Sent Sun, Nov 2nd 1997, 11:08
In a message dated 11/1/97 12 01 46 AM, xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx wrote: << ABSOLUTELY !!! Tri Rep was 'minimal' but at least if you look closely, it's all there somewhere. But Chiastic Slide is just contrived and doesn't even look good, *IMO*.>> hmmm... I see where you come from, but I think it depends on how you see it. as a graphic designer, the line between form and function and is something we have to deal with all the time. Is the cover of an album supposed to serve a function? Does copy on the sleeve really need to inform the viewer, or can it work in a expressive context, where the written information is actually irrellevent, and the objective is to create a piece that doesn't necessarily inform the viewer of the subjective details, but rather, create an image that coorolates the attitude of the material inbeded within the audio half? Tri Repetae, in comparison to Chiastic Slide upon first listening is a much more straight forward piece, with rather percussive elements which are followable, mechanical sounds, and an absence of human characteristcs. Thus, the metallic olive sleeve is almost perfect for the piece. However, upon further listens, the dynamics within each of the songs, and the delicate chaos within the orchestrations lean toward imagery that would fit the postcards inside. As for Chiastic Slide, we see an almost exact reversal in theme with the way the music is created. Considerably harder to listen to (especially when compared to Tri Repetae), filled unusual time signitures, and evolutions within song structure that you can't really put your finger seem to corrolate perfectly with the way the sleeve is designed. What illustrates the loosness of this album best is the almost transparent grid system printed on the sleeve. If you'll notice, the grid is not perfect. Another example of form, function, and expression within graphic design would be the latest Aphex Twin release. Earlier on the list, people debated as to whether the ep was a "pisstake". If you could judge it strictly by the sleeve, I would have to say that it is exactly that. Instead of mind blowing graphics, we get something that seems almost half-assed. No interesting typographic work, just good ol' helvetica, left justified with really horrible leading. Instead of a piece of art, we get something that looks like a "product", uncared for, slapped together, and distributed for mass consumption. What this all winds down to is that my opinion in concerns of function in graphic design, within the context of Album sleeves is that I don't find it as important as the way the designer tries to illustrate the actual material inside. What the Designers Republic seems to do best is taking the audio material, wether it be the music or the manner or attitude it was created, and expressing in visual context. After all, it's much funner to look at a weird album sleeve than a cereal box. anyways, I just thought that I would spew out my "2c". Please don't get me started on Editorial, Advertising, and Packaging design.... t.S.o.G. np: Portishead- Portishead. Hey, it's late, I want to relax, and it's music that satisfies my "design sensibilites".