Re: (idm) illegible covers, graphic design etc.

From Irene McC
Sent Sun, Nov 2nd 1997, 14:14

On  2 Nov 97, xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx wrote: 

> as a graphic designer, the line between form and function and is
> something we have to deal with all the time.

Thank you for your informed, well thought out and - dare I say
"intelligent" - response to my gripe about Chiastic Slide's cover.

We're not talking opposite ends of the spectrum here.  I worked in
theatre stage management, advertising (specifically styling for photo
shoots), worked in the University's media section for 6 years and
have had photographs published.  So I fully relate to your debate
regarding artistic merit.

> Is the cover of an album supposed to serve a function? Does copy on
> the sleeve really need to inform the viewer,

Every time I'd answer a resounding YES.  Fine : if you must make the
cover a work of art, go ahead.  But *somewhere* in the liner notes,
or inside the sleeve or printed onto the disc itself.... please let
the more pedantic among us have relevant (maybe some of you consider
it irrelevant?) information such as : Artist, release date (year)
and tracklisting.  It's also nice to have some reference regarding
the names of who actually collaborated on the work, who producee (if
applicable) etc. 

Or just call the whole damn thing "Symphony No. 1" and let it flow
:- ) 

I
*

"Incomplete without surface noise"
                            - Autechre