Similar Media Texts (Inside Face CD)

I also need to create the inside of the CD casing. This includes a booklet and the CD artwork itself and I am now going to look at the codes and conventions required to create a decent inside of a CD.


Marmaduke Duke

The three images above show the view of the CD case once opened (left), two pages taken from the additional booklet (middle) and the two middle pages from this booklet (right). The first image once again follows the same colour scheme as the front and back faces use. This again creates great continuity and shows that the band are consistent in what they do.

The middle image shows two pages from the booklet. These pages include the lyrics to three of the 10 songs, with the rest of the song lyrics coming on different pages. The multi-coloured theme is once again present around the sides of the pages, whereas they have decided to use a black background with white writing. This is a good change as the lyrics would become difficult to read if they had continued with the theme which has been used throughout.

The two middle pages of the booklet are taken up by a picture of the two front men of the band. They are standing in a Medium Close-up looking at the camera. The image is in black and white which is a visual contrast the array of colours surrounding the edges of the pages. They are dressed in costumes concealing their identity, something which once more continues throughout their careers (especially in live performances where they turn up with Mardi Gras-esque masks). This image is a welcome change to the lyrics. On other pages are images of the two in different positions and scenarios, however this time they are shot in colour. The final page is filled with all the legal jargon and credits, such as 'Mixed by..., Additional Musicians...' and so on. Thanks are also given, albeit briefly.

Marmaduke Duke have used the same colour scheme throughout their album artwork. The constant use of vibrant and eye-catching colours create a well-structured cover which is certain to catch the eye. They have included all the necessaries - legal issues, record labels and thank yous, and they have added lyrics which will go a long way with their fanbase.

Animal Collective

The two images above are the inside and CD to the unconventional CD that Animal Collective have decided to release. The left image shows the inside casing once opened (like a book), whilst the right image shows the CD which, incidentally, is concealed in the right section of the 'book'. The CD slides out when the case is tipped to one side.

The left image is the casing once opened. It may be tough to see, but written on both sides of the 'book' are the tracklisting to this particular album. When I say written, it is more scribbled and for someone not knowing what songs are on the particular album it would be very tricky to work out which songs are which due to the elongated writing. The colouring to the writing once more follows on from the orangey colour scheme on the left side, whereas the right moves towards a cooler blue. This is all the information shown on these two pages.

The CD, however, is much more informative. For those who could not work out what the scribbles were saying, there is a typed tracklisting on the CD underneath the album title. Towards the top of the CD is the name of the band in the same scribbly handwriting. Also included around the CD are legal and recording issues which are required. The band have included the colour scheme on the CD, with a transition from orange (through purple) to blue on show. This continuity not only looks good but it also reinforces the idea that the contents of the album may well be a warm music.

Throughout the somewhat strange CD that Animal Collective have rustled up, they have used various themes to good effect. Firstly, the optical illusion cover which draws the public in. The innovative casing which sets it apart from the rest, and finally the style and design of the inside book. The lack of a booklet is somewhat of a let down as their fans may want to find out more information about this album, however it is not an imperative feature of an album.

Milburn

Here we have three images showing how Milburn have made the inside of their CD. To the left we have how the CD opens to show the CD (on the right) and the booklet (on the left). The middle image shows the middle two pages of the booklet, whereas the right image shows two of the band members through a 'fish eye' perspective.

The left image is the immediate inside of the casing. We see the same colour scheme as was showcased on the back of the CD - black with white writing. The same white border is used on the booklet. On the CD the text and font style are the same as on the front cover and on the spine of the CD. This creates good continuity as this font will now be associated with the band no matter where it is seen. The writing towards the bottom of the booklet is the legal and record label information, along with additional thanks and credits. The websites of the band are also on show.

The middle image shows the middle of the booklet. Centred is the quote "Loose ends, things unrelated, shifts, nightmare journeys, cities arrived at and left, meetings, desertions, betrayals, all manner of unions, adulteries, triumphs, defeats..... these are the facts." This quote is seemingly random as this is not included in any of the lyrics, however on additional research it is infact a quote from a book written by Alexander Trocchi. The last 4 words of the quote are the name of the album title and therefore it is apparent where the band got their inspiration from if they included a quote from this man. The font is in italic and slightly wavy which signifies importance, yet authenticity. Again we can see the white outline running around the double page.

The image on the right shows two of the band members in what seems to be a Close Up shot, however this is only because of the camera lense used which gives the feeling of distortion. The colouring of the images are slightly strange, with the sky a bright orange and everything seeming to be more vivid and imaginative - in a dreamlike state. This ties in with the costume (a Sherlock Holmes pipe and moustache (left) and a clown nose (right)). The two remaining pages show the other two members of the band in a very similar shot.

Throughout this CD, Milburn have used various tactics to ensure the sale of their CD. Firstly, the album artwork on the front draws in the public due to the unnatural image and discoloured sky. Looking at the rest of the CD, they have reverted back to an olden theme, with black and white being the prominent colours. They have included their inspiration in the booklet, yet they have opted against releasing the lyrics - something which may anger some fans.

Pink Floyd

The three images above show how the Pink Floyd album maps out.

The left image shows the immediate inside of the casing. The back of the booklet is the same artwork as the back of the case, which brings continuity - a feature which is apparent in all of the other cases I have looked at. The CD has lots of information on it. The name and tracklisting of the album is shown, along with the name of the band. To the left of the CD is a copyright statement and legal issues.

The middle image shows two pages from the booklet. The pages are filled with lyrics of songs from the album. The background is an image of three pyramids which have been faded so as not to impede the writing. Each song has it's own section mapped out by horizontal black lines. This makes the page look much neater and less cluttered.

The image on the right is the middle two pages of the booklet. It shows the an individaul picture of the 5 band members all playing their respective instrument at one of their concerts, with an additional image of all 5 playing on stage in the same photo. There is a bright red background which incites a performance atmosphere. The colour scheme of this page is trying to get people to go to their concerts as these two pages make their concerts seem lively and personal.

Overall Pink Floyd have used colour and imagery to a good effect throughout this CD. The use of a well-known physics image creates a good starter, with the repetition of this image throughout something which will make the public think of Pink Floyd whenever they see a spectrum of this sort. The booklet, complete with lyrics, is a good addition to an already successful CD and they ensure that all legal terminology is included, whilst also adding credits and thank yous.

Conclusion

Looking at these 4 CDs from the inside has once more opened up more codes and conventions which are needed:

• Colour scheme kept the same throughout


• A miniature booklet referencing credits, legal issues, record label etc.


• Images of the band / relevant imagery.

From this I can now create my CD from front to back cover. I am now able to see what codes and conventions make CDs the success that they are nowadays and I can now create a CD worthy of being sold in any retailers.