INDIE ROCK AND THEIR ALBUM COVERS

By Harry, Dan, Charlie & Charlie

KASABIANThe artwork used for the album is dark and only uses simple colours such as black and white which relates to their image. The album artwork is unique because it differs in colour based on which country the album is purchased. For example, the British version is black and white, the American version is black and blue and the Japanese ultimate version is silver and white. This is a unique selling point because it allows the hardcore fans to purchase all copies as they will see it as a collectors item.

In the UK Kasabian released a limited edition version which is doubled sided dual disc and has a glow in the dark feature. The dual disc consisted of a DVD which shows documentaries of the band, live performances and casting of music videos. This persuades the fans to go out and buy a physical version , so they get that extra DVD add on , rather than the standard normal version on iTunes. With this limited edition copy , the super fans will buy this to ensure they have all the different version of this album to treasure and keep.

THE LIBERTINES

The libertines have produced two albums of which the artwork is shown to the left. Both albums use the same typography which makes it recognisable to the public and is unique to the band. This is a common convention for Indie rock bands as most bands we have researched use the same fonts throughout.

The images The Libertines have used has a strong meaning to them as ‘up the bracket’ shows rioting which shows their rebellious lifestyles as we know Pete Doherty has been in prison. This then leads on to The Libertines second album which is a photo taken at the ‘Freedom gig’ on the 8th Oct 2003 when Pete Doherty got reunited with the band hours after his release from prison. Doherty went on to perform at the special gig which was set up to celebrate his ‘freedom’ and reuniting with The Libertines. The image is very unique and emotional which will be recognised by the super fans who are pleased to see The Libertines making music again.

ARCTIC MONKEYS

The album cover for the Arctic Monkeys first album is a photo of Chris McClure, who is a friend of a band, the photo was taken in the early hours of the morning in Liverpool. The image caused controversy as it was seen as ‘reinforcing the idea that smoking is okay’. It can be argued that this portrays the bands image as being defiant which connotes the lifestyle of a rock band.

In contrast to their first album the Arctic Monkeys latest album artwork is an image of vocal lines which can be seen as a way to show the public that they are concentrating on their music more. You can argue that this goes against the conventions of a rock band as they rely on their scruffy look.

OASIS

The cover is a picture of two men passing each other on Berwick Street in London's Soho. The two men are London DJ Sean Rowley and album producer Owen Morris. The location was chosen because the street was a popular location for record shops at the time. This album is in contrast with the ‘Definitely Maybe’ album as it shows a London street

The photograph on the front cover of the album was taken in guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs' house. A picture of Rodney Marsh (footballer) can be seen on the cover and a television showing a scene from the film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It can be argued that the album has an American feel to it which would link with the huge success this album had in America selling over 1,000,000 copies.

THE KOOKS

Both of the album covers use dark colours which is similar to the Artic Monkeys cover as they have used also used a dark theme. However, the kooks have used red and black font which separates the band name which is in black and the title name which is in red. Also we have noticed that the artwork we have researched have featured instruments which we know is a strong connection to indie rock music.

This image shows the four band members waiting outside a club called ‘Konk’ which is their album title. This can be linked with the party lifestyle which again is a key theme throughout rock bands as they are seen by the public as rule breakers and defiant. This is supported by the Libertines and Arctic Monkeys as their album covers also portray the way of life of a rock band which is ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll’.