Ancillary Text Research And Analysis - DigiPak

After conducting research into digipaks - such as the above one of an Oasis acoustic collection I have found that they are a modern form of cd cases in the respect that they do not have have the traditional jewel case packaging and that they are made from card or heavy paper which is easily formed into a book-like case.
This has many advantages as it saves time, effort and money - in addition to being easily mainpulated into differing shapes.
This style has become more popular for artists distribution, the generic term digi-pack is a common term used to describe any soft CD packaging.
Using the digipak format however does have its cons; they can be prone to damage as they are only made out of a thin card - this also affects the safety of the cd it is protecting.
There are varying types of digipak; four, six or eight panels - I have been instructed to produce a six panel digipak for my album.

Ancillary Text Research And Analysis - Album Cover (2)

Another classic album cover is that of 'Fat of the land' by the Prodigy.
The photograph is a comical one, showing a crab almost 'raving' as a follower of this genre of music may do stereotypically.
Moreover the blurring used on the photograph may connote either the fast tempo of the tracks or the drug use associated with the artist and its genre.
In addition the photograph seems to be on a beach, in a warm destiniation - possibly Ibiza - a well known location for lvie performances in this genre of music.
Of course the bands name at the top of the cover is featured and their signature symbol to represent their band - a tarantula(which is also the name of one of their more famous songs) so this will encourage audience recognition. The album title then follows in smaller font underneath 'The fat of the land' generically.

Ancillary Text Research And Analysis - Album Cover (1)

The album cover of the Clash's London Calling has become an iconagrpahic one for its genre of music.
The font is borrowed from that of Elvis Pressley's debut album - and was used to replicate the 'danger' that rock n roll ideology demands.
To synergise with the Elvis style font - the image of The Clash's bassist smashing his guitar onto the floor during a live performacne aims to re-inforce the rock n roll ideology.
Finally, the clothes worn are iconagraphical of the time with tight jeans, sleeveless jackets and leather boots.

Ancillary Texts Research And Anaylsis - Magazine Advert (2)

Secondly I have evaluated the effectiveness of 'The Boy Who Knew Too Much' by Mika (2009).
Mika has a traditionally young audience and the detailed yet bright poster, it could be argued reflect the imaginiation of his audience.
The mis en scene shows us a stereotypical teenagers untidy bedroom - again showing synergy with his audience.
The artist name is in a very large font, simply to draw attention to it - the white font is also highly distuingishable from the heavily coloured background.
Again a website and release date are included - as well as the song titles of two 'hot singles' included to entice the audience further.

Ancillary Texts Research And Analysis - Magazine Advert (1)

Innitially I have decided to analyse the magazine poster for the Basement Jaxx 'Rooty' album (2001).
The poster has two layers - both very contrasting. I believe the juxtaposotion of a space background with what appears to be blue and purple paint splattered on one side could connote the contrasting sounds of the band.
In addition the colours blue and purple (very close to pink) are commonly gender specific - thus placing them both together could indicate that both audiences are being catered for.
The chocie of using a monkey for the image is an interesting one - it is chewing on the root of a plant - which I presume is used to emphasise the album name 'Rooty'.
Moreover the chocie of a monkey rather than a human for example could possibly be due to the fact monkey's are seen as humorous animals - and thus the presence of one creates a lighthearted approach to their music.
In small print is information such as the album's release date, a band website and details of a live performance - while the lettering is small in comparison to the imagery it nevertheless still present proving its importance.

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