Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich

Subject: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:11 AM

Friends,

Help Andina & Rich choose our new CD cover!Our three top ideas have been posted at http://www.andinaandrich.com/photos.html
If you click on any of the thumbnails you can see them as a slide show. To vote post here or e-mail [e-mail]

   Any insights or observations will be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen L. Rich

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:17 AM

I'm sorry, and I don't mean to be rude, but why can't you choose your own?

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:22 AM

I like #3.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Morris-ey
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:28 AM

I think you need to have a photo where the guy has his eyes open; I think it would be better if the two were closer together perhaps holding their instruments vertically rather than pointing out of the photo and the text either above, below or to one side.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:30 AM

My observation is none.

I think Sandy should be smiling as well.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:33 AM

I certainly find Sandy's expression off-putting but is that the point?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:48 AM

Maybe, but I don't think it helps in the sale of the CD. Just my opinion. :-)

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: GUEST,Jason K
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 10:35 AM

It it April the 1st?

The crumpled mottled grey background looks awful, the guitarist should open his eyes, I doubt the dulcimer player's expression could look worse if she tried, the angle that she's holding the instrument is completely unnatural and looks dreadful, the blue dress is somewhat less than flattering and the title : "Two guitars, a dulcimer and an attitude" is truly terrible.

Apart from that I think that they're all great. Just my opinion of course.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 10:40 AM

Looks like what Diane Arbus might have produced if she worked in colour.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 10:44 AM

Okay, I think I get more of the idea you were after from reading the blurb on the website.

Reshoot it with both of you standing waist-deep in a steaming foetid swamp.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 11:13 AM

http://www.andinaandrich.com/home.html

So... why not just use that photo?

~S~

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: frogprince
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 12:21 PM

I'd second Susan on that: the photo from your home page. The one you have on the cover art now is a hoot to have in the album at home, or as one of a few pictures on a website, but just pretty weird out there by itself. (What is that, the wall in an abandoned leper colony?)

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 12:35 PM

Having said that, it's in the fine tradition of bad folk music album cover art (1954 definition). Sorry!

I don't know why people put photos of themselves on the front cover these days anyway. Unless you happen to know a truly original or inspired photographer (eg Mapplethorpe's photo of Patti Smith for the cover of Horses) or have a brilliant concept, such covers are at best so-so. Surely you have some decent artists living locally, or even amongst your friends? Why not commission an original piece of art for the cover that complements the musical vibe? It needn't break the bank and you're supporting other local creative types (who in return will support you).

Of course, if you put it out in a jewel case even the best cover art in the world will look a bit shoddy.

Hope this helps...

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 04:00 PM

Pardon the thread creep. Cover issues aside, I would urge anyone who has the opportunity to see Andina & Rich live. If you're in the Chicago area this coming Saturday (March 12) they in Skokie, Illinois performing for the Ethical Humanist Society. They are joined on the bill by Bob & Micky Holdsworth, another band well worth cathcing. You will hear some great songs, both humorous and serious, good musicianship, and snappy banter between songs.

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 08:27 PM

I'm afraid we've frightened them away with our "enthusiasm."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:15 PM

Thank you all for taking the time to look at the photos and express an opinion. Sandy and I knew that we could count on the 'Catters to come up with ideas which were off the beaten path.

      To answer a few of the questions...
1) Why didn't we choose one ourselves? We did. We narrowed it down to these three. Being as close to the project as we are, we thought that it might be productive to get some outside perspectives. In short, we got stuck and needed to get some alternative input with the hope of getting unstuck.

2) Yes, Charlie Noble. That is the point. The title came from that photograph.

       As mentioned, 'Catters can always be depended on to take the road less traveled, as it were. Of the 35 or so other people who have weighed in so far about the cover designs (from Twitter, Facebook, MySpace,etc.) You are the only ones who did not like the picture and did not think that it was funny. Oh, well.
         That is not say that we won't take your comment in the spirit in which they were given, or that we will not consider your thoughts seriously as we go about making the final choice. All of the views expressed are being taken seriously (though not personally).
          Again, thank you for having taken the time to help us out.

Stephen L. Rich

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 11:28 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 08:17 PM

It's fine to be weird as far as I'm concerned, as long as that's your intention.

But I'm reminded of several bands I know that named themselves after a wonderful evening at the tavern and then regretted it the morning after, so to speak.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, aka Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Choose our new CD Cover - Andina & Rich
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 03:50 AM

Thanks, Charlie. We are, in fact, known for being just a bit odd (when we're not being downright weird).