Record sleeve (not game related)

Maltjik · Fri 08/09/2006 23:51:51

So, Steven Axis & the Scrap Urethra is a band, and no, it is not in any way connected to nazi/fascism stuff. As a matter of fact, it is just this one poor fella sitting in his homemade studio, with his homemade crap instruments, desperately trying to get the tunes of his mind into reality.
Right, you guessed it. It's me.
So anyway, it's about time to get my visual style down. I've been trying for quite a while with a sackful of different approaches (including 20's vamp icons, b/w homo erotica and farfetched references to Clockwork orange), but this is the firstÃ,Â that I'm really getting attached to, and also the first that doesn't strike me as a ripoff of someone else's ideas.
I'm a sucker for pop-culture mythology, and that is what I try to express here.
The non-showing of the face is meant to be mystifying, intriguing. "Who is that odd retard anyways? Too ugly to show himself?"
I've tried to emulate a visual style that takes elements from both the 50's, 60's and 70's, in order to give it an obviousely old, but also undefinable and "timeless" attitude.
I've tried to make it look like a photo of an actual old and tattered LP (duh) in order to... erm... bad english here... bring forth the illusion that this is allready an established thing, not something still in the cradle. Also, I work against the need of bling bling and flash. Stuff isn't bad just because it doesn't shine. Therefore I dress like a hobo and play my music on crap.
The sticker is also just another tool to bring it an air of mystery. It's lying of course. There is no hit single. The song "wooden kimono" isn't even recorded yet.
So, in summary, I try to be mysterious and interesting. I try to give it all an old,Ã,Â almost mythical feel, as if you would stumble upon an ancient tale you hadn't heard.
Sorry this got very long...
btw, this project is non-profitable.

So what do you think?Ã,Â

also, if anyone skilled in the french language is here, I would very VERY much enjoy an explanation of the phrase "mort aux vaches". =)

SinSin · Fri 08/09/2006 23:59:23

i like the cover although very one tone orange Very very good
the french term i believe means Died in cows but i don't want to go further into that lol
I like the cover tho

ManicMatt · Fri 08/09/2006 23:59:56

Nice style, it appeals to me.

My first problem is that I read the cover and it looks to me like "Steven axis scrap & the uretha"

I like the scratched effect.

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't read what the style of music is. This factor is really important in sending a message across about what your music sounds like. Currently it says to me either "punk rock" or "ecletic fast music" of some nature.

ildu · Sat 09/09/2006 00:41:22

I like it very much. The composition is spot-on, the decal thing works really well, and the wear and tear effect also works. The only thing I'd change is raising the ampersand and lowering the 'the' text, so that it doesn't look like Matt suggested. Otherwise, I think it's perfect. Anyways, if you do anything more to it, for the love of god, don't add any more colors. The three-color thing is very powerful.

Maltjik · Sat 09/09/2006 11:28:33

According to babelfish, "mort aux vaches" means "died with the cows". It's the usage of the term I'm curious about=)

Changed the wording according to suggestion. Better?

Oh... The musical style... That's a tough one! It's like... Some sorta... Piratey inspired polka... With biblical overtones... No really, it's quite odd. Sometimes it's accordeon, mandolin and organ working together in a dancepaced hymn like feel, other times it's just shouting and banging on stuff. It differs very much, yet it still follows some vague red line. I'll probably post a sound sample or two once I'm done with the recording.
Also, I sing like some unholy combination of Papa Smurf and Marianne Faithful.

Just looked up the word "eclectic". Seems about right=)

Thank you for all your kind words! It's always a boost of self-esteem.

I also made a backside... Any suggestions?

ManicMatt · Sat 09/09/2006 11:50:09

Wow that's great, the artwork alone makes me think I'll like the album!

My only crit here is that the barcode isn't clear and a barcode reader would have trouble reading it, but then it's not a real barcode....

El Drey · Sun 10/09/2006 18:50:28

Nothing to add on the crits. Superb looking sleeve!

And "mort aux vaches" means "death to the cows", meaning you're willing to kill'em all.

Evil · Sun 10/09/2006 22:19:12

Wow, definitely rockin'. I love this concept. Looks, one hundred percent, like a vintage sleeve. The white wear and tear, the glue, the dirt, all fantastic.

The blue looks too consistent all around. Maybe some satin or something to give it more of a wear. The folds of the shirt look too much like one long neck.

I'm definitely trying my hand at making one of these too. Very, very cool.

Vince Twelve · Mon 11/09/2006 08:01:46

Amazing vintage look!

One thing I would change: Make the "A SIDE" and "B SIDE" labels a slightly larger or smaller font-size than the track names to set them off a bit. Otherwise it looks like they're the names of songs.

And one suggestion that might not work, but I thought might be cool: Make the image on the backside upside-down. Then, when you flip the sleeve horizontally, you can read the track names, but the picture from the back connects to the front, so if you flip it vertically, the picture will be seamless.

Xellie · Tue 12/09/2006 09:37:01

I guess one of the most important things about CD covers, is for them to stand out. And I think your retro look and 'fading' effect does just that. It is not something I'd ever design myself, but Kudos for achieving a nice unique style. Go for it!

Maltjik · Wed 13/09/2006 10:36:22

Wow!
I just can't believe how nice you all are! Or might it be that it for once was I who did good? Tough one.
Either way, this has been really awesome for my poor halfdead ego.
I'll see into those remaining glitches (a-side/b-side size, barcode fuzziness ect), slowly craft this here thingamajig to perfection- or as close to it as I can.

I thought of flipping it the seamless way, but I'm really not sure if it'd do the trick. I'll print it a couple of times and experiment. It's a good idea atleast=)

And I might not be willing to kill 'em all, but atleast I'm willing to beat the living buhjeebus out of them in a friendly, well organized pillowfight.

Thanks all! I'll get back to you with music samples and such when it's ready.