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The Design Inspirationalist

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The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: music

Sound in Color: Nirvana – In Utero

08 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album art, anatomy, color, color pallete, generation x, grunge, human body, in utero, kurt cobain, music, nirvana, warm hues

Who doesn’t know Nirvana? Growing up in the 90s, I was highly attracted to grunge rock and the lifestyle that it came with. Among that scene were a handful of bands that helped paved the way for young kids everywhere to speak their minds and to do it loudly. Nirvana was one of those bands, for sure.

Their third album, In Utero, came out in 1993. It was slightly different in style from their recent, Nevermind, with a more intellectual sound. The album art was clever and nicely done, as it featured a woman with clear skin adorned with a set of wings. The insides of her body is reminiscent of a medical drawing. The colors are what you would expect considering the anatomy of the human body. Warm hues such as orange and red stand out among lighter creams and yellows.

Sadly, this was Nirvana’s last album with the death of Kurt Cobain. I will never forget the day it was announced on TV. My friends and I just couldn’t believe it. Always in our hearts Kurt ♥

Sound in Color: Nirvana - In Utero

Sound in Color: Depeche Mode – Black Celebration

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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80s, 80s music, A Question of Time, album art, Black Celebration, building, collage, color, color palette, cover art, Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode, light, music, New Dress, palette, Question of Lust, shadow, Stripped

I have liked Depeche Mode for many years now. Although they formed a year after I was born I connected with their music and listened to it throughout my life. Vocalist, Dave Gahan, possesses such an interesting and unique voice that nobody can match and even though they are considered an electronic band, they incorporate so many other beautiful elements in their sound.

Their 1986 album, Black Celebration, was a slightly different tune than their previous music. With somewhat of a darker spin, this fifth album consisted of fantasy driven sounds with an edge that carries a bit of sadness we can all connect with. On the other hand, the somewhat gloomy lyrics are paired with bright pops of synth genius which really helps the songs to shine. I can remember listening to this album while I was a teenager. My favorite tracks are Black Celebration, Question of Lust, A Question of Time, Stripped, and New Dress. Today when I listen to it, boy does it take me back.

The album art is a good fit for the sound of this album. It’s dark and unusual with pops of color and of course has an 80s feel to it. The image of a city building is used as a backdrop to showcase part of their logo, upside down M, and projected tulips. I like how the whole piece has a collage styled look while also highlighting shadow and light in the imagery. All in all, a good representation of the music on the album.

{ This post is dedicated to my best friend Heather who is the biggest Depeche Mode fan I know. One can say she is a little obsessed ♥ }

Sound in Color: Depeche Mode - Black Celebration

Sound in Color: Four tet – Everything Ecstatic

24 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album art, And Then Patterns, art, balloons, blue, color, color palette, design, Everything Ecstatic, four tet, fun, green, hues, Kieran Hebden, modern, music, palette, party, pastels, pink, purple, Turtle Turtle Up, yellow

Four tet has been a favorite of mine for years. With a mix of hip hop, electronic, jazz, and more, London artist Kieran Hebden brings such a unique style to the industry. Starting out as a member of the band Fridge, he later explored music on his own and released his first single in 1997. While continuing with his solo career he also has worked with talented and well known musicians such as Aphex Twin, Bloc Party, Black Sabbath, and Thom Yorke to name a few.

His fourth album, Everything Ecstatic came out in 2005 and is filled with quirky mixes and smart beats. It has a high energy sound and happy youthful vibe. It makes for good driving music as well as a background tunes for a party. The six song on the album, And Then Patterns, is particularly one I love. It has such a beautiful mix of instruments and just flows so nicely. Another favorite, Turtle Turtle Up, brings you back to the Nintendo days with elegance.

The album art is vibrant and colorful, like the music it presents. Although the line work seems a little out of control and ecstatic, the design makes sense. Due to the hues chosen for the work, it has an adolescent feel but its fresh and unique at the same time.  All in all, its fun.

Four tet-Everything Ecstatic

Sound in Color: Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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1986, airplane, album art, Beastie Boys, Brass Monkey, color, color palette, fine art, gray, hip hop, illustration, Licensed to Ill, music, neutral, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, rap, samples, water soluble crayons, World B. Omes, You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party

The first album from the Beastie Boys, released in 1986, is still one of best hip hop albums out there today. With No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Brass Monkey, and You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party, how can it not be a success. And with the debut of this album, the Beastie Boys proved to be the kings of samples. Pretty much every track included hits from other familiar songs.

The cover art was also a favorite of mine. The illustration, by World B. Omes, of the plane is really a beautiful drawing. I guess being a fine art student in my day allows me to appreciate it much more than other people. It was done with water soluble crayons and referenced from photographic shots of an airplane. The shading, blending, and colors chosen is what really makes this eye catching. The soft grays shadowed by darker hues and the light neutrals on the cusp of being peachy really showcase the artist’s talent.

The Beastie Boys wanted to express the rock n’ roll lifestyle through this piece, which they did successfully. Once you open the sleeve, you see the plane has actually crashed. The idea is said to be inspired from reading about Led Zeppelin’s luxurious private jet. The album truly does capture a fine piece of art as well as a memorable list of songs we will all continue to love.

Color in Sound: Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

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