Tim's 1st style model analysis (CD case)

To get a better idea of how CD cases can take different shapes and forms to interest their audiences i have chosen to analyse the CD case/box for Oasis' album Cigerettes and Alcohol.




As this kind of case is intended to hold both a large insert and another CD case it is not surprising that the outer case is heavily built upon thick card, however for all its sophistication compared to most CD cases it is still based on a net that can be easily replicated. The clever aspect of this design lies in how it seals and opens as most of these thick cases have a large opening at the top where the case splits in two (see Blur's 13 album case). Instead this case has a flap at the top which keeps the whole case as one unit, furthermore the case actually holds this seal quite well and doesn't weaken over time which doesn't exactly help with aesthetics but to those with a keen eye for design they will be impressed. This is something i will look into for my CD case as its integrity is something that I want it to excell in, even if the case doesn't have to actually work i will wow the most when it is fully functional.


In terms of graphics the case keeps it simple and relies on just one photograph to sum up all the band have to say. At this point Oasis could have simply done this as they are so well known for being who they are they, in fact they could so easily have called the album 'here's some more songs we wrote' and their sheer reputation and gravitas would sell it for them. This applied to a new band with no following and little reputation would not work. The first album has to show what kind of a band they are in the most effective way possible and using a photo of the band members wouldn't develop this is anyway. However somethings can be learnt from the graphics on this album case, for instance the spacing of the logo and album information is just right to keep things brief and keep the target audience interested. The rest of the album case isn't too interesting either which keeps all focus on the front and the colour scheme is so simple the case is actually quite interesting to look at without being too loud or too boring.

Overall this album may differ quite a lot from our genre of music and the kind of band we're publicising but a lot can be stolen from Oasis simply because they are so well known. It seems that only by being recognised as a popular band can you release such an intersting and unusual album case (the money from being popular may help) so why can't a band of smaller intentions use a very big and loud album case to get their reputation going.