Fresh milk

[imomus]

The new Momus album, Ocky Milk, will be released in the UK (Analog Baroque / Cherry Red) and the US (American Patchwork / Darla) in September. Here's the first glimpse of the finished sleeve artwork, designed by James Goggin (the man who makes The Wire magazine look the way it does), assisted by Julie Kim. This is the UK sleeve, which is a digipak. The US sleeve is a jewelbox. The cover star is Kajsa Stahl from Åbäke.



As you can see, the sleeve has come on a bit from the preliminary sketches made back in March. The colours, though, remain the same. The CD itself is coloured warm cherry blossom pink, Pantone 811c, a bit like this.

Yes, that is His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie inside. Why? Well, there's a song on the album which pictures devout rastafarian reggae pioneer Count Ossie in China. Also, I like how Haile Selassie looks in his crown. He's certainly not part of the global monoculture, is he? No Nike swashes or Adidas stripes on him.

Last time, James and I decided to put design critic Reyner Banham behind the CD. He was the bearded fellow riding a Moulton bike, and a hero to both of us. This time, it's the Emperor (read about his autocratic, delusional life in Rysard Kapuscinski's book The Emperor), but it could just as well have been Italian designer Bruno Munari, who inspired the front cover image.

You can read the press release for the record (and even place an early order) on the Darla site. UK orders will be possible shortly through the Cherry Red site. And of course the record will be available in fine stores near you. If there are any.

Comments

[jimyojimbo.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's a shame, isn't it? What's the point in having a great cover if you don't make the audience do a little work? I know it's probably record shops (the sh1t ones) asking for it, or maybe it's your decision, or whatever. Why can't they stick the sticker on some shrink wrap? Just my opinion there.

[imomus.livejournal.com]

The sticker is part of the sleeve, although part that you have the choice to remove once the information "This is a Momus record called Ocky Milk" has been conveyed at the point of sale. I specifically asked for it not to be on the shrinkwrap.

The thing I really hate having to peel off is the American top-spine thingy they do, it's so fiddly and sticky!

industry secrets

[cityramica.livejournal.com]

1. the stickers on the album are easily removed, gooey gunk and all, with lighter fluid!

3. tbe top spine stickers are easily removed by unlatching the bottom of the cover at the spine, and as you remove the cover, the sticker comes off with it. then, just latch the cover back on!

i've worked in too many record stores.

Re: industry secrets

[(Anonymous)]

1. Thanks for the tip.
2. There is no...Number Two. (You are Number Six.)
3. Except that far too often, the sticky crap remains. I suppose then you go at it with the lighter fluid. But why should we have to? Is anyone buying a CD really that worried that it's actually not new? Hardly matters with CDs anyway, unlike with LPs.

--2fs

[beketaten.livejournal.com]

Why can't they just keep them out without the disc in them like they do in Sweden? Or just apply the topical shrinkwrap....Yarrg.