but don’t you think that works for invested fans than non-fans or casual AI fans?

Oh, absolutely. I found it fun because it reminded me of a time when rock album covers were like a parlor game where you always tried to figure out what the singer/band was trying to say. It was all part of the mythos of the group. Remember we didn’t have the internet back then. *g*

And I absolutely agree that this sort of thing is meaningless to the casual fan, who needs to be attracted by good cover art, not repelled. There is no doubt in my mind that RCA did Cook a disservice with the cover art in the same way they did with picking singles. None represent what he is about, IMO.

As for Kris’s cover, the tension in the photo bothers me, but I also agree that it is compelling. And it isn’t in any way, shape or form as bad as the Cook photo. Thankfully for Kris!

Were there insinuations about this? I’m quite pleased with the Kris Allen deets, I’ve been finding. Are you refering to this site? I wasn’t aware of any sour grapes.

Oh, and did you mean “hog” rather than hug? As in hogging the headlines. ::grin:: I’m not big into the celebrity thing. For the most part it’s a turn off to me. I don’t quite see Adam as a celebrity, yet.

‘(‘American Idol’) is the most prestigious karaoke bar on earth

What a …strange thing for Scott to say.

On Cookie’s album cover – I like the design, don’t like the photo they chose. there are so many gorgeous pix of him around. I do like the interior shots of him making the funny face. That’s the David Cook the fans”know”.

E.V. ‘Idol’ contestant to give Mesa concert
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/145816

“MacIntyre is moving on to other projects, including a new album slated for a pre-Christmas release and a deal with a New York publishing house to ink an autobiography. He’s also met with music producer David Foster about putting his songwriting skills to use.

“(‘American Idol’) is the most prestigious karaoke bar on earth, and it’s been such a blessing,” he says. “It’s humbling to know that so many people around the world have taken an interest in my passion for music.”"

Oh and I agree MollyAnnMay that Allison’s cover is the best of the AI8 crew thus far and agree about her expression being mischevious, cute and appropriate to her as an artist and for the song. Plus the rest of the artwork and her hair and everything, very good. I like Kris’s album cover art more than you though, and a lot of people it seems, in part because of that unknown of why he’s looking over his shoulder. It creates some drama/tension and sense of movement I find interesting and gets people involved with it and thinking about it. Or at least that’s my take.

I can’t find the source, but I once read an interesting analysis of the cover art on DC’s 3 solo albums. I’m paraphrasing the original source here.

On the cover for Analog Heart, which he did design, the only part of him present is his hand print.

On the next album, the one that was in the works but never got released because of AI, David *is* present, in a photograph where he’s precariously balanced on a railing over a highway, but his back to the camera so you can’t see his face. (I can’t find a link to the photo, but I’m thinking this symbolizes that he’s ready to take a leap of faith into the unknown — or that he’s ready to jump if the music thing fails and he has to get a real job. *g*)

On DCTR, he’s finally turned to face the camera — and the audience. He looks straight ahead (no pun intended) with no embellishments.

So yeah, I wish they’d used a different photo (I agree with whoever said it sucks the charm and life right out of him), but I do like what the DCTR cover stands for within this (to use a DC word) progression.

Within that context of CD covers being more than just a snapshot, Kris’s CD cover puzzles me. It’s a gorgeous photo, but why is he looking away? And what is he looking at so intently? Maybe it will make more sense when it’s linked to the music, but I wish they’d used the man in the mirror shot instead. He looked thoughtful and introspective, but not stressed.

Eh, I think Allison’s single wins the cover shoot contest so far. The look on her face with its mischievous smirk is not only cute and appealing, it works really well with the song.

Q3
October 15, 2009 at 2:28 am
I was very impressed by this from the EW.com photo gallery:

ADAM LAMBERT, IN THE STUDIO

The singer crafted a mission statement for his album, due out next month. ‘ I told the producers, ‘Look, I wanna do music that’s very rooted in classic rock as far as the melodies, the guitars, and the vocal energy,’ ‘  Lambert says. ‘ But then I really wanna overlay a lot of dance-y, synth-y, futuristic stuff on top of it.’ 

I was wondering how so many of the producers and writers who are collaborating on Adam’s album seemed to have the same visions. Now it is clear that Adam provided a singular direction by articulating his vision into a formal mission statement. So simple, but so rare, and so brilliant. It provides a framework without restricting innovation and creativity.

Brilliant. This is why Adam is such a star. He really is a prodigy, with the self awareness, intelligence and instincts to make all that hot, mad talent work.
No wonder he is winning, not just admiration, but respect.

The only thing I think that hasn’t been said is: At least Drake wasn’t in his undershirt

Cold weather took care of that …

The song might not be right for this event. Surely, someone has at least thought to ask those in charge for their opinion.

Surely, someone has. Does anybody really think that Kris & Co. are stupid and insensitive? Really? And what about the people running the event? Are they stupid and insensitive too? Surely, they are not. So why are we second guessing them?

Again ‘” why would it be insensitive? The song is saying that you should live as if each day is your last,

Because some of these people are already living like they are dying…because they ARE dying. Or their wife, mother, sister or best friend is dying.
The song might not be right for this event. Surely, someone has at least thought to ask those in charge for their opinion.

I wondered if David wasn’t secretly relieved that they got kicked out. Since he’s admitted that he won’t even go inside hokey haunted houses for Halloween, I imagine a movie about zombies wouldn’t exactly be his cup of tea. Maybe *that’s* why he went to speak to the manger — to be *sure* they’d all be kicked out. Heh!

I was wondering how so many of the producers and writers who are collaborating on Adam’s album seemed to have the same visions. Now it is clear that Adam provided a singular direction by articulating his vision into a formal mission statement. So simple, but so rare, and so brilliant. It provides a framework without restricting innovation and creativity.

Yes, Q3, I thought the same thing when I read that caption.

BTW, here is the banter from the Richmond David Cook show about getting kicked out of the movies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvdlBtVuiEk

Aww, David is sooo adorable here. Love him to pieces.