Hey Folks:

I'm finishing up my latest project - "Farewell Summer" - a collection of songs with titles of Ray Bradbury stories but otherwise having no connection to the stories. Rather, I let the titles inspire me to access long-forgotten memories of a childhood spent in the 60s and 70s. Some of the folks in the MP3 forum have heard some of the songs.

The last thing to do is to choose artwork for the album. I've worked up three possibilities as shown below. I'd appreciate it if you simply weighed in on which one you think would be best for the album cover. Maybe not the best picture but the one that would most likely make someone curious to listen. "Nope, better try again" is also a valid response.

Many thanks for the help.

Scott



Cover #1





Cover #2




Cover #3

Hey Scott, No1 for sure, just very natural, uncontrived

cheers, niteshift

I'd go for #1 too, Scott. It would be even better if that was you in the pic! It's a fine batch of songs too. Congrats!

Ricki

Hi Scott:

From an advertising perspective... you can't go wrong with number three. It has all the elements, colors and subject matter to "sell the album" to potential listeners. Best of luck. ----Dave

Aw, Humm, Well,
If those are my only choices I like number 3 the best, then Number one. Since you probably have a slew of photos I'm sure you have plenty of Choices. Good luck.

Number 1. The father-son image is the strongest. It's also the simplest, and the boy is looking at us, drawing us in.

Number 1 has a more reminiscent flavor. A back in time ambiance. Number 2 definitely not! Number 3 would be my second choice. But because of the vivid colors, it doesn't have a back in time ambiance. So I vote for Number 1!

Best, John

No. 3 Scott.
That's the one that struck me most.

Vic

Can you get the gorilla/bigfoot from picture 2 into the gocart in picture 3? Id buy it just for that.

But, do we even need album covers any more? or even albums?

Maybe a scary gorilla.



John

LOL - that is a scary gorilla, John.

Is that his thumb? Or was he just happy to see you?

Scott

Worse than that - we don't even need any more songs.

Still, doing something that is totally unnecessary is no excuse for not doing the best you can at it.

Scott

I don't want to think about it Scott.

I like #3.

For me...#1 is too familiar looking and #2 is too much about the gorilla. #3 is the kids outdoors in a field.

I understand wanting the strong contrast in the sky and name but I think that the black is harsh and I would introduce green to those areas until they took on a little bit of hue. Still dark but, but not hard black.

That's my opinion. Like my wife does, feel free to ignore it.

I'd go for number 1. It immediately grabs the heartstrings and gets at the essence of childhood memories in a simple way.

Many thanks for weighing in, folks.

This was useful in eliminating #2 - which no one rated highest.

Five people like #1 the best and four like #3 the best.

I'm going to go with #1. I actually like it the best and think it has the best connection to the music - but I have an emotional connection to it (yes, Ricki, that's me and my Dad). And I thought maybe that was influencing my decision too much over #3 - where I don't know the kids. The results here show that, from other people's point of view, it's six of one and a half dozen of the other as far as 1 and 3 are concerned. So I might as well go with the one that makes me smile.

Believe it or not, Nite, #3 was totally noncontrived. My wife photographed those kids playing in a field by a festival we were at. They weren't even aware of our existence. But actually does look a little posed. It was shot in black and white - so it wasn't wasted time in making it - I got to learn some more about photo editing.

Thanks again, folks

Scott

Edit: I don't have plans to make any physical copies but if I do, Martin's comment about the sky gave me the idea that #3 could be the back of the cd. I would crop so the car and kids were at the bottom of the frame and then add sky to the top. The track list could then be placed over the dark part of the sky.

Hi Scott,

Good choice & good luck with all your projects.


Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Well,
Speaking of Photo Editing. I am looking for a Program that not only allows me to edit and allows me to check individual photos I can send to a Disc. I can do it in this Computer but have another Computer I want to put the Program in. I bought two programs but neither will do what I want to do. Thanks.

Ray, it may be that the photo editing software you used in the first computer is not compatible on the second one. Probably because you have different versions of Windows on each computer.

First thing first, figure out what version of Windows is running on the other computer, then do a Google for free photo sofware and make sure it's covered by your version of Windows. Here is a list of free sofware.

https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-photo-editor

Ray

Photoshop Elements - Costs about 100 bucks. Does a lot. Fairly easy to learn.

I'm late to the party but I'd go with #1 closely followed by #3.
Good luck with your album, Scott.

Hey Scott, great to see you're doing a full album.

Am I still on the mailing list ? If I've ever slapped you in the face with a fresh caught barramundi ( fish ) and you still have a scar, I'll have to fix that up later.

Some are carrying on about "the CD is dead". It's not dead, it's just taking a break, it's just like vinyl where you know you have to have to have a $XXXX dollar player in an acoustically balanced room, sound baffles included, for those that have never seen or even heard a vinyl record.What's worse, they can't even tell the difference between analogue and digital.

So, hands up please ! And if it's not signed and dated, and doesn't have an "in-house" joke, it goes into the circular recycling bin.

Best of luck with it bud, and in return, you may slap me with a wet fish of your choosing, next time we catch up.

Take care bud, cheers, niteshift

Speaking as a retired marketing guy, I'd use the third. It's the liveliest, most joyful, and most summery. It's a good illustration of what you're saying farewell to.

I can see why you like the first one, though, and it's good, too.

The type styles you're using don't really fit the look of any of them, though. Experiment, if you can, and Google choosing type styles. It can improve the look dramatically.

I'm also wondering about the lack of punctuation. Why not Farewell, Summer and S.W. Campbell? Intentional?

PS - I love the concept: using Bradbury titles for your own songs. I thought about doing that, too, with another novel - but I can't remember which one!

The only people who use cd's anymore are older people who have not kept up with change. CDs were pretty straight forward for novices, just open the drive insert cd and it plays. But the cd today, is not only dead, but was a bad person and will not see life again....

The impractical side is, where do you keep hundreds or even thousands of CDs?

My mother threw out dozens of my CDs and told me a decade later. I never knew.

With the net, there is never a moment where you say....hey I can't find that old cd I had, now I'll never hear that song again. That's why cd is never coming back.

Vinyl, you still have some audiophiles who like vinyl, and vinyl still has some collectors value, but most music buyers are kids, who have never heard vinyl records, or even seen one.

There was a brief period there where kids were buying usb vinyl players and playing records through the computer. I think it was more of wow...this is so cool, I'm playing a record through my computer, it was like a toy.

So, if you ask me which medium will survive longer, I'd say vinyl by a landslide

Anyway, most people here, or anywhere are not making albums for selling, and really, most diys were never making albums for selling, even before technology, it takes too many sales to make anything.

I figure if I made an album, I'd be hard pressed to GIVE away 20 copies.

Most people wouldn't accept a free copy of Led Zeppelin l, on cd, takes up room nobody wants it

Aw, Humm, Well,
I get catalogs on a regular basis for CD's. All kinds of Music. And I order some that I want. So in spite of what some say, the CD is far from dead. I have a set of Beethoven Sonatas I am going to order. Nothing wrong with Steaming but I want to own the hard copy.

You get catalogues because you're on a mailing list.

If somebody is willing to buy, somebody will make a catalogue, but I'd say these companies are ripping people off. Not that music should be free, but the fact is, it is, and they know this, yet they try to sell you their stuff.

It does amaze me when I see those info commercials on cable tv of..."those golden oldies" 50's hits you get such hits as....lollipop, lollipop, and mr sandman...

Ahh take a trip down memory lane, with those groovin 70's and solid gold oldies....

They have somebody like kc , from kc and the sunshine band narrate it.

"Ahh yes, I remember when music was fun and you could really get your groove on. Call now, and relive the memories" lollll

It's all about exploiting the people who don't know this stuff is all online for free.

Funny, for me the bottom one pops the most by a mile and the second one is the most meaningful as it recalls those family trips which become our most important and impactful memories in perhaps out lives because they are burned into our brains in ways that playing with friends or even one on one memories of fishing with Dad rarely do. The reason is depicted right on your choices.. the first two almost don't look like candid photos (especially the third) as they do staged shots but the most staged shot standing with the Ape immediately makes me think of early pics of our family standing in front of something goofy.

By the way Scott, congrats on 12K posts! Wow! .

Eh,
Yes FDe, there are companies that compile lists of what people buy and sell those lists to the most prospective companies that you may also buy from. It is called Advertizing so you may get offers from anyone who think they may sell you something.

I get a least 5 different catalogs some every month from music companies alone. Now they wouldn't be sending out Catalogs if they weren't profitable.

The Photo Software I have in this Computer came with the Computer so I have no Disc. There are a lot of Photo Editing Software programs out there. I bought 2 that indicated they would do what I wanted, Alas, neither does. Maybe there is none available. Thanks.

I know what mail order marketing is, I was involved in it. Computers and the net killed that business, as it has killed the music business too.

Yes it's profitable to those companies who are able to find those few older folks who still buy cd's. But if the cd is still alive, its main life support is people who still have cd rom players In their car. But now, most people get the song for free, and burn it onto cd to play in their car.

As far as your photo stuff, you have a few options.

1. Buy a usb cd rom burner. Plug it into a USB port, and it should recognize it right away. It should come with some software to burn it too, if not download it.

2. Upload your pictures to a file sharing website pick one.
https://www.babble.com/babble-voices/7-top-photo-sharing-websites/

And the person you want to show the pictures to can see it on that site, and maybe download it to their own computer.

3. Upload your pictures to one of those sites, and then go to staples and ask them to burn them onto disc for you

Thanks again, everyone , for weighing in and offering suggestions.

I don't have plans to do a physical CD, Nite. The economics just aren't there. And by that, I mean I don't expect to make money in any case. I just don't want to throw it away.

If I played out, I'd consider it.

Thanks for the link to free photo editing software, Fdemetrio - that's a good resource.

Delmont: I didn't put a comma between Farewell and Summer because Ray Bradbury didn't. As for why I didn't put periods after my initials - it just didn't look as good.

Brian: You and I are the only ones who resonated to image #2. Even my wife didn't like it much. I wonder if only people who took a lot of family vacations in their formative years would appreciate it. LOL - I just noticed that I hit 12,000. That's hard to wrap my mind around

Scott

Uh'm Fde
Practically every one who sends out a Catalog also has a Web Site where you can order Merchandise from. So the Web didn't kill business, except for Brick and Mortar Stores. The reason I need the software is so I can send individual photos I may want enlarged. I can already burn a disc but can't select individual photos in my new Computer. I will keep looking.

Well, then that should prove that their customers are not buying online, cause if somebody is online, they find the music free.

Why aren't people going to the site without mailings? Cause nobody knows they are there and can get the music free.

If they have to waste money mailing catalogues, it means they are targeting people who are not very internet savvy.

They are relying on the mailings for their customers. As I said they are cashing in on people who don't know the music is for free.

Well Glory be,
Will somebody tell me where I can get all those free CD'S. Somebody needs to tell all those Catalog Companies they are spinning their wheels offering CD's for sale when you can get it all for free! Yippee!

Ole pal Ray, the cd itself costs more than the music that's on it, unfortunately.

You may not be able to get cd's for free, but you can get what's on the cd free, so why would anybody bother buying the cd?

If I was in that business, I would feel bad charging people for something I know they can have free, even if i dont agree with music being free.

Where can you get the music? Download Spotify on your computer, you can hear any song your heart desires....for free

Scott,


I'd go with 2 then. It is your music and it should be the one that resonates most with you!

Brian

The only gorilla I remember in my childhood is from the Bronx Zoo or Philadelphia Zoo. Love those visits. Yes, your album Scott. It should reflect on your memories.

Best, John

The first one. Summer = fishing, peaceful times. Perfectly captured in the first image. Go for it! By the way how did you calculate the dimensions for an album cover? Like how do you figure that out?

Scott,

Sorry, I’m way late to the party and it looks like you’ve already decided. But heck! I’m going to weigh in anyway, if I may.

#1 is a solid choice and the personal connection to it is awesome. #2 does nothing for me. But bottom line, go with that if it means the most to you, and if #2 does it the most for you--go for it.

But #3 really struck me upon first sight. To me it seemed to capture the spirit of many of the songs I listened to so far. A remembrance and celebration of lost youth. But what I also like is the cover has a sweet sadness to it that also underlies your songs, evident in the contrast between the cover and the title of the album. Those kids are lost in the moment, with no thought or care or sense that their “summer” will end, that at some point they will have to leave it behind. So that contrast works for me, as do a couple other components of the imagery. I’m probably over analyzing as I tend to do, but that’s why I like it so much more--it has a voice. While #1 is good, it doesn’t convey the same spirit, at least to me.

But again it’s your album-blood, sweat and tears— and it’s terrific. Go with what speaks to you. It’s the right choice in the end. Hoping to sit down in the next few days and listen to the whole album. I'm really looking forward to it!

Best regards,

Deej

Flattering.



Mine are on shelves, like my LPs, cassettes, DVDs, VCR tapes, and dishes.



There's this really neat trick some older people who have not kept up with change use.We call it "alphabetizing."



It's never coming back because it never left.



I'd say sheet music.

It's not a knock on older people. I'm older people too.

Not sure why it causes people to get offended saying cd's are dead.

How many people here regardless of age, buy cd's?.

I haven't bought a cd in over ten years. I bought an Irish groups cd on Saint Patrick's day, because they were good, and I wanted to support them, not because I needed a cd.

People want the cd to be alive because it's the only way they can release an album, doesn't make it true though.

Cd's are dead. People still buy them. They still buy horses and the Amish are into carriages...but it aint coming back.
The future (at the moment) is streaming.
Right now the knock on downloads is that they compress too much and you "lose the true sound." Listening to the same music out of good system, hardly anyone could say with certaintly whether it was an Mp3 or vinyl. They may be able to tell you whether they are listening to it straight or stoned. I'm sure that makes a perceptual difference.

Like digital cameras and everything else, someone is sitting somewhere right now bringing up the quality of mp3's and one day even the esoterics will have to admit that the sound of downloads isn't technically inferior to anything before it.
In my mind, nothing that came before is better than the ease of downloads and their storage or simply streaming. I'm grateful to live in this world at this time.

It's cheaper too. I used to pay $20 to buy a CD because I liked one song on it. Glad those days are gone.

One man's opinion.

It's not offensive. It's just not true.

Sure, they're less popular than they use to be. But saying they're dead is like saying Mick Jagger is dead because he's less popular than he use to be.

We're just different. I'd never get a CD for just one song. I don't like singles. Listening to a single is like reading just one chapter of a book. I like complete albums. My CD players only take one disk at a time - just like my record player.

And Yikes! I've never paid $20 for a CD! And only once for an LP, because it was a present.

It's been a long time. I might have pumped it a bit. Seems like my last CD was $15.99 or so plus tax.
I gave the cashier a twenty and got a pittance back.

Just wanted to say I was impressed by your in depth comment. Kudos to you Deej!

Scott,

Perhaps I missed it, but when one did you choose?

Brian