99% Invisible – 328- Devolutionary Redesign

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” the focus is on album art and how it can shape the identity of a band. The story delves into the unique album covers of the band Devo and the unexpected challenges they faced with their choice of artwork. Additionally, the episode explores the Langley School music project, a DIY record made by elementary school students that gained a cult following. Through these stories, we gain insights into the power of visual art and music in shaping our perceptions and emotions.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Album Art

• Record album art played a significant role in the music industry before digital downloads.
• Album art aimed to capture the essence of a band and became an integral part of fans’ identities.
• Devo, a band known for their unique style and philosophy, prioritized visual art before writing songs.
• Devo’s album art was inspired by a clear plastic pouch of golf balls featuring an illustration of golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez.
• Chi Chi Rodriguez was an Elvis-like golfer known for his showmanship and flamboyant attire.

Devo’s Unique Approach

• Devo used Chi Chi Rodriguez’s image on their self-produced single, “Be Stiff,” as a commentary on commercialism and selling out.
• When Warner Brothers signed Devo for their major label album, they decided to use Chi Chi’s picture on the cover, establishing it as their brand.
• Warner Brothers’ creative director, Rick Serene, appreciated Devo for their ability to embrace absurdity and not take themselves too seriously.
• Devo’s album covers deviated from the norm, allowing for artistic freedom and the expression of their de-evolutionary philosophy.
• Devo’s mascot, Chi Chi Rodriguez, became a central figure in their album art, even though it was a stolen image from a package of golf balls.

The Challenges of Album Art

• Warner Brothers objected to the use of Chi Chi Rodriguez’s image due to legal reasons, prompting Devo to come up with a plan B.
• Devo’s plan B involved mutating Chi Chi’s face using features from political figures, resulting in a distorted and unsettling image.
• Chi Chi approved the use of the mutated image in exchange for 50 records to give to friends and family.
• The album cover made Chi Chi look hideous, and Devo never heard from him again.
• Despite the initial connection with Chi Chi, he did not enjoy Devo’s music and preferred artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

The Langley School Music Project

• The Langley School music project was a DIY record made by a music teacher and his elementary school students in Canada during the 1970s.
• The recordings from the Langley School music project, rediscovered years later, gained attention for their unique sound and emotional depth.
• The project showcased music teacher Hans Fenger’s unconventional teaching methods, emphasizing positivity and creativity.
• Fenger believed in teaching children to fall in love with making music, using heavy rock equipment and unorthodox approaches.
• The success of the Langley School music project validated Fenger’s teaching methods and highlighted the power of music in helping children cope with their troubles.

Summary

The Influence of Album Art and Devo’s Unique Approach

Album art played a crucial role in the music industry before digital downloads, serving as a visual representation of a band’s identity. Devo, a band known for their de-evolutionary philosophy, prioritized visual art before writing songs. Inspired by a package of golf balls featuring an illustration of Chi Chi Rodriguez, a showman golfer, Devo used his image on their self-produced single, “Be Stiff,” as a commentary on commercialism. When Warner Brothers signed Devo, they decided to use Chi Chi’s picture on the cover, establishing it as their brand. Devo’s album covers deviated from the norm, embracing absurdity and allowing for artistic freedom.

The Challenges of Album Art and the Langley School Music Project

Warner Brothers objected to the use of Chi Chi Rodriguez’s image for legal reasons, leading Devo to come up with a plan B. They mutated Chi Chi’s face using features from political figures, resulting in a distorted image. Chi Chi approved the use of the mutated image, but he did not enjoy Devo’s music. The Langley School music project, a DIY record made by elementary school students, gained attention for its unique sound and emotional depth. Led by music teacher Hans Fenger, the project showcased unconventional teaching methods that emphasized positivity and creativity. The success of the project validated Fenger’s approach and highlighted the power of music in helping children cope with their troubles.

Conclusion

Album art has the power to shape the identity of a band and become a significant part of fans’ identities. Devo’s unique approach to album art allowed them to embrace absurdity and express their de-evolutionary philosophy. Despite challenges with legal issues and the reaction of Chi Chi Rodriguez, Devo’s album covers became iconic and contributed to their success. The Langley School music project exemplifies the transformative power of music in the lives of children, showcasing the emotional depth that can be achieved through unconventional teaching methods. Both stories highlight the importance of visual art and music in shaping our perceptions and emotions.