I introduce Laini (born Sylvia Abernathy), Chicago civil rights activist and the first femme graphic designer to be credited with jazz album design.
Laini designed for Delmark records in the 1960’s but I also discuss her fame as the art director for the Wall of Respect mural on Chicago’s south side.
I discuss her four best-known album designs, including her use of artwork, interesting fonts, and vibrating colors.
WALL OF RESPECT MURAL
DESIGNS FOR DELMARK RECORDS
VIBRATING COLORS
I pay a special tribute to Florian Schneider-Esleben, co-founder of Kraftwerk. Who was the MAN-MACHINE / ROBOT / SHOWROOM DUMMY?
This mini episode touches on •His musical beginnings •Pre-Kraftwerk band Organisation •Florian’s process for going fully electronic •A peek into the full Kraftwerk design episode •His impact on music, design, creativity
My guest Joe Plummer (Cold War Kids, Modest Mouse, Shins, Mister Heavenly, Magic Magicians) and I talk Public Image Ltd and their designer Dennis Morris, Flipper, Dub and Reggae, and so many other things…Ruinous Media, the Tour Stories podcast, Coromandelles, records and record covers that made an impression on him, what he’s listening to etc! This is a fun one!
My guest Bryan Standridge @echoesstudios and I cover so much! Seattle Christmas band Dancer and Prancer, the jingle bell thief, cat teeth, and of course the amazing Colin Fulcher aka Barney Bubbles. We discuss his upbringing and time at Twickenham College, Teenburger Designs, San Francisco awakening, the meaning behind his and Lemmy's names, and his fantastical contributions to the band Hawkwind......Join us on this journey to discover an artist and cosmic warrior.
SENSITIVITY WARNING: DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE
Reasons to be Cheerful: The Life and Work of Barney Bubbles by Paul Gorman
The Saga of Hawkwind by Carol Clerk
Mark Hodkinson goes in search of the truth about one of the most influential and enigmatic of graphic designers - Barney Bubbles who changed the way record sleeves looked. Barney Bubbles worked with some of the biggest names in popular music in the 1970s and 80s. He created album sleeves of cryptic intricacy, giving a depth of detail that was new to the medium. But he hardly ever signed his work and often operated under obscure pseudonyms, so his creations are still being uncovered. With some difficulty as Barney took his own life nearly 20 years ago. Mark Hodkinson speaks to Barney's family and colleagues to uncover his genius and the reasons for his tragically early death. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and repeated as part of our celebration of Pop Art.
