(I just saw a debate show on TV called ‘The Big Questions’ and the question they asked was ‘is the pub more important than the church’ – WHAT? There were a load of ming-mongs all saying “they’re both important in different ways” and at no point did someone stand up and cry “WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING?!”)
According to dictionary.com, ‘pedantic’ is:
overly concerned with minute details or formalisms.
When I was about 3 or 4 (having been able to read much earlier than the other kids in my class), I managed to say this word. Somehow. I don’t know. But instead of going with ‘picky’, I told someone not to be ‘pedantic’.
Which is proof, if anything, that I AM pedantic.
(Another smart-ass story from my childhood; some idiot thug kid walked up to me when I was 12 and said “do you think you’re smarter than me?”, to which I answered “relatively”. He said “what the fuck does relatively mean?” and I said “well, if you don’t know…”)
This brings me on to the issue of CD booklets.
My view is that if someone’s made the effort to buy the physical CD instead of just downloading it on iTunes, they deserve a really cool CD booklet. And I failed on that with Parrot Stories. I just threw the lyrics in, like all CD booklets do, without really thinking about WHAT a CD booklet should actually do. I mean, all the lyrics and the chords to my songs are on this site, so the booklet’s all-but-redundant.
For The World Is Mine I want the booklet to be something I put just as much thought into as the arrangement of the music, not something I put together at the end. I’m thinking of just writing it all, so it’s literally a literary accompaniment to the album – a pamphlet – with meanings of songs, and some of my thoughts, and stuff like that.
Same with the CD artwork and the CD face. I want you to get something out of having it beyond just owning it, and I also want those designs to sum up the duality I’m getting across on the album. When Charlie and I interviewed Carrie Grant for the Chartjackers project, she emphasised how important it was that the music, the voice, the style, the artwork etc all need to say the same thing. It needs to all work together.
I’ll be thinking about this a while, if this conversation I had with Alan during the finishing of Parrot Stories is anything to go by:
Alex Day
Can you put the swirls on in the background, just on that thank-you page for now, and see how that looks?
AlanDistro
sure
Alex Day
cheers
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories4.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
Okay, I’d say to take that horse disclaimer and space it so there’s an even gap between the text above it and the bottom of the sheet. Aside from that I think it’s fine. Or maybe not that far down if it looks weird, but a little further down than it is now at least.
AlanDistro
ok done.
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories5.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
okay cool, cheers. One other thing is I think the quote at the top should have the same thing done to it – moving up so there’s the same amount of space at top and bottom. Aside from that it looks beautiful
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories6.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
Could you move the Parrot Stories title up a bit? Or maybe the quote and the title. And also I think the multi-coloured swirls would be best on the thank-you page, and the single colour swirls on each of the lyric pages.
AlanDistro
good call
Alex Day
I think it’s just that title/subtitle that needs to be moved up a bit actually, not the quote
AlanDistro
ok
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories7.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
Could you move the ‘Alex Day Parrot Stories’ block up a tiny bit? Everything else is spot on, the thank you bit is fine now I think.
AlanDistro
on the front cover?
Alex Day
mhm
AlanDistro
kk
Alex Day
there’s just a little more space above it than below
AlanDistro
well, that is for bleed, that will be cut off, look at the grey cut lines to the right of it, and that will show you where it will be cut
Alex Day
Even with that cut at the top I think it needs a slight upward movement, even if it’s just a few pixels
AlanDistro
ok, let me fix the title and then I’ll send over the 8th and hoepfully final version =)
Alex Day
haha, sorry to be so picky
Alex Day
It should be the last yeah
Alex Day
WAIT
Alex Day
Before you send it
Alex Day
Do you think the name ‘Blanche’ should be unitalicized?
AlanDistro
it does look better unitalicized
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories8.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
I just measured, and the Alex Day/Parrot Stories block needs moving up three more pixels
AlanDistro sent file “booklet-parrot-stories9.pdf” to members of this chat
Alex Day
Hahahaha. The text looks exactly the same.
AlanDistro
it’s not, it’s three pixels higher =)
Alex Day
I’m being a twat. It’s fine. I approve. Go. No more of this. xD
I’ve reverted back to my original plan of having the artwork in orange (the artwork originally planned for the non-album Epigrams And Interludes, for those loyal long-time readers). So that’s where my head’s at now. More to follow.
x
{ 50 comments }
Its great that you care so much about your work (and those 3 pixels!!) Im sure persistence will get the best results :) Looking forward to the album <3
I'm sorry but that has to be one of the stupidest questions on earth. How can you even compare church to the pub ¬¬. Not that i enjoy going to church myself but it's on completely different levels xD and lol at your childhood stories :)
Haha, you really are pedantic :P Tbh though, that will make everything look better in the end :)
Can't wait till the new album :D x
I feel uneasy about learning a word at 25 that you knew at 3, but enthusiastic about incorporating it into my vocabulary.
It's little anicdotes like these that make me love you so much!
I'm sure I've heard the one about the bully before, and I've definitely read that conversation with Alan before too XD
I'm love the idea of you putting other things in the booklet besides just the lyrics, I'm so excited about this album!
<3
Aha my dad always used to say he was 'awkward and pedantic'
Definitely going to buy the physical version instead of ITunes like I did for Parrot Stories. D:
I cannot wait for the album! I'm defintely going to get hte physical cd like I did with Parrot Stories. I love your story about you and the idiot thug kid. You reminded me of the of Quentin from Paper Towns, im not sure why…but you do. Which is definitely a compliment. The conversation with Alan was funny two; you had so many little corrections. You are pedanctic, which isnt a bad thing because i think people would think they are two. Good luck with the album!
Whoops, I wrote two instead of too and hte instead of the…stupid me. I really shouldn't have coffee in my hot chocolate.
hahahahaha :D That's great!
But one thing. I hate it when there are no lyrics in the booklet, I'm not quite sure if you meant that you weren't gonna have them in the booklet or if you just meant that you were gonna add more stuff in it as well as the lyrics. But my personal opinion is that it's nice to have the lyrics there, although I would live if they weren't there with this album since I know that I can find the correct lyrics on this site… but not everybody knows that… maybe if you leave them out it should say “lyrics and cords can be found at: alexdaymusic.com”? :)
and lol at your childhood stories :D I remember when I was about 3 or 4 I was showing the other kids that when you turn around right and left “switches”. So, I lift up my right foot, turned, jumping, 180° and said “see, now my right foot is on the other side!” and none of them believed me. Stupid kids!
I am a massive fan of this super CD booklet idea.
And I am now making it my goal to use pedantic as many times as possible today.
I'm going to have to get pedantic here: “pedantic” and “picky” are not synonyms. They share an exaggerated attention to detail as a common characteristic, but they are quite distinct from one another.
To be pedantic is to focus on details of learning, grammar, and procedure, to point out trivial mistakes. It seems to have the same root as pedagogue (teacher). You are pedantic when you insufferably point out that other people are objectively wrong.
To be picky is to be fussy in general, not necessarily with regard to learning. You can be picky about what you eat, how you dress, what you do, and how much space there is between lines of type. Being picky is a matter of style (up to the point where it crosses into obsesive-compulsive disorder).
You were being picky with Alan, but not pedantic. I'm being pedantic with you, but not picky. Had I been picky, I would never have posted this blithering comment.
At least we know you put time into all parts of your work. You can't say that about every musician.
That second story is so great, because I used to do the very same thing myself. In fact, I'm pretty sure I had that exact conversation on multiple occasions with my peers at about the age of ten.
I didn't like how parrot stories turned out. the songs were more serious than the cover. I wasn't going to buy it because I thought it would be cheesy. No parrots this time. put a nice picture of you on the cover. so when i have friends over i can be like **shabam** 'this is alex day's cd and it's sexy' **ooos'n'aaahs** AND NOT 'this is alex day's cd' *giggles* friend says 'what, is he 12?'
haha i'm so happy I wasn't the only smart ass 3 year old in the world XD and its good to be picky, 3 pixels makes all the difference :) cant wait for the album and music video for hearts. :) xx
This just made me smile. ILY Alex. <3
I really want to go to your fangirl conference :) but I can't :(
My Americanicity prevents me.
I won't put the lyrics in the booklet, I'll use that space to write about the album and the ideas and stuff behind it, hopefully telling little anecdotes and making it fun so it's not such a pretentious slog, but either way I'll definitely say 'chords and lyrics are on my website' with a link, for sure :D
:O I love the Parrot Stories artwork! The artwork isn't the issue, the content of the booklet is. The idea behind the first album artwork was that it was plain, not hiding anything, honest and not hard to understand – like the songs themselves, open and simple.
hmmmm. i guess. lol but still >.> i would have bought it sooner if the cover was better. the booklet was cool, thats what you expect in a booklet. LYRICS!! lol i like the idea of explaining the songs but your songs are pretty straightforward so i don't see the point. i am such a debbie downer i'm gonna stop now
I am actually so excited for this as you are working so hard! I watched that this morning, it was absolutely ridiculous! I love your other smart-ass story, haha I love it when things like that happen, it's brilliant.
An essay I recommend everyone interested in album packaging read:
http://www.ofmontreal.net/category/manifesto/
It's written by Kevin Barnes, front man of “of Montreal”, who releases their latest album with a choice of a dozen or so different formats.
Kinda long, I completely understand that no one will care enough to click on that link and read it. But it's still worth it to me to send the message.
Agreed :( I hate missing out on things like this that seem so fun
It's about making sure you get something out of everything that's there. Nobody would just sit there and read all of the lyrics all the way through. If you're putting something into people's homes – that they've paid for – it shouldn't be something they can get for free online, it should be unique. Little stories about the recording or something. And though my songs seem straightforward, there's loads of things I could say about the Parrot Stories ones – Impossible Dreams was inspired by a Slipknot song called Circle, for example, and How We Were wasn't gonna be on the CD until the very last day of recording.
Did Alan post this on his blog? I remember reading it somewhere before XD I'm looking forward to the booklet; that's why I bought Parrot Stories in physical format (even without the booklet it was worth it for the Nermie Army card =))
okay you win, alex. you had to say the stories about my favorites >.> you cheater.
This is great, thank you :D
I for one think it's really great of you to put so much effort into the presentation of the CD and booklet. It makes me a lot more willing to pay the shipping from America, knowing that you personally have put so much time anmd effort into making this thing the very best it can be! Well done you (: <3
OKAY! so again, please don't be offended. I actually got Parrot Stories as a Christmas gift from one of my friends (previously I had only heard it on your website). I adore your music and how you arranged everything, but … you need singing lessons. If you're going to go all “I pay attention to detail”, and “I want people to take me more seriously as a musician”, then you can't sound so… so much like a guy singing with a guitar around a campfire. As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE the song “Candy Floss”, for example, I wince at your lack of voice technique– you sound so staccato and so strained. I think your point is that you want to sound like you're talking, because it reinforces the concept of the album, but no. Your voice is so weak compared to a) every single other professional singer in the world b) your genius when it comes to the arrangement of music itself. Or at least, that is my opinion (obviously). ^-^;;
:O oh my god. that hurt my feelings and i'm not even alex. his voice is great just the way it is. it's different and thats what i like about it. it's soothing and i don't find it strained at all.
(sorry i get an email every time someone comments and i had to reply to this)
sorry for being such a creeper but his voice is fine! its unique :)
i like his voice compared to some other “professional” singers
everyone has there own style of singing and when i saw him live it was amazing
he doesnt need singing lessons
lol same here :)
Do you know where/if the new album will be available in the U.S.? I couldn't find Parrot Stories, except for on iTunes :( I really, really want to buy the actual physical CD, since its gonna be so utterly awesome.
you can get the physical cd of parrot stories on DFTBA.com(i think thts the website. google it) and btw im from the US and my cousin bought the CD from the online store
thank you thank you:D thats what i'll do, then.
Hm, this actually seems really exciting ^_^ I think when this album comes out, I actually will want to buy the physical copy. Do you think in the booklet you might have a picture of yourself, like those big time and/or conceited bands do? I don't think you're conceited, I'm just curious because I was kind of secretly hoping for a picture.
I also learned how to read a lot earlier than my classmates, although I've never heard the word pedantic until now. I'll be sure to use it from now on. Please be pedantic with your album's booklet – it'll make the final result a lot more awesome :D
That chat was brilliant I love the last line. Yeah I agree the CD booklet is very important it's not meant to be rushed. Also the church V's the Pub it's an easy answer…pub.
Can I get Parrot Stories as aphysical CD? I didn't think there was one. I've looked every where. I'm going to be mad now that I bought it on iTunes if there is a real one. Living in the US maybe it's not available here? I dunno, but I'll be sure to try to get the next as a real one. And by the way, I'm seriously mad that I can't be a fangirl in your video because I am a total fangirl already. Stupid ocean.
Ahh, when the artwork is completed, you'll be regretting not moving that title 3 pixels higher!
I'm like that aswell, everything has to be visually perfect. Well everything on the computer etc, cos my room is certainly not visually perfect, it's a visual mess!
Anyway, I love your blog and the font is just <3 so nice to look at haha.
PS. My mum just came in and said “You're doing work?!”, somehow, she thought your site was a revision website or something from a distance. Do with that information what you wish ;)
x
As to inspiration for a CD booklet, check out Flyleaf's 'Memento Mori' and its booklet. Rather interesting xD (It tells a story to accompany the songs, through letters.)
“(Another smart-ass story from my childhood; some idiot thug kid walked up to me when I was 12 and said “do you think you’re smarter than me?”, to which I answered “relatively”. He said “what the fuck does relatively mean?” and I said “well, if you don’t know…”)”
I remember this! You owe me an explanation of where is my VLR D:
Or at least can you post an archive of it? I accidentally deleted them all and I want to listen to Jimmy and Alex's nonsensical ramblings once more <3
if i ever got the chance to work with you (for some inexplicable reason since this is SOO not likely) i wouldn't because i would want to kill you. i know this because my former best friend was like that, and when we worked together, i wanted to kill her. (we didn't stop being friends due to this, however)
but i love that you spend that much time getting everything perfect! <3
i love the idea of you putting more stuff in the booklet, i mean i LOVE it, but please DO include the lyrics. because i love curling up in bed with my earphones on and singing along with the CD booklet. i've done that with my CD's since i was a little girl and it's why i still buy physical copies. (now being 25)
and yay! more stuff to look forward to this summer! first your album release, then (hopefully) seeing you at VidCon! :D you'll be signing stuff right? *gives hopeful look*
“Nobody would just sit there and read all of the lyrics all the way through.”
NOT SO! that's my favorite part! i LOVE the idea of stories and i DO enjoy CD's that have that more, but i love the lyrics, too! if i have a song in my head and i can't recall a few words, i look it up online. but, say if Parrot Stories didn't have the lyrics in the booklet, i never would have read the lyrics. i want to hold them in my hand. there are some things that can never be replaced digitally. there is room for everything!
ooh! i liked that! that would be WONDERFUL! imagine if wall art came standard with album purchases!
my favorite part is that he doesn't sound perfectly polished. just earlier today i was listening to him, and when it got to the points where his voice strains, i really took notice of it. i'd heard it, but i really appreciated it today. it's what makes it special and it wouldn't be as good if it were changed.
(cover your eyes, Alex! you don't need to look at her comment! XD)
ooh! but i DO miss VLR! and i remember that story as well, but i didn't know if i'd heard it there, in a vlog, or in the old blog. i have all of the VLR episodes. as far as i can tell all of the episodes are still available on iTunes. let me know if you're unable to get them and i'll gladly give them to you. :)
i've finally coped with the fact that there will be no more VLR. i was in denial for a while there. but, man, do i still miss it! :(
haha! i LOVE reading comments! we're all a bunch of smart-assed early readers! nice to know i'm in good company here. :D
I was looking for it a while back on iTunes but they wouldn't download :/ So if you could find a way to send them to me then I'd love you forever and such <3 :3
lol trying to read whilst brushing teeth with eletric toothbrush :D Well now I've learnt a new word to use :)
Just wanted to let you know that Pedantic was one of my vocab words on a test today, and thanks to you, I remembered it.
“Oh! I know that! That thing that Alex posted about that jerk kid!” xDD
Thank you kindly (:
lololololol.
i'm sorry i've taken 4 DAYS to get back to you! (time doesn't flow properly for me. it felt more like 2. which is still unacceptable.)
i can 1) send them to you in email (i think) which would require me sending several emails because of space limitations. or 2) put them all into a zip file and send you a link to where you can download that. or, i can send them to you in any manner you prefer. let me know and i'll do it today. (or tomorrow, depending on what time zone you're in.) here's my email: coolhandjonny@gmail.com
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