Band of Themed Album Covers

I was listening to Band of Horses, one of my absolute favourite [non-punk] bands, on Spotify earlier and I happened to notice – not for the first time – the visual theme throughout all of their album covers. They use the same script font for their logo and place it over a photograph of the natural world in some shape or form. They each look great alone, but when you stick them all together…

Cease to Begin (below) is the least similar of the album covers, but it’s one I own on vinyl!

Even the Spotify Sessions artwork matches the theme!

And some single covers, as well.

I really like it when a band sticks to one visual identity for themselves from day one – if it’s a good identity anyway – even if it’s just a logo or typography choices. (I blogged about the album artwork of Hot Water Music not so long ago, most of which were created by one particular artist – and look awesome.)

Although, of course bands can do whatever they want with the artwork and it’s really down to the music to hook me. The Gaslight Anthem, for example, are one of my favourite bands, I would probably even say my most favourite, but their new album (yet to be released) artwork is just ugly.

Bedford River Festival

This weekend Bedford is holding it’s bi-annual (that’s a word, right? Only happens every two years.) famous River Festival. Yesterday I spent almost the whole day there, from about 1pm until 11pm – there was a lot to do/see/eat/listen to/watch! I was there with Steve and several of my colleague/friends from work. The weather was great, despite thinking all week that it was going to be torrential rain and thunderstorms. It was actually very warm and mostly sunny all day. No rain coat needed at all.

I have similar plans for today, this time with Ruby who is coming down from Ely (Cambridgeshire) to visit my new home for the first time. In fact, she’s the first of my uni friends to visit. It should be another great day, starting with the floats parade at midday.

The festival was huge, much bigger and well-put-together than I ever imagined – having never been to the Bedford River Festival before. And it was excellent. It’s a shame that it only happens once every two years (but I can see why judging by all the litter last night) but I’m glad that it happens at all. And I’m really happy I live here too.

A couple o’ photos from Instagram, as always.

Meanwhile, Milton Keynes is having it’s International Festival this weekend as well, which also looks pretty awesome and I feel ever so slightly traitorous to my hometown. But I can always go to that next year!

EDITED to include today’s photos – mostly the parade:

So, a great weekend all-in-all!

8-Bit Cinema

*SPOILER ALERT*

…if you haven’t seen these films. If you have then you may continue to watch, because these are brilliant. There’s plenty of other films, on the 8-Bit Cinema YouTube playlist, as well – some of which I haven’t personally seen.

Everything is NOT Awesome

This makes more sense if you’ve seen The LEGO Movie but still if not, wow, hard-hitting.

– Greenpeace

Knebworth House

On Sunday, I ventured into Bedfordshire’s neighbouring county – Hertfordshire. There I met my boyfriend, Steve, and we had a lovely day exploring Knebworth House and gardens. Including, but not limited to: trees, sculptures – recycled metal animals and impressive carvings from trees, gargoyles, pre-Sonisphere festival tents, [Bruce/Batman] Wayne Manor and DINOSAURS.

It was awesome.