FACELIFT
In Layne Staley´s words, the cover of the album is a mixture photo of the faces of each member of the band. With this combination they wanted to show a deformed person, as indicated by the name of the album Facelift.
The name of the album which was released in August 1990, was due to last minute changes that were made. They were also, and very drastic, so the name fit in with the situation.
At the time when photographs were taken, red, violet, yellow and green colors were used for the lightning.
The predominant color of the cover is red, after the graphic post production. It´s is a very intense color in an emotional level, but the purple has also an important role, evoking extravaganza , melancholy and sadness simultaneously. It can produce a sense of frustration. All is framed in a black background giving an enigmatical touch to the cover.
The booklet is very simple inside, it brings the album information and songs in a reclined layout on a black background, with two very special photos of the band.
In the first picture we see the band wrapped in clear plastic, choking and trying to get out, It´s a distressing picture, what else can I say that? Anxiety emerges everywhere. The agony of being stuck unable to breathe, as a nightmare from which we can not wake is reflected in this photograph.
In the second picture we see the band over "sand" which is actually a deposit of sulfide, a highly toxic element, so it was very complex to do this photo shoot.
The end result doesn´t achieve the desired effect, because we don´t think about sulfide, just sand in a dune. However, chosen picture is very representative of the band´s concepts.
In general terms, the design Facelift is well done, it´s representative of what the album is musically, but in my opinion the graphics and layout are a bit poor. In the end, the photographs are what remain in our minds.
Art Director and Logo Designer: David Coleman
Photographs: Rocky Schenck
Live Facelift VHS:
In the design of this VHS , the graphics take the leading role and presents a very interesting composition with a central axis and in a symmetrical way show the band in a concert in black and white colors. The typography of the words LIVE and FACELIFT is simple without serif, and is highlighted with red in the case of the word LIVE.
This design is totally different from what the Facelift cover album is in terms of design and composition. I think it´s much more interesting in terms of graphic innovation and album design.
Sea of Sorrow Single:
On the cover of this single, the band photo is the main element, it has the Alice in Chains and the title is very discreet. You won´t find any relation to the primary album cover and I don´t think it´s a great contribution either, except for the fact that our beloved musicians look very handsome with out with their hair in the wind.
Article by: Chainer.
Translated by: Schulz.
We die young EP:
This EP was released in July 1990, before the album. Therefore I presume that the official logo of the band was not used for that reason, which comes in the new album as a gift.
For this EP cover, a picture of the same photo shoot was used, where Layne appears with his body covered in plastic and is held by the other members of the band.
I think it´s poor graphically, but the picture is just great.