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August 14, 2009
Book Notes - Clay Hayes ("Gig Posters Volume 1")
In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that relates in some way to their recently published book.
One of my favorite websites is GigPosters.com, which not only showcases and sells incredible indie rock concert posters, but also maintains a lively forum for collectors and music fans.
The founder of GigPosters.com, Clay Hayes, has put together an impressive collection of show posters, Gig Posters Volume 1: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century. The oversized 11x14 book is visually splendid, and contains 100 posters that are perforated and ready to hang on your wall. The posters are organized by artist, and each artist is profiled alongside his work.
Phillyist wrote of the book:
This is a truly beautiful book, absolutely loaded with exhilarating, imaginative, eye-popping examples of a fascinating art form which, as Hayes points out, is now the most important visual representation of contemporary music, given that the rise of MP3s has nearly eliminated traditional album art.
Order a copy of the book directly from GigPosters.com and receive a free Jay Ryan art print.
In his own words, here is Clay Hayes's Book Notes music playlist for his book, Gig Posters Volume 1: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century:
Dianogah - "Sprinter"
This song comes from one of the designers in the book. Jay Ryan's band Dianogah, from Chicago, has been putting out amazing music for 13 years now. There are a ton of incredible gig posters out there for this band as well.
Weezer - "Say It Ain't So"
Such a classic. I listened to lots of Weezer while assembling the book. It always puts me in a good mood.
Aids Wolf - "We Multiply"
As featured designers in the book, Seripop from Montreal also play in the band Aids Wolf. Listening to their experimental punk rock while viewing their posters really brings it all together!
Melvins - "Kicking Machine"
There are so many great Melvins posters out there. Check it out.
The Jesus Lizard - "Mouth Breather"
I can't create a playlist without including The Jesus Lizard. They are one of the best bands to see live, and are now back together! If you get a chance - go see them.
The Bronx - "Bats!"
Pure rock. It always gets me pumped up.
Modest Mouse - "3rd Planet"
Tons of amazing posters for a great band. Look up the Decoder Ring Design Concern for a peek at many of them.
Clay Hayes and Gig Posters Volume 1: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century links:
The 700s review
GQ review
Newsarama review
Phillyist review
Strawberryluna Bloggery review
Calgary Herald profile of the author
OnMilwaukee.com profile of the author
The Oregonian profile of several of the artists
Pop Candy review
also at Largehearted Boy:
other Book Notes submissions (authors create playlists for their book)
Note Books (musicians discuss literature)
guest book reviews
musician/author interviews
52 Books, 52 Weeks
