About this time of the year back in 1978, The Boomtown Rats released one of their most iconic singles – She’s So Modern. Jules gave this record a great review last year, so I thought on this anniversary, I’d take a closer look at the She’s So Modern picture sleeve.
I can’t find any credits for this instantly recognisable artwork, but if anyone knows anything, please let me know.
The centrepiece is clearly the figure of the woman. It’s a sort of impressionist drawing – a series of lines and curves that individually are quite simple. And that for me is where the strength of this image lies – it’s a deceptively complex image, made up of beautifully simple components. The long, elegant neck, the almost figurative face and the flow of the dress. The legs are only hinted at - with the right leg represented by a simply rendered but instantly recognisable, high-heeled shoe.
I don't know if you agrre but I’ve always felt that the picture sleeve would be more powerful without the lines from the song.
The reverse of the sleeve is very different – encouraging you to cut out a Rats pennant – which fans are instructed to staple to a knitting needle and wave. Can’t imaging we’d be allowed to troop into gigs these days carrying an arsenal of knitting needles!!!
I also love the quote from Mutt Lange – “if you’ve got a flag, wave it”.
She's So Modern - a classic!
🪡🧶🧵 I love this cover, too ~ it's very classy! I'm personally partial to the addition of the lyrics because it looks like a magazine cover listing the features inside or a designer's notations on his or her creation. I'm all for going to shows with an arsenal of knitting needles! 🧵🧶🪡
Pure class. And the B sides a wee belter
I’d love to know who the artist was. It’s a shame they’re not credited. Agree simple, very effective design of complex subject.
This song got me into the Rats, watching them perform it on TOTP as a 9 year old.
Also the first single from ATFTT, which really put the band on everyone’s radar. Great piece ColDog
Such an energetic and brilliant song 🎵