Week 9, Blog 2 (RA)

Audience: people who like music of folk-bluesy riff on New York mornings, America, relationships, and God

WATCO: Listening to Richard Julian's music ON living the good life?

Claim: Listening to Richard Julian's music gives the impression of living the good life,

Reason: Because listening to Richard Julian's music encompasses everything simple, enjoyable, and sentimental.

IA: whatever simple, enjoyable, and sentimental gives the impression of living the good life.

Ethos: This picture is very strong on emotional appeal. The old worn chairs almost inevitably bring sentimental memories to any age group. The room--at least in these colors--looks very inviting and friendly. The tattered appearance gives the impression that no one expects too much of you, and life can be simple and good. The tricycle especially brings carefree feelings and lighthearted memories with people we love. Any aspect that reminds the viewer of children will most likely have a cheerful effect.

Pathos: The pathos of this picture seems to be relying fully on the notion that the viewer has already heard of the singer. If there is no sort of personal connection with the artist, there isn't much pathos to the picture.

Logos: There isn't much logic in this picture either. The CD cover is playing on the idea that the "good life," that we so often think of as high rolling, is actually found in torn-up arm chairs on a taped-up picture. Because we all that money can't buy happiness, the CD may seem to have some understanding of the "good life" that we don't grasp, which may give the picture more credit and make it appear sensible.

I think overall the picture is quite effective, since it is the cover to a CD and the sentimental appeal is usually the strongest when dealing with music anyway. I want to buy the CD now, and I've never heard of the guy before...