Cool Hunting

Some might consider rock music a safe respite from corporate branding, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Bands spend huge numbers of hours and dollars perfecting their logos, which serve as much more than just album cover designs. In "Band ID: The Ultimate Book of Band Logos", Bodhi Oser collects the most distinctive logos in Rock, Hip-Hop, Metal, Pop and Reggae from the 1960s to today. Grouped roughly by genre, the book includes behind-the-scenes history of some of the most famous logos, and interviews with designers. You'll learn arguably interesting facts about designs like the omnipresent KISS symbol, which was designed by guitarist Ace Frehley himself and adopted Nazi iconography. Seared into our consciousness, Oser shows us how band logos are not far removed from the golden arches or Nike swoosh.
Band ID is slated for release in June. You can preorder for $40 on the Chronicle site or from Amazon.
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