Persuasive Design from Mr. Albers

Persuasive Percussion Volume 3 was created and produced by Enoch Light and was released by Command Records in 1960. I believe it is the final album produced of the series. The far-out, stereophonic sound is pretty groovy and the recording is a great listen — an “ear-opening” experience.

But I must confess — I love this album more for the design and typography. I found this album at a Goodwill store a couple of years ago and was drawn in by the elegant design. I immediately saw that is was designed by none other than Josef Albers, the well-known Bauhaus artist and designer, who came to the US in the 1940’s and taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. He and his wife Ani then moved on to New Haven, CT where Albers became the head of the Design Department at Yale University in the ’50s. He is known as an accomplished painter, designer, typographer, printmaker and poet.

This cover design perfectly represents what you can expect on the album — modern, experimental sounds that are timeless; musical compositions that will delight the listener. The design uses many elements in such a powerful way: order, contrast, tension, balance, scale, space, shape and color. It is well thought out and meticulously crafted. It certainly conveys the mood and style of the album, which makes me think about how similar music and design are, and how they share many elements. It also reminds me how important it is for design to reflect content, not the other way around.

Thank you Mr. Albers, for the inspiration. I'm off to look for Volume 1 and 2.


The only thing that bugs me about the cover is the excessive space between “Persuasive” and “Percussion”. Unless the intention was to lead your eye down into the design. Hmmm.

Shameless self-promotion — right there in 18pt type. Bold. Caps.


I really like the script type here. Beautiful!

New Project: Schwinn 10 speed

Proud owner (Larry Thacker) of newly refurbed Schwinn World Tourist. Thanks for the Fat Tire, LT!

OK, this one needed some help. Pretty rusty, but a great find from my buddy Larry who found this at His House for $10 about a year ago. This is a c. 1982 Schwinn Women's World Tourist 27" 10-speed that with a little TLC will be road-worthy (assuming the rusty spokes will hold up). Things in question other than the spokes: 25 year old brake pads, a rusty derailler cable that may decide not to change gears all of a sudden. I did install a new rear brake cable, so at least you will have rear brakes. All front brakes is never recommended, as you can find out why in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0W25KVJ7qc

I hope this bike finds many years of enjoyment, as it is quite comfortable (assuming you stay on a smooth road) Riding down my gravel driveway was a different story. The gears shifted fine, the brakes are adequate (needs new pads) and seat is only semi-comfortable.

But for a nice neighborhood ride, this bike will do a fine job.

Ride On.

Ride On. Beach.

New design for beach cruiser enthusiasts. Ride On.

Study of composition, color and context

Schwinn Cruiser Project

I found this beauty last week at the local thrift shop — It was begging for a good home, and it could use some TLC. A great bike to have at the office for grabbing lunch, cruising around the ’169. Maybe a nice ride to Publix or library if someone is feeling adventurous.

This bike's a little rusty in some spots, but overall not in bad shape. I would guess this bike is from late ’70s/early ’80s.

The immediate needs:

• chain - 1/2 x 1/8 -

• tires - must be whitewalls - 26 x 2.125

• fresh tubes

• grips - may get some donor grips I have laying around, but these here would be swell:

http://www.chubbyscruisers.com/shop/wood-grain-style-grips-p-349.html

Update 10/12/09
Top photo is newly refurbished ride.

Ride On. Ride On. Ride On.

With biking in my blood, I had a thought about how to promote cycling in the city, in the state, even nationally — some sort of social awareness campaign to encourage the activity. Road, Mountain and Hybrid. Bumper stickers seems like a logical item to start with, but I can envision t-shirts and ... Facebook, bike shops, X-games, Tour de France... Ahhhh! Look out for bumper stickers in the near future. Ride On.

Typeface: Co Headline by Dalton Maag

Design/Illustration: © Ryon Edwards

Update as of 9/1/09: Stickers now available at http://www.zazzle.com/ryonedwards

Vintage Stereos Rock the House

I have a weakness for all things old and for all things audio-related. So when a buddy offered this vintage Sansui 5000A receiver/amp (c. 1969), I got pretty excited. I have fond memories of playing with my Dad's Marantz tuner/amp and Dual turntable back in the ’70s, with all the cool knobs and controls that clicked ever so perfectly, with that solid feel that you just don't see in electronics today. This Sansui is built well, and is a beast at 40 pounds. It packs 55 wpc, which sounds like a lightweight compared to current models, but I think wattage today is way overated in many of today's consumer brands. I took the Sansui into Maunz Electronics for a new power switch, and just got it back the other day. I hooked it up to the beautiful vintage Panasonic RD-7703 turntable that came with the Sansui (thanks, Rob!), and put on The Rolling Stones “More Hot Rocks” album from 1972. Apparently, this unit could use a new stylus, so I'm on the lookout for a replacement. Meanwhile, I'm using my old Sony PS-LX 150H turntable (that is about 20 years old, but 20 years newer than the Panasonic). 

Next, I will be adding some new bookshelf speakers, to replace DBX (30 year old sub/sat system). I'm considering the Athena Technologies 150W AS B2.2's. Every review I've read is very positive and they are very reasonably priced.

By the way, The Who's “Hooligans” album sounds pretty good, even on my dbx speakers. Other albums so far enjoyed: Eric Clapton's “461 Ocean Boulevard” 1974, Sly and the Family Stone's “Stand!” from 1969, Queen's “Jazz” from 1978 and Roberta Flack's “First Take” from 1969.