The Iconography of Cool

2007-09-14 | by Oats

In a word... cool

Listening to The Singles Collection this evening, I'm reminded just how cool this photo is. Showing a group that is surly, smart, and smart-ass, this pic says nearly all you need to know as to how this band could ensnare the pre-teen me, living in the Philly burbs in the late '80s.

I know you can't post photos in the comments section, but links, please. What kind of stuff constitutes your Iconography of Cool.

[Mod. - Tell you what, this is a great topic put forth by Oats. Submit your links and we will see that they get activated and, at least over the weekend, collect and presented. One word of caution: try to send no more than a couple of links that you REALLY care about. Don't be a wuss and try to cover all possible bases with a post containing 47 examples!]

5 comments » •

5 comments

Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]

Not only are The Kinks surly, smart, and smart-ass, but sensitive. Dave hangs on Mick like a Bond girl, and Ray projects more empathy in his body language than any other rocker of that time.

I'm looking for just the right Lennon shot to show you what I feel he represents in terms of The Iconography of Cool, and I've come across this pathetic article:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/10/06/1159641501397.html

Then, trying to get back to the task at hand, I was distracted by this totally UNcool shot of another musician:

http://www.painkillermag.com/images/dime-rip.jpg

So let me keep it simple with a shot from a Lennon period that first appealed to me as a young boy:

http://www.poster.net/lennon-john/lennon-john-photo-john-lennon-6206274.jpg

I like the way he projects confidence, manliness, and daintyness all in one package.

2007-09-14 @ 13:26

Comment from: saturnismine [Member]

any early pics of the small faces or the who (and later the jam) are the epitome of rock cool, to me.

too many links....

2007-09-14 @ 13:26

Comment from: mrclean [Member]

How about Ms. Hynde?

http://www.pretendersarchives.com/Gallery/Gal-CHsteps.html

http://www.pretendersarchives.com/Gallery/Gal-CHPost.html

2007-09-14 @ 22:52

Comment from: BigSteve [Member]

Here are a couple before hvb posts them:

http://www.surveygalaxy.com/upload/2795_image_16-p.jpg
http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/photo%20john%20cale3.jpg

Apparently coolness has something to do with drugs and shades.

2007-09-15 @ 09:59

Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]

You guys are all daft. *This* is cool:

http://jpp-product.club.fr/album.48.jpg

2007-09-15 @ 15:44

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