Contents Page Deconstruction NO 3

Mojo was originally established as a classic rock magazine, but has since expanded to diverge towards other genres and artists. The notable difference between this and the other contents pages I have analysed is that Mojo uses a very minimalistic approach. In order to gain an understanding of why this style is adopted I think that there needs to be an awareness of the front cover:

The crammed information and vibrancy of the front cover contrasts the simplicity of the contents page, allowing for a smooth transition into the inside of the magazine. This is a convention present in all of their issues. 

Attached to the front cover is a free CD, and there is a retro colour scheme that offers a similarity to the style of the contents. This eases the reader into the changing format as they turn the page. As well as this it helps to promote the historical context of the group due to their significance in the past. It helps the reader to comprehend what sort of era the band were in their prime. 

The contents page uses only three colours; black, red and white. The white (like in all contents pages) serves as a backdrop that doesn't distract from the intentions of the text. In this case it also enhances the style of the artist, photographed in black and white. Using black for the font supports this retro theme and gives the entire page continuity through how both the image and text are interconnected by the choice of colour. 

The member of The Who represented in the photograph is sat in a casual position with his guitar, illustrating both his profession and devotion to music. His expression is very concealing, he is neither happy nor sad which emphasises how he takes his music seriously. By using direct address he comes across as sincere and genuine. The lighting in the photograph leaves half of his face in shadow, suggesting that there is more to be learnt inside. Worthy of note is how there is only one photograph and the fact that it is an extension of the image on the front cover shows The Who's celebrity status and importance to this issue. 

Structurally, the way that the text forms neatly around the outline of the image creates an aesthetic creativity, showing that the individual sections have converged to establish cohesion. 

Another trait is that the headings do not have wit or puns and simply states the name of the artist being addressed. This allows the reader to quickly isolate the parts that interest them so that they do not feel withheld by having to read through lots of grammatical advertising.