The Kim Deal thread evolved into a nonsense racism discussion; but one relevant aspect was 'does a band need to cultivate their image'?

I would argue to varying degrees it's important. It's important because a live show is dependent on all one's senses being stimulated. It's important that a band communicates a message with their album cover. If Kim Deal looked and dressed like Britney Spears I may tend to dismiss her even if it's on a subconscious level. And it can work in the reverse. Although I thought the Bravery's live act was fair, it seemed as though their outfits were so 'indie' it appeared contrived. And then again, with this new Silver Joos record I got I wouldn't care if they all dressed in Barney the Dinosaur costumes. *shrugs*

Of Sound and Vision, DiScuss the vision part of the equation.