Press photos are a requirement for marketing purposes, but some are greater than others. After noticing a few that I thought went beyond the bare minimum, I compiled a list of my favorites. I’m obviously focusing on recent stuff, but here we go:

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10:

Voxtrot
The timing and lighting on this is cool. Nice idea, good excecution. Now they just need 3 more band members so they can spell out the whole thing.

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09:

The Grates
Both cuter and scarier than Who Framed Roger Rabit? was. Too bad the dude couldn’t find anything to occupy himself with besides staring longingly at a cartoon bluebird. Weirdo. Don’t miss the photoshoped shadow for the bear. Now that takes like 5 seconds of work. Bravo!

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08:

The Decemberists
I’m pretty sure this is just an average shot of The Decemberists getting some R&R on a day off. Somehow before I even saw this I knew that Colin Meloy was a loudmouthed ego-centric know-it-all.

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07:

Man Man
I’m honestly not a fan of their music, but there is something eerily primitive about barechestedly attempting to skewer your lead singer with a freshly carved spear. Marvelous.

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06:

Les Savy Fav
If there was a boombox in every band press photo, this list would be much longer than 10.

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05:

The Knife
At least we now know who wears the tights and who wears the athletic jump suit in this family.

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04:

Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf
I’m still not quite sure which one is the rapper and which one is the dj, but I’m working on it. Charizma, R.I.P.

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03:

Modest Mouse
Probably actual evidence from the day after a drunken fit. Alcohol breaks necks, kids.

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02:

Les Savy Fav
Back again and sexier than ever. The whistful sense of regret on Tim’s face is something that cannot be conveyed without an honest emotion behind it. How true to their art do these guys have to be to perform a 4-way orgy just for the after photo? And just for you, the fans…

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01:

The Lovemakers
I can’t believe how perfect they got the lighting. It would be a nice idea with just the two lovers. It’s hot, and a commentary on the state of the couple on display. But the drummer with the camera is what makes it. Like he’s admitting that he’s just a voyeur along for the ride. And oh, what a ride!