The Chemistry of Common Life was just awarded the 2009 [Polaris Music Prize](http://www.polarismusicprize.ca). Obviously, the Polaris is based on musical achievement not graphic design, but when an album achieves this kind of recognition, the graphics may take on new significance in our cultural vocabulary; our consumption of music and imagery are so intimately entwined. While not exactly a stand out on its own, Chemistry’s cover serves the music well. The type is stripped down and no nonsense, and the photo sets just the right tone – manic, slightly eerie and melancholic, but still hopeful. Graphics aside, the album was rewarded for successfully pushing the boundaries of hardcore punk, one of the most stylistically entrenched genres in popular music. If nothing else, surely there’s a lesson in this.