I remember seeing this one in a used CD store and thinking that was pretty bad. Especially then how it had to be censored as a black cover with just the triangle of the flag bikini on the front. Anymore I don't see how that is real offensive or graphic. Stupid and pointless, yeah I can see that!9. Cosmo's Factory - Creedence Clearwater Revival:
This always cracked me up when I had this on cassette. Yes a real cassette! Is it supposed to be like someone walked in on the guys and took a quick snapshot? This is probably their best album with the most hits. But the cover just doesn't make any sense.8. Get A Grip - Aerosmith:
So are we supposed to get a grip on a cow teet? Branding a cow with the Aerosmith logo would be cool but a cow with a pierced nipple is strange. I can imagine the long nights they stayed up trying to think up something get for this kick ass album. Hmm I have pierced nipples, why couldn't a cow did it?! Come on! Get a grip!7. Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out - The Rolling Stones:
For being so expressionless in any concert footage I have ever seen of the Rolling Stones, Charlies Watts seems way too overjoyed to be walking down a road with a donkey. The donkey doesn't seem as impressed. For their first big live album release, they could have represented this moment much better. Instead, they made themselves look like asses.
6. Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin:
Led Zeppelin has some of the coolest album art ever. I just never understood this one. I had to do some research to find out that it is inspired by the ending of Arthur C Clarke's novel Childhood's End. I still don't see how that ties into the album at all. Although I think at this stage, maybe they were looking for more shock value on their covers to sorta give the middle finger to the industry. I don't get it but it is still my favorite LZ album.
5. Kiss Alive - Kiss:
This is supposed to represent the spectacle that was their live shows. It just looks extremely staged. They could have tried a little harder to get a real concert shot from one of their shows. I know Kiss is over the top but they aren't exactly fake. This shot makes them look fake.4. Who's Next - The Who:
This one seems to get alot of praise. To me it is just a couple of guys pretending to have pissed on a concrete structure. I used to believe them all that this was so cool but really it isn't anything that great. The album is awesome if not underrated. The art way overrated!3. Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles:
Ok, here is a tough time for me, finding fault in something from the Beatles. But come on, this was isn't anywhere near the level of their other art. It is over the top and corny. This was just another representation of their downward slide after Brian's death. They became unpolished and without discipline. I just have never liked looking at this cover, it isn't The Beatles!2. 1984 - Van Halen:
Maybe this was a childhood photo of David Lee Roth? That is probably the only way this makes any sense. Maybe they were trying to show how rebels can be good guys too. I don't know, I am not an art major. This was quite a different direction from their previous cover art. Maybe there is more too it but I never liked it.1. Metallica (Black Album)- Metallica:
Ok first it has been done, maybe in a different color but done. Then this particular version reminds most of Spinal Tap. Not a good way to be considered a serious metal band. This marked the beginning of a string of lackluster covers from a dark band previously using alot of symbolism on their covers. I never quite understood the little embossed snake in the corner either.Honorable Mention:
Breakfast in America - Supertramp:
I wonder if that lady regrets it now?
Electriclarryland - Butthole Surfers:
Is it weird that I was always more disturbed by the two eyes sitting on the side of his face?
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John:
How did anyone not know he was gay?
Hefty Fine - Bloodhound Gang:
Nobody wants to see that!
Stay Hungry - Twisted Sister:
I think I lost my appetite.
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2 comments:
A question posed? With the advent of IPOD and music sharing. Will artists release cover art or full albums in the future? I don't know the answer. Just thought I'd ask.
Oh good list and good overall presentation.
This has been talked about alot. I've read some using it as a reason people will still buy vinyl because that is the best medium for cover art. I think it isnt as important anymore although I would take the position that it is still in the forefront because Apple upgraded their IPods to show coverart and have a coverflow viewing system in ITunes. And still when i am listening to it the covers catch my eye. But maybe that is because I grew up in part of the hard copy music area when we did notice cover art. Sometimes the albums on Itunes have a PDF of the CD Booklet but it is not very pratical to read. hmm i should have just made a blog entry about this instead of this long rambling comment.
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