"Miscellany" looks at packaging strategies. One section considers how the covers of the band Chicago had a similar theme. Other sections consider examples where the musicians themselves designed the packaging, and other packaging that was censored.
"Portfolio's" takes a look at eight designers and small individual portfolios of each. These are: Roger Dean, Rick Griffin, John Kosh, Jon Van Hamersveld, Pacific Eye and Ear, Rod Dyer, Hipgnosis, and Jon Pasche.
"Devices & Disguises" takes a look at alternatives to the standard motifs of photographic or illustrative covers. These are designs where there is an extra flap, as with The Who's Tommy, or sleeves that you could play with, such as with Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin III.
Album Cover Album is a trip down memory lane. For those who remember the era of the vinyl record, the covers sometimes meant just as much as the music itself. In today's world of the CD and small format, it is just not the same.
This book is a must-have for anyone who listened to music of the sixties or seventies. For those who lived through the time, you will find the covers a reminder of long-lost memories. The book is sized to that of an album cover and was a pleasure to read. If you like music, like artwork, or like album covers, I very highly recommend this book.
Article comments
1 - Paul Burke - Author Journey Home
One of the things I miss from the days of albums - the big cover art. In those days there was a link to the audio experience with the visual. You'll never see something like the inside cover of Eat A Peach Again! For me the creative process should contain as many elements as possible. Combining the audio with a visual experience is an enhancement that serves us all very well.
Paul Burke
Author-Journey Home