This is my list for the best album covers of all time. I’m ready for challengers.
1. “Revolver,” The Beatles
Everyone says “Sgt. Pepper” has the best cover, but I love the simple pen and ink drawings of the Fab Four combined with the photo collage. It was very “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” before Monty Python even existed.
2. “Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd
Cover designer Storm Thorgerson said the photo, shot by Aubrey Powell and Peter Christopherson was taken on the Warner Bros. lot. He wrote that the guy is actually on fire—he’s wearing an asbestos wig and an asbestos suit. Which one is more dangerous–the fire or the suit?
3. “Nevermind,” Nirvana
A naked baby swimming after a dollar on a fish hook. Can you think of any other image that sums up what Nirvana was railing against?
4. “Sticky Fingers,” The Rolling Stones
The original vinyl version has an actual zipper. That is beyond cool.
5. “janet.,” Janet Jackson
I think the turn to simplicity in the music of this album and its sensual side is reflected in the cover.
6. “Appetite for Destruction,” Guns ‘N’ Roses
I’m talking about the cover everyone has–not the one that was banned. I remember thinking it was so cool that there were cartoon skulls made to look like the different members. It had such an impression on me that I made my own Play-Doh imitation.
7. “Pink Moon,” Nick Drake
Is this an album cover or a Salvador Dali? Love the surrealism.
8. “Led Zeppelin III,” Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin had a few interactive covers, but this one was my favorite because you could spin the wheel around and around. It was very entertaining for a 7-year-old.
9. “Chutes Too Narrow,” The Shins
Like a children’s storybook, this is the only CD art that I really think stands up. It folds out into a whole scene.
10. “London Calling,” The Clash
This cover is a spin on Elvis Presley’s debut, using the same color scheme, but with Paul Simonon smashing his bass onstage. Coincidence? I think not.
Am I totally off base? What are your favorites?