Recently, I predicted that Cover Flow is poised to revitalize cover art design in the music industry.   While I suspect that digital music has lessened the visual aspect of music and only a few really memorable album covers have come along in recent years but I believe that Apple’s Cover Flow UI is going to cause far-reaching ripples that will, among other things, revitalize the importance of graphic design as it pertains to music.

Coincidentally, a couple of days later, I ran across Chris Smith’s cool article 23 Album Covers that Changed Everything! on Mental Floss.   I don’t necessarily agree with all of Chris’ choices but there are certainly a bunch of excellent, unforgettable records mentioned that helped shape a whole generation’s tastes in music and popular art!

That article made me think back about some of the first records I owned.   Music was a tactile thing back then — you held the LP in your hands, placed the record player needle ever-so-carefully on the outer ring of that big ol’ slab of vinyl, and marveled at the creativity of the album cover & liner notes design while the music seeped into your soul.   Okay, okay, maybe that seems a little deep but music was a truly special thing back in my formative teens.   I still love music now, but it just seemed more substantial & eventful back in the analog days of vinyl.   Records weren’t just something you listened to — they were something you escaped into.

Here are just a few of the memorable LPs that Dede & I listened to that changed our worlds:

Boston's self-titled album cover   Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album cover   Billy Joel's "Glass Houses" album cover
Journey's "Escape" album cover   Loverboy's "Get Lucky" album cover   REO Speedwagon's "You Can Tune a Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish" album cover


What’re some of the LPs that left an indelible mark on you, both for their memorable artwork and music?   Or do you recall what your first record album was?   Post a comment & share your story!
 

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