I actually cannot think of any post-hard copy albums that had really memorable artwork as the covers. The packaging of the release was part of the artwork, including the music. One big cohesive product. I was almost about to post all the Crass covers, but there are too many of them. The more I looked at, the more I kept thinking Banksy owes Gee Vaucher some money.

 

Not to derail this topic, but surely this is a pisstake? I mean black metal is fairly easy to take the piss out of, but still... that's not a redo, not a homage, not a parody, that's the exact same picture.

Spoiler

Darkthrone - Transilvanian Hunger

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2025

Many of the Descendents album covers were variation line-drawing pictures of Milo, their "frontman", and their singer. Like Milo Goes to College, he is wearing a tie. Without 2 of them, it doesn't make any sense.

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2025

I dig these

 

Honestly I like almost everything posted so far. Album art is a vast and criminally underappreciated genre.

 

This was such a milestone. One of the first gatefolds, a visual concept that tied into the music, I think maybe the first rock album to print lyrics? This cover was a watershed moment.

 

Here are some more:

 

Both sides of Cream's Disraeli Gears (1967)

 

With working zip ......

 

Two amongst many others...

 

The Ruts - The Crack (1979)
As well as loving every track on the album, it was fun trying to spot the celebrities in the painting. I found Bill Wyman, John Lydon, Jimmy Pursey, Pete and Dud, John Peel, Gary Numan, Rat Scabies, Captain Sensible, Patrick Moore and Jimi Hendrix.
See if you can recognise any others.


It's Henry Rollins favourite album of all time. He even owns the original artwork.

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2025

Wipers - Is This Real? (1980)

Split Enz - I Got You on (1980)

 

Original cover

 

this, but WAIT, let me explain... This was also printed on physical disc itself, so I've never listened to it.

 

Ol’ Dirty Bastard: Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version

 

Parliament: Mothership Connection