At a time when listeners increasingly download or upload songs, creating personal playlists on MP3 players and I-Pods, the art of packaging music seems to be fading away. But, for more than 50 years, musicians have released their work inside brilliantly-designed packages that made an important statement about their music and style. Look at the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Band, for example—just one of the 500 memorable images in this amazing collection, all chosen by a panel of 50 experts and each accompanied by enlightening commentary. Among the choices: the brilliantly psychedelic and way-out art from the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request; Peter Tosh’s fiery cover for Bush Doctor; and the somewhat demented-looking prom queen on Hole’s Live Through This album. From rock to pop, jazz to blues, these are all artistically, stylistically, and culturally significant in their own way, and will undoubtedly spark a debate with fans around the world.
ThomasDC
Posted June 12, 2009
Where to start...this book was the biggest disappointment ever. First, as a music lover (of all kinds) and an LP collection alone of over 5,000, I grew up starting at age 1 collecting records (45's) anb by age 6 had moved to LP's.
The breakout by decade is the only good part to this book.
For the '50s, the authors missed the wonderful Command Records covers, they did do some Blue Note covers, but the most famous are by Reid Miles covers (who worked for Esquire magazine)-non of his were there.
The 60's-where to start what was wrong.First, if it wasn't the Beatles or Stones forget it, that is the majority of the work. For rock, they ignored some of the classic album covers-All Globe Progaganda artwork (Quicksilver, It's a Beautiful Day), Moody Blues,none represented, Jeff Airplane (Crown of Creation), witht the exception of Sgt Pepper and Let It Bleed, the '60s covers were anything on what I would call "the best" or evem memorable.
70's- No Bowie "Diamond Dogs, instead Bowie covers from his Berlin period, not the best. Forget punk, somehow Ian Durry and the Blockheads was not the best punk cover ever released. The selection of Candy-O as opposed to the first Cars cover is an odd choice...and I can go on.
Also, no mention of "dance or disco" for the '70's, Donna Summer should have had some recognition, if noone else.
The 80's: I will commend them on New Order and the first Joy Division's first cover but nothing else. The '80s was just plain pathetic as were the '90s.
I have othere books of album covers which I thought were lacking in some respects (One exception the "Blue Note Cover Art", it is the best); but this book honestly, just plan sucks. Do not waist your time or money on this alleged "best collection"
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2012
Not for kids or dont leave laying around for young kids to see
Has quite a few naked pics not appropiate
Anonymous
Posted July 29, 2009
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Posted December 7, 2009
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Posted June 21, 2009
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Overview
At a time when listeners increasingly download or upload songs, creating personal playlists on MP3 players and I-Pods, the art of packaging music seems to be fading away. But, for more than 50 years, musicians have released their work inside brilliantly-designed packages that made an important statement about their music and style. Look at the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Band, for example—just one of the 500 memorable images in this amazing collection, all chosen by a panel of 50 experts and each ...