I gave up on CDs a long time ago. Yes, I do miss reading liner notes as well as the feeling I got from flipping through CD’s at Towers (R.I.P.) but I don’t miss paying $20 for what would probably become a shiny new coaster. I also don’t miss trying to pack up my entire collection every time I’ve moved. What I do miss are great album covers. Sure, they still make them but I mostly only see them on the 2″ screen on my iPod. So in memory of those times I’d like to give you my personal favorite (not “best” or “worst”) album covers of 2008 in no particular order.
Artist: Alain Bashung Album: Bleu Pétrole
When I first saw this it reminded me of 8 ½ by Fellini. After actually looking at the movie poster I realized it didn’t. But anything that even remotely reminds me of Federico Fellini is worth listing.
Artist: Anathallo Album: Canopy Glow
Iamatree from Duxbury, MA had this to say about this cover on emusic.com: “could this possibly be the worst album cover of 2008????????” The cover is actually Tim Lowly’s “Temma on Earth.” But if you’re like Iamatree you probably won’t care.
Artist: Grouper Album: Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill
This is just creepy.
Artist: Lil Wayne Album: The Drought is Over Vol 6
I have a love/hate relationship with Little Dewayne and I feel the same way about this cover. I love that someone went through all this work for a mixtape (1 of about 20 that he put out this year) but I hate it for the same reason. It’s so silly it’s cool and so cool it’s silly.
Artist: William Fitzsimmons Album: The Sparrow And The Crow
That is a magnificent beard. It only becomes more magnificent when you hear him sing out of it.
Artist: Wild Sweet Orange Album: We Have Cause to Be Uneasy
This cover is kind of cute, kind of sad, kind of funny and considering the album title, wholly appropriate.
Artist: The Twilight Sad Album: Here, It Never Snowed. Afterwards It Did
Anyone that saw my list from last year will remember this band. According to Amazon.com their next album ” Killed My Parents & Hit the Road” will be released on December 30, 2008. That day is also my birthday. Coincidence? Probably.
Artist: Pipsqueak Album: BABYDOLL
Do I really even need to say anything about this one?
Artist: MC Chris Album: MC Chris is Dead
With the track record of retired rappers staying retired I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear of mc chris and even if he really is “dead” by the looks of this cover I’m sure he’ll be back.
Artist: Sigur Ros Album: Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
This is actually an image by Ryan McGinley. McGinleys’ show, I Know Where the Summer Goes, is a series of normal looking naked people doing normal things like grocery shopping, climbing trees, swimming, riding bikes, running across highways etc. etc. Definitely worth checking out.
