100 Obscure and Remarkable CD Covers
While recording artists and bands are busy recording their albums, a separate effort is usually being made behind the scenes to plan for the launch, promotion and circulation of the new tracks. The creation of CD cover art is an intergral part of this process.
Some CD covers feature heavily edited and airbrushed vanity photos of the musicians or recording artists. Thankfully, others are much more creative and work to create a cover image that reflects the mood, attitude or feel of the music it promotes. The most striking designs are those that capture both a buyer’s attention and the essense of the music.
The CD cover art designs and concepts featured in this showcase present dramatic, quirky, unusual or unique artwork. This type of cover art can make a big difference when a little-known band releases an album. Captivating or iconic cover art can make a band instantly recognizable, which increases sales, which in turn boosts airplay and subsequently demand for the music. Mainstream marketing is rarely this attractive, and the wide variety of beautiful CD cover art makes browsing CDs an enjoyable experience that reaches far beyond the music.
It must be noted that a collection of this nature is never complete, and the value of art is very personal and subjective. While we may love the familiar cover art of some classic favourites because we love the bands and the music, a critical look at the cover art can often be a disappointment. For the purposes of this cross-section of remarkable and obscure cd cover art we have chosen to ignore the musical genius of the albums in favor of showcasing brilliant cover art.
You may also enjoy this previous article:
- 35 Beautiful Music Album Covers
- Billboard Top 40 Design Showcase, which highlights recording artists’ Web sites
100 Obscure and Remarkable CD Covers
Rush – Power Windows (1985)
This strange cover seems to be showing a mirrored world, where we sit and watch a window, surrounded by televisions.
Osaka Popstar – Rock’em O-Sock’em Live! (2008)
This gruesome cover is meant to be humorous, but may err on the side of bizarre. What look to be dollish little men have lost their heads, and perhaps some sales opportunities as well.
Neutral Milk Hotel – The Aeroplane Over The Sea (1998)
Vintage-looking and abstract, this beautiful coverart begs for an explaination.
Tool – Ænima (1996)
One of many brilliant cover art designs for Tool, this one is also a stunning optical illusion.
King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
The street-art feel of this cover art is both comical and slightly unsettling.
Electric Light Orchestra – Out Of The Blue (1977)
This ELO cover art is classic and unforgettable.
Jerry Goodman – Ariel (1986)
Who doesn’t love flying fish? This cover art is confusing without being annoying. Someone might pick up this CD just to try to figure out what is going on with the cover.
Daydreamer – Dialogue (2008)
Bold slpashes of gold and red are used on this cd cover, which features a clever typography image. Haunting eyes peek out from beyond a mass of golden words that serve as hair.
Nick Drake – Pink Moon (1992)
A little bit of everything was thrown into this odd but intriguing cover art.
Iron and Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog (2007)
Pop art is featured on thie cd cover. Bright colors and an abstract image are combined to create something visually stunning.
The Mars Volta – Frances the Mute (2005)
This cover art photo is organized confusion that might make would-be listeners curious about the music.
Pixies – Doolittle (1990)
With a name like Pixies, you might expect sweet, innocent looking cover art. This is not the case.
Mimo – Hello Let’s Be Friends
Like a trainwreck, it may be hard to look away from this cover. An alien-esque creature would like to be your friend. Would you pass it up?
The Roots – Things Fall Apart (1999)
This album was released with five different covers, each depicting a social disaster. The most striking of the five, seen here, shows African American teenagers being chased down a street in Brooklyn during the Civil Rights era.
Rivermaya – Buhay (2008)
The art on this cd cover is a bit perplexing. The mostly monochromatic design comes to life with a pop of red and yellow. As the eye is drawn into the picture, the oddities become evident.
Unkle – Never, Never Land (2003)
The hand-drawn art on this cover is stark, simple and unique.
Story of the Year – Page Avenue (2003)
The title and art on this cover work beautifully together.
The Mothers of Invention – Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1988)
The cover art of this cd colorfully mocks the title.
Circa Survive – Juturna (2005)
This moody cover art grabs attention and doesn’t let it go.
Matt Elliott – Howling Songs (2008)
This strange, scary and truly original cover captures attenton and perfectly reflect the music’s essence (experimental rock and folk).
Circa Survive – On Letting Go (2007)
Two years later, Circa Survive released a new album with this cover, which seems caught between a dream and a nightmare
Thom Yorke – The Eraser (2006)
This cover, with it’s simple black, white and red hand-drawn design, is captivating.
Black Light Burns – Cruel Melody (2007)
Taking a more classical route on this cover art, Black Light Burns manages to catch a browser’s eye.
KMFDM – Hau Ruck (2005)
Harsh, abrupt, and loud, this KMFDM cover art gets in your face.
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Some say no collection of cover art is worth mentioning without this cover.
As Cities Burn – Hell or High Water (2008)
Both Hell and high water make their appearance in this album cover by As Cities Burn, and the heavy relief styling mated with macabre humor do well to quickly catch your eye.
Bring Me the Horizon – Count Your Blessings (2006)
Good photographic composition draws the viewer’s eye to the little girl immediately in this cover from Bring Me the Horizon, only to then take it on a tour all over the picture.
Deftones – Deftones (2003)
Relaxed and friendly typography tops this self-titled album’s cover art, while perfectly over-contrasted colors surround the skull in the center. This cover stands out anywhere.
Massive Attack – Mezzanine (1998)
The idea of such a limited color scheme and so much white space may seem boring on paper, but the execution of this album’s cover art was flawless and the image has been burned to memory for millions of fans world-wide ever since.
Frank Zappa – Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1995)
This cover combines a silly title with a Swedish-looking font and an imaginatively simple drawing that, once we’ve read the title, really does look like a drowning witch and a ship’s keel.
Toad the Wet Sprocket – Coil (1997)
This album cover, while very full of activity, manages to pull off a gorgeous, monochromatic glow that draws the reader in from the start.
The Rippingtons – Modern Art (2009)
While the typography on this cd cover could be much better, the “cool cat” and his art seem to make up for it.
The Van Buren Regulars – 14 Minutes ’till 3 (2007)
Beautiful lighting and a good setting make the photograph in this cover art perfect for what it’s been used for. The title of the album serves as a seat to the band-name and the reader feels relaxed, as though peering over the railing and looking down the stairwell like a child might.
Norma Jean – O God the Aftermath (2005)
Like viral marketing, Norma Jean’s album is made to stop a browser in their tracks and force them to wonder what happened on the cover. Did somebody write on it? Is this a used cd? This kind of extended attention is exactly what album art should get.
Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
Warm and grungy, this cd cover art also captures a tinge of teenage angst.
Lemon Jelly – Lost Horizons (2002)
Looking for a lost horizon is exactly what the viewer winds up doing when looking at this album cover, due to the flow given it by the artist.
Out of Enemies – Into the Darkness (2009)
Good use of artist rendering here shows a surrealistic scene in modern manga-style illustration. We don’t know what’s in the woods, or why the hero needs to enter. We just know he’s Out of Enemies.
The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (1988)
This cd cover art is unique and interesting, and with a pink robot, how could they lose?
Adagio – Archangels in Black (2009)
Dark and moody, this cover art composition was designed to highlight key features. Mystery and anquish draw the listener to this cover.
The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation (1995)
Sepultura – Roots (1996)
Hot colors with a tribal infusion decorate this cd cover. The disconnect between the head and neck make this image even more interesting.
Junkyard – The Birthday Party (1982)
This cd cover art is macabre and humorous at the same time. There is a little bit of everything in the image, and with each look one might see something that went unnoticed before.
Caged
A budding artist created this image in hope that it would be used as cd cover art. It’s frightening and striking at the same time. The two faces could represent may things and may make an excellent cover image for the right band..
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero (single, 2009)
Some covers totally mess with your mind. This is one of them. The bright blue eye seems to be staring out from a pair of shiny red lips. This is an unexpected composition, to say the least, and has helped propel the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s from unknown independents to household names.
Muse – Origin of Symmetry (2001)
Anew Revolution – Rise (2008)
This cd cover art is simple and basic, yet incredibly striking. The edges look charred already, while a hand holds a match in the foreground. While the overall color scheme is subdued, even cold, the flame is embellished to give the illusion of heat.
Further Seems Forever – Hide Nothing (2004)
Matching the cover in metaphor to the name of the band is a common trick in album art, but the more abstract the band-name the more difficult it becomes to accomplish. This cover managed to do pretty well in its attempt.
Eagles of Death Metal – Heart On (2008)
A startling image, front and center on this cd cover commands attention. The red and black contrast also serve to draw eyes. However, a human heart clenched in a fist may be a bit too strong, and many potential listeners may keep walking.
Ninja Academy – bra’ka dOm (2005)
Ninjas are rarely seen, and conjoined-twin ninjas are even more of a rarity. The pair gaze into a crystal ball in an attempt to determine if this cover art will be of any interest to potential listeners.
The Gossip – Live in Liverpool (2008)
This cover is simple, bold and effectively conveys the message in an instant. The dirty laundry pictured is a clever play off the band’s name.
More Skin With Milk-Mouth – Giraffes? Giraffes? (2007)
Nothing seems to make sense here, yet it works on this cd cover. More flying fish, an invasion of ladybugs and a Roman statue all fit together in this intriguing, colorful mess.
Alpha Rev – The Greatest Thing I’ve Ever Learned (2008)
Another approach to grunge is seen in this cd cover artwork that succesfully combines a retro feeling and a modern touch.
Cuerpo Meridian – 69 (2006)
The artwork here is so beautifully abstract that we hardly notice the psuedo-twins crouching at the bottom. A deeper look reveals more embedded messages within this cd cover.
RIDE! – The Last of the Bad Men (2008)
This is another example of simple, yet striking cd cover design. Colors and effects were expertly applied to create artwork that is stunning enough for a frame, yet is used to promote another form of art instead.
faux pas’ – europa (never released)
This interesting cd cover brings the unexpected into the artwork. While not conventionally attractive, it is interesting and worth a closer look.
Systemania – I Say Yeah (2007)
Black with white and red usually make for a stunning visual combo. This cd cover uses black and white photography with red accents to create a masterpiece.
Mark Cool & the Folk Stars (2007)
This charming folk-art cover works perfectly for this folk music cd.
Destruction – Release from Agony (1988)
This cs cover has more creep factor than a vintage horror flick, yet is strangely fascinating.
Coldplay – Viva LaVida (2008)
A vintage French battleground is the scene for this cd cover. Smear and splatter bring it to life.
Motorhead – Orgasmatron (2006)
A cd cover that could inspire nightmares is not quickly forgotten. This Motorhead cd cover features an image that makes an impact.
A Perfect Circle – Mer de Noms (2000)
Simple and elegant artwork can also make a great cd cover. This design is particularly attractive because all of the elements work together perfectly to create a memorable and uncluttered cover.
Arcade Fire – Funeral (2004)
Completely vintage in appearance, this Arcade Fire cd cover art is nearly monochromatic and simplistic in design.
Arcade Fire (2005)
The creative use of typography and white space sets this cover art apart.
Evanescence – The Open Door (2006)
A moody and romantic tone is set with this cd cover art design. The mystery lies on the other side of the door.
The Postal Service – Give Up (2003)
This extremely simple cd cover design is also extremely memorable and effective. Soft focus on the background photo give the cover an understated elegance.
Bjork – Medulla (2004)
Bjork covers are generally extremely eye-catching. Rather than straight glamour shots, her cover art generally reflects a unique style that is all her own.
Bjork – Wanderlust (2008)
Bjork – Cocoon 2 (single, 2002)
Cocteau Twins – Treasure (1991)
The music on this album has been described as sensual and timeless, and the cover art also falls in line with that description. Its simplicity allows it to withstand the test of time.
Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)
The music on this album is about machines dehumanizing people, and the cover art seems to touch on the speed and technology of modern life.
Radiohead – In Rainbows (2007)
Taking the rainbow theme to task, the artist used an interesting background and multi-colored text with random keystrokes inserted to create this cover art.
She Wants Revenge (2005)
This self-titled album made a splash with this striking cover art.
Wet
Striking and self-explanatory, this cd cover art stands out in a crowd.
Shoutin’ – Don Wilkerson (1963)
Classic art from the Miles Davis era, when great cover art was in its infancy.
New Order – Blue Monday (1988)
New Order departed from its usual style of cover art in favor of this symbolic design for Blue Monday.
Hard-Fi – Once Upon a Time in the West (2007)
A new approach to cover art from Hard-Fi. This is pretty self-explanatory.
Fucked Up – Year of the Rat b/w First Born (2009)
The combination of the image, colors and use of white space make this cover hard to resist.
Pixies – Come on Pilgrim (1987)
This bold and shocking imagery appeared on the cover of the Pixies’ 2003 release, Come on Pilgrim.
Supertramp – Breakfast in America (1979)
Classic cover art no collector should be without.
Orbital – In Sides (1996)
Chaotic and colorful cover art decorated the cover of this Orbital cd.
Baroness – The Red Album (1988)
This gorgeous cover art was created by Baroness lead singer John Dyer Baizley. Baizley does all of the band’s artwork and has also worked on art for other bands.
The Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
The cover art on this cd looks vintage, but was produced for the 1995 release of this much-loved album.
The Beatles – Revolver (1966)
This album took place during confusing time for the Beatles, when they were in a state of flux and trying many new things; this cover art conveys the idea of just that.
Pink Floyd – The Darkside of the Moon (1973)
Voted and declared on many lists internationally as the greatest album cover art in history, The Darkside of the Moon stands the test of time as it’s still wildly popular in its simplicity.
Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Joy Division, being known for their commitment to music, as well as being very dark, are personified in this very minimalistic cover.
Chevelle – Wonder What’s Next (2002)
This cover shows a glass of milk crashing to the floor, the title Wonder What’s Next leads the reader to think of the proverb.
Devin Townsend – Ziltoid the Omniscient (2007)
This extremely humorous cover mimics classic sci-fi B-movies. Someone browsing the record store might stop just to see if it’s a misplaced DVD. Covers like this serve to pique curiosity, and often succeed.
Keane – Under the Iron Sea (2006)
Using the old imagery of the “Iron Horse” in this cover, Keane manages to make both the name of the album and the cover art flow together as a complimentary pair.
Lee Morgan – The Rumproller (1965)
Using extreme distortion on the typography in this cover art causes the reader to pause and pay attention, only to be greeted by the full artist and album information off to the side.
Marylin Manson – Mechanical Animals (1998)
Always one for shock value, Marylin Manson made sure he would grab eyeballs with this album cover; the cover was so effective that it had to be altered just to be taken off ban-lists.
Menomena – Friend or Foe (2007)
This clever album cover actually housed a several-disc set, and depending on which disc was placed in front, the art would change accordingly, with the disc number visible in the strange being’s hand.
The Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols (1977)
Always out to make a statement, the Sex Pistols used this album cover to not only get a laugh out all who came across it, but also to raise brand-awareness. If you’re going to self-title an album, this is a good way to go about doing it.
Tiger Lou – Partial Print (2008)
Typography carries this with creative vignetting, as Tiger Lou catches the reader’s attention instantly.
Beck – The Information (2006)
The album was issued with a blank sleeve and booklet and one of four different sheets of stickers for fans to make their own album art. Beck explained to Wired magazine he wanted no two copies of the CD cover to be the same: “The artwork is going to be customizable. The idea is to provide something that calls for interactivity.” However, because the unique album art concept was seen as a gimmick to bolster retail sales, The Information was deemed ineligible to enter the UK Albums Chart.
Opeth – Ghost Reveries (2005)
Opeth wants to haunt you in this album cover, to make you stop and think, and wonder. It’s hard not to, as it’s very artistically done so as to draw your attention.
Sila – Imza (2008)
Normally a photo shoot of the artist winds up somewhat plain; Sila does things differently in this shot, as it barely looks real. The feathers reminds us more of a cinematic trailer for a fantasy movie or video game, the brightness draws us into the center where her eyes anchor the canvas.
The Darkness – One Way Ticket to Hell… And Back (2005)
Wraparound covers, while not quite rare, aren’t common either. So when a good one comes up, it’s always a nice thing to see, and this one is simply amazingly well done.
The Who – Then and Now (2004/2006)
This album art showcases the fact that The Who have been around since before most of us were born. The vintage styling makes every piece of information “pop” and the whole thing comes together to look like a concert poster.
Tool – 10,000 Days (2006)
While the cover itself is not amazing, it’s what Tool have done with the packaging that makes it worth a mention. Tool raised the bar with digipacks by including a set of stereoscope glasses to view the accompanying artwork.
The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s – It’s Blitz (2009)
Doing what they do best, the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s give another great example of how to turn heads. Upon seeing this, most everyone tends to stop and look.
Therapix
May 13th, 2009 2:14 pmObscure indeed! I love the one from Keane, Under the Iron See.
the Marylin Manson one is definetly a classic.
The DIY kit from Beck was clever.
Yey! F1rst!
cabezaBomba
May 13th, 2009 2:23 pmHAHAHAHA!!!! TOOL’s “ANEMIA”!!! …LOL… they should eat more!!!
tony
May 13th, 2009 2:24 pmWhere’s Aphew Twin ?
Hezi
May 13th, 2009 2:28 pmCool! some of my all time fav albums are on that list.
ROCK ON!
Milos
May 13th, 2009 2:34 pmThis is freeeeaking aawwweeesome collection! SM ROCKS!
Squire Suzuki
May 13th, 2009 2:36 pmAs soon as I saw the list title, I knew that the Aenima album from Tool would be on. All these are amazing!
brian
May 13th, 2009 2:51 pmWhere’s Abbey Road?
Where’s the Beatles self-titled (white) album
Where’s Nevermind?
Where’s In Utero
Where’s
Where’s
Where’s . . .
hahah,
ad nauseum
anyway, “It must be noted that a collection of this nature is never complete, and the value of art is very personal and subjective.”
so, yes.
you guys are safe
good job!
Ryan
May 13th, 2009 2:52 pmNice list, save a few. (Steve Vai? Really?) I would have liked to have seen some more Blue Note covers, though.
David
May 13th, 2009 3:04 pmWhere’s Matt Elliott’s “Howling Songs”? Awesomest cover art EVER.
Paul
May 13th, 2009 3:09 pmGood to see Muse there ^_^
Anyone know what font is used on the “Sila – Imza” cover?
Peter Greathead
May 13th, 2009 3:20 pmOn the Zappa cover, it should be “ship’s bow approaching the witch’s hat.” The ship’s keel is underwater.
Schmoopsy
May 13th, 2009 3:23 pmWhat a great collection! Thanks!
cavale
May 13th, 2009 3:30 pmthe mimo link is just a link to some guys myspace.
here’s the actual link:
http://www.myspace.com/mimo_tv
abraham
May 13th, 2009 3:36 pmWhat about Zeitgeist by Smashing Pumpkins?
Berk Gün
May 13th, 2009 3:39 pmYou should totally check this photographer out if you liked Sıla’s album cover shot.
http://mehmeturgut.deviantart.com/
John Turner
May 13th, 2009 3:40 pmI like Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” Pic
Soh Tanaka
May 13th, 2009 4:13 pmthe Shapeshifters album is cool too: http://betterpropaganda.com/images/artwork/The_ShapeShifters_Was_Here-ShapeShiftersX_The_480.jpg
Pedro Melo
May 13th, 2009 4:25 pmThe Van Buren Regulars – 14 Minutes ’till 3, kind of a alternative view from one far better.Talking about “Swing the heartache: the BBC sessions”, by Bauhaus.
And well, “i care because you do” – Aphex Twin, “Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun” – Dead can Dance, and actually, most of the 4AD editions, along with all those alternative 80′s record companies….but that’s me ;)
santi banks
May 13th, 2009 4:35 pmI really miss a cover from porcupine tree in the list. There are really some great covers. Check out lightbulb sun, in absentia (the guy on the cover is the actual creator of the cover) or fear of a blank planet. Especially the last one freaks people out though its only a boy in blue light.
Also need for inclusion is a cover from Genesis. Their early albums have beautiful painted covers and resemble the stories in the song well. Same as with the early albums of Marillion who are also painted (but in a very different style).
And as someone commented earlier, the Bitches Brew album from Miles Davis is very good too.
Dream Theater have some nice covers aswell.
chase
May 13th, 2009 4:56 pmwhat about the strokes room on fire, or their album is this it.
Nouman Saleem
May 13th, 2009 5:04 pmDeath leprosy: link
Cole
May 13th, 2009 5:31 pmSorry, but lots of largely uninspired covers amidst this 100 (some classics though) and couldn’t help but feel that many were chosen for their music rather than the quality or merit of their design.
BTW they’re album covers not CD covers! Lots of these were released on LP (vinyl) and would originally have been designed for that format.
/pedant ;)
Nels
May 13th, 2009 5:50 pmIt should be noted that Osaka Popstar’s “Rock’em O-Sock’em Live!” album art is an homage to The Garbage Pail Kids Link. And Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown Could also be seen as a reference to “The Watchmen”.
Points for including Frances the Mute by The Mars Volta.
Joe Brightwell
May 13th, 2009 5:53 pmFully agree with Cole. The music genres tend to be biased towards rock n roll and metal as well.
Jill_Ion
May 13th, 2009 6:26 pmSince when is Power Windows, Out of the Blue, Anema, or 10000 Days obscure?
Matt Chandler
May 13th, 2009 6:45 pmApparently I was suffering from the delusion that Rush, Tool, Beck and The Who were something less than “obscure.”
Good collection nonetheless.
RickO
May 13th, 2009 6:57 pmWith all the gothic covers here, I’m surprised there’s no mention of the cover from Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “Brain Salad Surgery”, with art by H. R. Giger.
Jean Deeson
May 13th, 2009 7:04 pmWow, truly amazing covers!
RT
David A
May 13th, 2009 7:07 pmThis just in from somebody who, uh, was born before 1964: Junkyard’s “The Birthday Party” pays homage to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. Look him up. He created some classic art in the 60′s – all by hand, of course.
Thanks for the interesting collection.
Linasoner
May 13th, 2009 7:16 pmNot a single hip hop album cover. Disappointing. (Not to say that these are no good, most of them are pretty amazing)
tim
May 13th, 2009 7:23 pmYou have my favourite on here so 10 points. The King Crimson. And don’t forget when some of us bought it it was an LP cover – looks great at the large size!
varin
May 13th, 2009 7:24 pmThose “dollish little men” on the Osaka Popstar album are Garbage Pail Kids. I think that album cover is 20 or so years too late. ;)
Buri
May 13th, 2009 7:26 pmNice list – Thanks to Last.FM I recognize more than half of the list. Although, you are missing out a bunch :/
JAdams
May 13th, 2009 7:29 pmThe Zappa cover featured a drawing from the Droodles (drawing/doodle) series by Roger Price which was in the newspapers and books in the 50′s. The simple drawing illustrates the silly caption. It was big at parties many years ago. Little kids love ‘em.
Check out droodles.com
rocket
May 13th, 2009 7:37 pmthe pixies ep “come on pilgrim” was released in 1987 not 2003. please do your homework. also to the comment about the birthday party album cover “junkyard” being inspired by ed roth…it is, uh, ed roth. anyway thanks for the remarkable although by no means obscure images. great picks all around.
sKurt
May 13th, 2009 8:01 pmHey! what about Steely Dan’s first album? “Can’t Buy a Thrill” 1972
http://crocmusic.com/images/albums_large/634/steely_dan_cant_buy_a_thrill.jpg
and yes, like the guy way above said, what about x and x and y and z and all the others ;)
Steve
May 13th, 2009 8:10 pmThis seems to be a list of your favorite 100 albums, nothing to do with good cover art. What a cop-out
Matt Chandler
May 13th, 2009 8:21 pmLooked through the list again, and decided I have to amend my previous comment.
Multiple entries for Arcade Fire, Radiohead, and Bjork? What, these were just the first 100 CDs the author grabbed off her shelf?
Fail.
Jeff
May 13th, 2009 8:54 pmSeems to me the authors idea of good cover art is intrinsically linked with their taste in music. 90% this music generally fits in the same genre and has good indie cred. I would bet this collection rather mirrors the authors music collection, and I suspect more than a couple of these were added just because the music is good.
Wheres the Pop, Country, and Hip Hop cover art? Definitely underrepresented.
Joe Allison
May 13th, 2009 8:54 pmNot much in the way of obscure here. Remarkable, also questionable. Most of these don’t stand out thrown against even a dozen other pieces of cover art from their respective albums. Guess I was hoping for too much from the title. Smashing is really starting to slide of late.
A note on the Osaka Popstar cover — it’s a throwback to Garbage Pail Kids, so it’s a stretch to think that it would somehow adversely affect sales other than people crying “kitchy, but unoriginal”.
And as for this Yeah Yeah Yeahs comment:
“This is an unexpected composition, to say the least, and has helped propel the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s from unknown independents to household names.”
Unknown? Really? What CAVE are you living in? They are one of my favorite bands, but it’s hard to call you unknown when you spent the last 3 albums with your face plastered all over music magazines.
Guilherme
May 13th, 2009 9:00 pmMissing all Captain Beefheart’s covers, a few more from Zappa, the Blind Faith album cover, the Faith no More Angel Dust cover/backcover, sorry not be helpfull before.
Carlo Castillo
May 13th, 2009 9:22 pm@MattChandler, I bet the author hasn’t even heard of Rivermaya. “Buhay” (Life) is an album from a Filipino band. They actually have good stuff, if you should come across them
rocket
May 13th, 2009 9:24 pmtheres 100 album covers you could say are missing and 100 people could say the same thing and the list still wouldnt be complete. iconic album covers would be a somewhat easier task (not really). lets just enjoy that someone is showing us what they like.
Joe Hickman
May 13th, 2009 9:38 pmI really think the Job For A Cowboy and Chimaira album covers should have been on this list.
James
May 13th, 2009 9:44 pmPlease do something about the “CD” categorizing. They are ALBUM covers. Hello, Beatles, “Revolver” and, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” were originally released on vinyl. But they shouldn’t be called “Record” covers either. Albums are a collection of things, be it photos, songs, etc. So it’s more sensible to call them “Album” covers.
Just my two cents.
JDR
Rick
May 13th, 2009 9:49 pmGreat covers, but no way Sgt. Pepper is obscure!! I think you need another adjective.
yonan32
May 13th, 2009 9:51 pmif you include Postal Service’s album, then might as well give credit to their singles series which feature a very cute series of covers in cartoon/comic style
also, Keane’s singles series off “Under The Iron Sea”, which follows the same design as the album
Damien Goubeau
May 13th, 2009 10:13 pmYou can also add “King for a day” from “Faith no more” to your un-finishable list.
Loonathick
May 13th, 2009 10:26 pmBaroness “red album” is released in 2007 not in 1988. (great great great album!!!) :)
Johan
May 13th, 2009 11:08 pmAnd not even one Mastodon album cover? I would suggest their classic:
Leviathan
Cati
May 13th, 2009 11:13 pmWell, some of them are creepy indeed… but I don’t know what’s got Lemon Jelly’s cover to do with obscure…
About the UNKLE album, this is just a revamped version of the hand drawn artwork of their first album (Psyence Fiction).
And damn… I can’t believe you don’t know that the Viva La Vida “vintage french battleground” is indeed a superfamous Delacroix painting named about the French Revolution… You have it right there in wikipedia, but really, you must have seen it before…
Cati
May 13th, 2009 11:15 pmWell, some of them are creepy indeed… but I don’t know what’s got Lemon Jelly’s cover to do with obscure…
About the UNKLE album, this is just a revamped version of the hand drawn artwork of their first album (Psyence Fiction).
And damn… I can’t believe you don’t know that the Viva La Vida “vintage french battleground” is indeed a superfamous Delacroix painting named “Liberty guiding the people” about the French Revolution… You have it right there in wikipedia, but really, you must have seen it before…
(double post I think, stupid connection)
fonz
May 13th, 2009 11:16 pmYou forgot this cover cover, reminds me of that national geographic picture
Niels Matthijs
May 13th, 2009 11:17 pmSome decent covers here, but by all means … obscure ??
http://www.entity.be/entity/releases/NTT041.jpg
http://www.entity.be/entity/releases/NTT033.jpg
http://www.entity.be/entity/releases/NTT032.jpg
And these are only just from one netlabel …
Kaloyan Ivanov
May 13th, 2009 11:22 pmWe should mention the artists behind those covers. One of the best is Travis Smith (presented here by at least 2 album covers): http://www.seempieces.com/display.php. Another name worth mentioning is Andreas Marschall.
Great list. Thank you!
dani_janev
May 13th, 2009 11:26 pmawesome collection…Bjork and Tool my favourites, unique music seeks for unique cover
Milana
May 13th, 2009 11:32 pmI am really amazed by the list, a lot of covers I have never seen before, but I am really sorry for not seeing anything from primus, and their covers are great….so here are some some and some more some more.
Daemon
May 13th, 2009 11:42 pmI’d just like to point out that European release of “Tool – Aenima” does not have the supreme album cover – just a plan, stupid one. If you live in Europe, order Aenima from Amazon.com (.com! not co.uk or whatever) because any good designer must have that album.
Tool Lateralus also has amazing cover, however, Tool – SALIVAL has entire awesome designed box with it.
Steffen
May 13th, 2009 11:44 pmI miss the album cover of Disturbed – The Sickness. ;)
Good collection!
santi banks
May 13th, 2009 11:52 pmNow I think of it, Peter Gabriel really has some weird covers. PG 2 (scratch) and PG3 (melt) are very interesting and artistic covers.
Holger
May 13th, 2009 11:54 pmGreat Albums, great cover artworks… I miss my favourites: The Black Angels with PassoverPassover and Directions to see a ghostDirections to see a ghost…
Andy P
May 13th, 2009 11:57 pmIf you’re gonna include Baroness, you gotta include Johnny Truant. And I’d say the most recent Bring Me The Horizon album has better art than this one. That said, superb list. Great variety.
ASK Dziner
May 14th, 2009 12:03 amreally nice post
Poul Foged Nielsen
May 14th, 2009 12:09 amIs it me, or is the Orgasmatron – Motörhead cover ()
stolen directly from this () old amiga demo?
Marin Todorov
May 14th, 2009 12:22 amWhere’s my pants? I left them around here last evening .. hmmm …
Dougbowski
May 14th, 2009 12:31 amAs soon as I read the intro the two that immediatley popped into my head were the Darkness “One Way ticket to hell…..and Back” as that is amazing, both the cover art and the track listing was designed for it’s LP layout. My second thought was the three Bat Out Of Hell albums.
I am amazed that none of the Bat Out Of Hell covers are mentioned as that is another example of a classic albums with classic artwork, more so then some that made the list.
Again Led Zeppelin I – IV or Houses of the Holy or all great examples of obscure artwork, again designed to be viewed as LP front/back covers. Iron Maidens covers are both obscure and remarkable
And if hard-fis “once upon a time in the west” is there as obscure why isn’t Metallica’s 5th album there (“The Black Album”) so obscure no one knew what to call it!!
Far too many of the above are unremarkable and “normal”
Dietmar
May 14th, 2009 12:58 amCome on, don’t recycle parts of older posts!
angeloff
May 14th, 2009 12:59 amVery very smashing collections … aging a lot of inspiration whit my coffee :)
STPo
May 14th, 2009 1:00 amNice collection!
Tool artworks are awesome but I prefer the Lateralus cover art.
Nevertheless good selection. Still no Iron Maiden cover? =]
angeloff
May 14th, 2009 1:00 amAgain smashing dose of inspiration whit my coffee. tnx SM
Christopher Anderton
May 14th, 2009 1:07 amNice to see some of my dad’s old albums in the list. I remeber when i was about 5 and how i loved to browse my dad’s record collection. The covers was my first encounter with graphic design that still today inspire me.
Cathrine
May 14th, 2009 1:22 amI was looking at the Frank Zappa – Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch cover, and I couldn’t help but wonder… What exactly is a “Swedish-looking font”?
Cathyt
May 14th, 2009 1:51 amWeyhey! That Joy Division one has seen better days!
MyW
May 14th, 2009 2:00 amLOL yes, this post is in relation with author’s taste but… how could he know and remember a cover if he never listenned to the album ? The author just can’t put some Hip Hop covers if he doesn’t listen to hip hop, He will not go and look the album in virgin if he don’t like… And I’ve got to admit that metal covers are often like the music : more powerfull, more worked and more complex than any other genre (a pop album cover is for 90% made with a photoshoot of the artist^^)
Here’s a cover I really like, I bought the album without listenning to it before (discovered later that it was a fuckin good album :D) ’cause the cover really catched my attention : http://www.gothtronic.com/Goth/img_/Music1/sub/theogonia_promo_7.jpg
David
May 14th, 2009 2:29 amIt’s a shame that a lot of these bands/albums will never be heard by the average joe. A lot of amazing stuff in there.
poo
May 14th, 2009 2:33 amyou should look into some of the releases from the sending orbs label…they always have beautiful art. this album (secede – tryshasla) has some of my favorite cover art:
http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?release=458658
pive
May 14th, 2009 2:39 amGreat collection!
I would like to add this one to the list!
http://www.metalinjection.net/photos/brutaltruth_soundsoftheanimalkingdomkilltrendsuicide.jpg
Flow
May 14th, 2009 3:05 amWhere’s October Project and Screaming Trees?
I wouldn’t call this 100 OBSCURE…just 100 Remarkable.
Then again, in these times with these younguns, I guess almost all may be obscure…except Marilyn Manson. That ain’t obscure. Just crap.
gtVan
May 14th, 2009 3:25 amGreat stuff, you could have done a 1000….how about Red, they have great cd cover art.
http://www.redmusiconline.com/
Shane
May 14th, 2009 3:34 amYou could have listed quite a few Pink Floyd albums on there.
By the way, it’s Dark Side of the Moon.
Harry Wiertz
May 14th, 2009 3:35 amKinda like this one:
Midlake – The Trials of Van Occupanther
pica-ae
May 14th, 2009 3:46 amawesome collection :D
wonderful artworks from all genres and all decades
…coldplay was the most boring though…
jonas
May 14th, 2009 4:05 amNot really obscure, but some of them are really remarkable.
What do you guys think about the cover of alony // dismantling dreams ?
doku
May 14th, 2009 4:26 amYeah, KMFDM!
I think the author has a good taste of music. ;)
Tom Bradshaw
May 14th, 2009 4:32 amCool post!
another good one… ‘The Bronx’ by The Bronx
Garyo
May 14th, 2009 4:45 amNice list, brought back some memories. I did notice that Flaming Lips “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” is erroneously listed as being released in 1988; it was actually 2002.
Jack
May 14th, 2009 4:55 amGreat artworks and reviews, although I wonder why Tool’s 10,000 days isn’t considered amazing…
I do have a question though. Why is the cover of “Out of Enemies – Into the Darkness” considered manga-style? I really don’t see why this was labeled manga, as it could easily be a style coming from the west.
Other than that, this is a pretty cool post.
Wonder Wyant
May 14th, 2009 5:21 amWow! Some of these remind me of Neon Park, RIP.
Val
May 14th, 2009 5:33 amI’d love to see more of this kind of posts! Great selection and a good chance to discover new artists… smashing!
Jarod Taylor
May 14th, 2009 5:36 amAwesome list. I’m glad I saw some TOOL love.
Also, nice to see Anew Revolution on the list! I’ve worked with them quite a few times in my concert promoter days. Great guys, and good musicians!
steF
May 14th, 2009 5:51 amCool post!
Look at this album cover “Miles Davis Bitches Brew”
Greg
May 14th, 2009 5:57 amAll of Mastodon’s covers are awesome … Leviathan … Blood Mountain … the new and insanely awesome Crack The Skye …
Ignatz Horowitz
May 14th, 2009 5:57 amAnother typically lame-o post. Something original next time,maybe?
Mister_Niles
May 14th, 2009 6:00 amI think someone is confusing the word “obscure” with “mainstream”. Most of these albums are on major labels. Of the indie labels represented, most are owned or distributed by a company owned by a major label. There are some good album covers here, but obscure? I don’t think so. Several of these albums had top 40 hits on them. Supertramp’s Breakfast In America had FOUR top 40 hits on it! Two of them in the top 10!
This should be done again, with albums that are actually obscure. There’s some amazing stuff out there.
Jason
May 14th, 2009 6:00 amLove these kinds of posts, keep them coming.
FYI, the Joy Division cover you have pictured is actually a reimagined version (though it is lovely). You can see the original here.
And regarding the Cocteau Twins CD above, it’s always nice to see the work of v23/Envelope 23/Vaughn Oliver featured. Those old 4AD covers are some of my absolute favorites.
phantom3030
May 14th, 2009 6:06 amThis falls really short for me. Very subjective and some seem to be in here because of the ALBUM itself and not the cover art. Half of this list could EASILY be tossed. It seems lazy.
Beno
May 14th, 2009 6:09 amThank your for this grat list!
PNick Drake and Iron & Wine are my favorites!
Rob
May 14th, 2009 6:11 amGreat article! Thanks for the collection :)
Savvy
May 14th, 2009 6:15 amI think by “obscure” they refer to the style of the art rather than the bands/music which they represent.
There are a lot of great covers here. Iron Maiden’s “Somewhere In Time” would fit on it.
Greg
May 14th, 2009 6:18 amGreat stuff! Obscure though???
Sadly, as vinyl is out and CD’s are following (being replaced by downloading), the art of the cover is truly being lost.