Cover Stories: Five decades of Album art

The Jam's album covers, created by Barney Bubbles, Storm Thorgesen, Malcolm Garrett, and Stylorouge, helped to create a paradigm of album cover design in the 1970s and 80s. I was 15 years old when I discovered how much music meant to me and how much the album covers meant too. I spent many happy hours in my local record store with headphones on in a booth, listening to the latest releases and studying the covers. I loved the stories, the unlimited possibilities to link pop and culture, and the fact that it would always be there on the shelf for as long as the particular album was listened to and even longer when stored in a dusty cellar years after the record was no longer on the turntable.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: Red Planet Publishing Ltd

Well, actually, it all began many years before that, in 1966, when I was just 15 years old. It was a pivotal moment when I discovered the profound significance of music and the captivating power of album covers. The Beatles Revolver album, in particular, left an indelible mark on my heart. Among its stellar pop tracks, there was one song that resonated deeply with me: For No One. It became the soundtrack to my first love, a summer romance that unfolded and concluded within those fleeting months. What captivated me even more about the album was its stunning sleeve, created by the talented Klaus Voormann. The combination of line-drawn portraits and a captivating photo-collage of the band intrigued me immensely. I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a part of this artistic journey, even if my musical talents were limited. I spent countless hours in my local record store, enveloped in the world of music, with my headphones on and my eyes fixated on the latest releases. I studied the album covers, absorbing every detail, from the intricate artwork to the thoughtfully written lyric sheets. I loved the stories they told, the endless possibilities they offered to connect pop culture and music. The fact that these albums would remain on the shelves.
shelves for as long as the album was played and even longer when stored in a dusty cellar years after the record had stopped spinning was a testament to their enduring legacy. From that moment on, all roads led to Polydor Records, and the first Jam album cover in 1977. During the vibrant 1970s and 80s, a new wave of graphic designers ventured into the world of music, bringing with them a fresh perspective and innovative styles. Barney Bubbles' brilliant work for Stiff Records, Storm Thorgesen's iconic Pink Floyd covers, Malcolm Garrett's striking Buzzcocks sleeves, Stylorouge and Siouxsie and the Banshees, Form Design, and many others, all contributed to shaping a paradigm of album cover design. In 1976, I found myself joining these esteemed ranks, having spent a year at Polydor as Art Director. It was a fulfilling journey, creating covers for various artists and bands. Through my work, I aimed to capture the essence of each album and convey the emotions and stories that the music conveyed. The album covers became a canvas for my creativity, a medium through which I could express myself and connect with audiences on a deeper level. The Jam logo, with its bold typography and striking image, was a significant part of my artistic journey. It represented the spirit level and the energy that the band brought to their music. The logo was a reflection of the band's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It was a symbol of their refusal to be bound by the expectations of the music industry. The Jam album covers, with their vibrant colors, bold typography, and thought-provoking imagery, became a testament to the band's artistic vision and their ability to create a lasting impact on the world of music. They continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and designers, reminding us of the power of creativity and the enduring legacy of great music.

Weight: 1456g
Dimension: 307 x 308 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912733170