Top Ranking Album Covers Ever (and Strategies to Safeguard This Memorable Art)
Vinyl Records Resurgence
Making a comeback like a classic hit from the past, vinyl records are becoming a cherished part of the enduring artistic landscape once again. In the golden era of vinyl, some of the best album covers evolved into iconic symbols. Venture into your local record store, and it's like taking a stroll through music art history.
Today, the resurgence has gotten audiophiles all worked up about their rare editions. Let's take a look at some of the most recognized vinyl record covers, along with some guidance on preserving them for future generations.
Top & Legendary Album Covers of the Ages
In no particular order, here are some of the most famous vinyl record covers to grace any record player.
Patti Smith, Horses (1975)
Of Patti Smith's debut album, Horses, the cover photo was masterfully captured by fellow artist Robert Mapplethorpe. The minimalist, yet compelling composition highlights Smith's enigmatic fusion of punk and poetry.
Smith is pictured wearing a simple yet androgynous outfit, posing against a wall in the Greenwich Village apartment of Mapplethorpe's partner, Sam Wagstaff. Despite objections from record execs, Smith stood her ground and established her creative freedom, departing from the stereotypical PR tactics of the time.
Prince, Purple Rain (1984)
Another work by a musician as elusive as Purple Rain's hue, this album cover represents Prince's devotion to the color that defined his visual style. Photographer Ed Thrasher also previously shot Jimi Hendrix on a motorcycle—a nod to the mystique of rock stars on two wheels. Inspect the bike carefully, and you'll discover the androgynous "Love Symbol" that would later become Prince's legal name.
David Bowie, Aladdin Sane (1973)
Photographer Brian Duffy created more than just one of the best album covers of all time with Aladdin Sane. He inadvertently conjured up one of the most iconic images of David Bowie. As an extension of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona, the lightning bolt across the eye symbolizes the "cracked actor" that Bowie felt he had become after his sudden rise to fame.
Fleetwood Mac, Rumours (1977)
Rumours, an album renowned for both its commercial and critical success, boasts another deceptively simple cover. The members of Fleetwood Mac are dressed ambiguously, harking back to the album's passion and theatricality. According to Rolling Stone, the brightly colored balls dangling between Mick Fleetwood's legs were actually toilet chains repurposed for a schoolboy prank during one of the band's early gigs—and they stuck around for additional live performances.
Nirvana, Nevermind (1994)
Much like Patti Smith's defiant stance, Nirvana was bold and unapologetic. The cover artwork for Nevermind showcases a baby swimming towards a dollar bill on a fishhook, representing the band's perspective on commercialism and materialism.
The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)
The cover for The Velvet Underground's debut album is often credited to Andy Warhol, though the exact contributions he made remain unclear. The cover image, a banana print, is emblematic of the Summer of Love's spirit of pure curiosity.
Preserving Your Vinyl Record Covers
Whether you have some of the most famous album covers in your collection or treasure more obscure releases, here are the best practices for keeping your sleeves in pristine condition:
- Invest in premium outer sleeves and consider framing your most valuable album covers. As a point of interest, the priciest vinyl record ever sold was Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon a Time in Shaolin for an astounding $2 million. Even if you're not sitting on a small fortune, outer sleeves made from a durable, clear material like high-density polypropylene can protect cardboard and paper sleeves.
- Store your records in heavyweight, acid-free inner sleeves. At Big Fudge, we produce inner sleeves that are alkaline and acid-free, with exterior seams that make it effortless to slide records in and out without damaging the sleeve. The rounded corners we use ensure perfect fits for any cover imaginable.
Cherishing the Best Album Covers of the Ages
At Big Fudge, we relish helping vinyl enthusiasts keep their collections immaculate. Whether you're a new collector or a seasoned veteran, peruse our blog for the best cleaning tips, vinyl storage inspiration, and the latest music news.
- The outer sleeves of some cherished vinyl records can be protected by investing in premium, clear, and durable sleeves, such as those made from high-density polypropylene, for added protection against damage.
- To maintain the pristine condition of your album covers, it is recommended to store your records in heavyweight, acid-free inner sleeves, preferably with alkaline and acid-free materials, and rounded corners for a perfect fit.
- Big Fudge, a reputable brand, offers inner sleeves with exterior seams that make it effortless to slide records in and out without causing damage to the sleeves or cover, ensuring the best album covers from the golden era of vinyl are preserved for future generations to cherish them.
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