Synopses & Reviews
A fresh look at 100 design classics from Blue Note to Blur via The Beatles and techno, covering 40 years of popular music. From the psychedelia of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's to the quirky social commentary of Nirvana's Nevermind, some of the most memorable, groundbreaking images of the last five decades have graced the covers of rock albums. DK's 100 Best Album Covers presents the cream of the cover crop, chosen by legendary designer Storm Thorgerson (the creator of celebrated sleeves for Pink Floyd, among other artists) and presented in DK's brilliant lexigraphic style. No other album cover compilation comes close to 100 Best Album Covers in showing -- and telling -- the "stories behind the sleeves." The ideal gift for music lovers of all ages.
Review
The covers are featured handsomely... equally intriguing are the technical details that explain well-known illustrations. Thorgerson and Powell provide a compelling look at this medium and prove that it's more than just marketing: It's art. (Brill's Content)
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A refreshing alternative for music and art lovers. (Bookpage)
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A loving, lavishly detailed book (Orange County Register)
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The packaging of this handsome, large-format book is first rate. (Sacramento Bee)
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Even casual rock fans should find 100 best Album Covers not only a fascinating read, but a rousing argument in favor of the enduring worth of the image that introduces us to the music long before we push play (Des Moines Register)
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the 20th century's end has produced many a collection, but perhaps from an artist's viewpoint this anthology must rate near the top (Albuquerque Journal)
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An exceptional compendium of LP cover art. Thoroughly entertaining and insightful. What truly sets it apart from (and above) the many album cover books are the stories behind the sleeves. This book is highly recommended to anyone who has ever owned, held, or seen an album cover. (Goldmine)
Synopsis
This lexigraphic guide provides some of the most memorable images of the last five decades in a celebration of album covers, including a stories behind the sleeves section for each entry.
About the Author
Storm Thorgerson has an English degree from Leicester University and an MA in Film and Television from the Royal College of Art. A self-taught photographer and graphic designer (as many have already guessed), he founded Hipgnosis with Aubrey Powell in 1968. During the early 80s he directed videos for Paul Young, Nik Kershaw, Robert Plant, and Yes. He has also directed concert films for Pink Floyd and made documentaries for television. Storm has written several other books on album covers and has published his own work including Mind Over Matter and Eye of the Storm. He continues to design album graphics for such bands as Catherine Wheel, The Cranberries, Ian Dury, Anthrax, and, of course, Pink Floyd. He lives with Barbie, her two children, five cats, and one budgerigar (God help him!). Aubrey Powell was educated at Kings School, Ely, and later at the London School of Film Technique. With co-founder of Hipgnosis, Storm Thorgerson, he created covers for such luminaries as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Peter Gabriel. Aubrey went on to direct successful music videos and music-related films as well as major rock-concert documentaries, including Paul McCartney's Live in the New World. In 1994 his book Classic Album Covers of the 1970s was published. He continues to write, direct, and produce and is currently working on a musical about the life of his grandfather, the composer of "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag". His main interests are his four wonderful children and long-distance sailing.