Album Cover Art

Here we are at #4 on the Gigwise.com album cover series. Let's take a look at what made their list as the most controversial, weirdest, best and worst (warning- some may find the images offensive)



4. Chumbawamba: ‘Anarchy’ - Was this image totally necessary to help sell a record? This is not only offensive, but in my opinion does not belong on a record cover. They were initailly sold in a brown paper wrapper, although it appreared on some shelves uncensored.

Anarchy is a 1994 album by anarcho-punk band Chumbawamba. Many of the tracks address specific social problems, such as homophobia, strikes or fascism.

From what I have read, the music is actually quite good, but for me, this image belongs...well...in the delivery room.

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Weird


4. Little Richard Miller: 'Born Without Arms and Legs' This is just one odd little man. Sure, Richard Millar was a devout Christian who could play the organ and guitar with his partially formed appendages. But why is a giant Jesus in the sky is anyone's guess. My guess is that he is being held up by the water fountain. I wonder if he drives the bus as well? And the title? I think Jesus knew he was born with no arms or legs, but for some reason gave the man musical talent, which is a bit disturbing to me.


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Worst


Various Artists: My Pussy Belongs To Daddy’ Uh, eewww. I guess they mean the cat. Not much information, but here is what I found: Released in 1957. For Adults Only. Spicy Songs Sung By Outstanding Artists here is a short review: "a record chockful o' songs with eye-rolling double-entendre titles like, "Things Are Soft For Grandma", "Tony's Hot Nuts", and "She Sits Among the Cabbages and Peas". Despite the ridiculous titles, the songs are actually pretty decent; most are done in a smoky nightclub jazz style, and sung by naughty-record vet, Fay Richmonde (among others). ..."

Sometimes the less said, the better.....

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Best


4. The Clash: ‘London Calling’ - London Calling is the third album by English punk rock band The Clash, released December 14, 1979, on CBS Records in the UK and in January 1980 on Epic Records in the United States. The album represented a change in The Clash's musical style, and featured elements of ska, pop, soul, rockabilly and reggae music. The album's subject matter included unemployment, racial conflict, drug use, and the responsibilities of adulthood.

The album received positive reviews and was ranked at number eight on Rolling Stone' list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003. London Calling was a top ten album in the UK, and its lead single "London Calling" was a top twenty single. It has sold over two million copies worldwide, and was certified platinum in the United States.

The album's cover features a photograph of Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass against the stage at The Palladium in New York City on September 21, 1979 during the "Clash Take the Fifth" US tour. Pennie Smith, who photographed the band for the album, originally did not want the photograph to be used. She thought that it was too out of focus, (she was moving for cover as shards of the bass flew at her when she took it), but Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry thought it would make a good album cover. In 2002, Smith's photograph was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine, commenting that "it captures the ultimate rock'n'roll moment - total loss of control".

Uh, cool out, it's just a musician smashing a guitar- ever heard of the Who?