This Week in Album Covers

In our newest weekly feature, Paste takes a look at the lost art of the album cover.

Portugal The Man – In The Mountain In The Cloud

Not nearly their best cover, or their weirdest, In The Mountain In The Cloud does carry significance as Portugal The Man’s major label debut. How in the hell an Alaskan experimental psych-rock band got signed to Atlantic is another question entirely. In a recent resurgence of artwork “inspired” by Revolver, they place somewhere in-between Jet, Switchfoot, and Menomena (okay that last one is a stretch, and awesome). I’m not saying Klaus Voormann invented the line drawing/collage combo (or shortbread cookies) but he definitely helped the Beatles own it with confidence for the rest of eternity. 

Cold – Superfiction

Like any good human being I’m disgusted by spiders. And the music of Cold.   Fact: Cold have reunited after a hiatus (too short?). Fact: they are still obsessed with spiders. Fact: this has been done, to much better effect. Fact: Peter Parker is rolling in his grave. Question: Who are the other shady characters caught in that web? Fact: nobody cares.

Brilliant Colors – Again And Again 

“Brilliant” is a bit of a stretch. “Pastel” would be more fitting. I’m not totally against the ironic 80s throwback vibe, quite the opposite sometimes actually. I’m fascinated with how quickly something novel becomes commonplace with a little familiarization. Nor am I necessarily against the androgynous thrift-store bargain-bin John Hughes sort of vibe, I just…don’t know how to finish this sentence.

3 Doors Down – Time Of My Life 

Time Of Your Life tells the true behind-the-scenes story of life on the set of Disney’s Gargoyles. One day in particular that will live forever in infamy is the story of young Jameson Ivor Frakes. His father Jonathan, fresh off the heels of Star Trek The Next Generation, was settling nicely into his role as the dastardly David Xanatos. Mistaking real life son “Jamo” for Frakes’ cartoon son Alex, a group of Trek-obsessed Falcons (unable to deal with a TNG shark-jumping story-line in which a transporter malfunction creates “Thomas”, the unlikely twin of Commander William Riker) stormed the set in a molting outrage. One falcon in particular swooped down, snatched up little Jamo in his talons, and flew off into the foggy dusk. As he ascended into the night sky, Jamo, flailing in terror, kicked off his right shoe, which came crashing down to the sound-stage below. To this day, it is all that remains of the fateful event.

Crystal Antlers – Two-Way Mirror

Not nearly enough people seem to appreciate the framed black-and-white drawing as album cover concept. I’m a fan. Despite that this seems to borrow quite heavily from Goo, right down to the poetry in the top corner, I think it’s a win. It intrigues. It opens up the story. It glorifies a kind of preemptively nostalgic youthful naiveté. It also (unlike this for instance) manages to be inspired by a style, instead of blatantly ripping it off.

They Might Be Giants – Join Us

Where exactly? As you drive a pink hearse monster-truck onward into the sky? I’m good.

Tim Robbins And The Rogues Gallery Band - Tim Robbins And The Rogues Gallery Band

Admit it. You hate actors who try to play music. How can you not!? They’re such dicks! Be happy with your piece of the pie. Stop trying to take over the world. Keanu Reeves, Bruce Willis, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins, David Hasslehoff, Billy Bob Thornton—it’s like a dick parade! And don’t think the ladies are immune just cause they cleverly ride the backs of their male indie heartthrob counterparts. Zooey Deschanel and M Ward? Are you serious? Scarlett Johansson* and Pete Yorn? She was supposed to fall in love and make a record with me. I think I’m just upset because this is probably my favorite album cover this week.

*Break Up is a beautiful record, with lovely artwork.

Theophilus London – Timez Are Weird These Days

Yes, “Timez” are weird these days. But despite that, and the annoyingly trendy white outline, I’m incredibly on board with this piece. Chalk up one more pirated Mediafire .zip download Mr. London. This is almost impressive enough for me to purchase legally. Also I’ll be honest with you, I’m skipping the first 7 tracks and just listening to “Girls Girls $” on repeat for the rest of the day. Which, considering my busy schedule, is still quite an honor for you.

Boston Spaceships – Let It Beard.

According to my “candlestick globe motor company” Google search, the car brand depicted by this illustrious hood ornament, does not, in fact, exist. Regardless, this effort for Robert Pollard’s latest project isn’t a terrible collage. It harkens back to the good old days when gramophones came stock and every driveway showcased the stone penis of a two foot tall Jack LaLanne.

Big Talk – Big Talk

This works. I have no real quips or qualms about it. Other than the fact that you’re not the first band with “Big” in your name to brand your debut album with custom made neon lights. Although compared to living forever in the shadow of your day job drumming for the Killers, that might be a refreshing association.