the golden age of cover art

i just want to say, right up front, that i'm not one of those staunch lp purists that bitches and moans all the time about how micro-available music has all but done away with the traditional 12" square album cover art, and the sometimes-extensive liner notes that often went along with it. ( them. it?) no, i understand technology, and the 'way things work' in the business. so, all that said, there are some albums covers i consider iconic and beautiful. i don't insist, however, that the iconic beautifulness has to be 12" squared. for instance, i've always loved this groovy, glassy, inventive, and 'sorta mysterious' album cover from the tech-savvy thomas dolby. (and, to those who may be curious, that IS his real name... as far as i know... sorta. i think i remember hearing in an interview back in the 80's that his real full name was: thomas morgan dolby robertson.) so, we've established the cover is groovy enough... but i also want it noted that the songs on this record are some of THE coolest i ever heard... in the 80's, or otherwise. let's see, we've got the cool and soaring blue sounds of 'airwaves,' the funky-yet-romantic storyline of 'europa and the pirate twins,' the eclectic and jazzy goings-on in 'commercial breakup,' and the throughly original and sexy grindings of 'windpower.' and so many more. like the sometimes-lost-depending-on-which-pressing-you-have lovlieness of 'wreck of the fairchild.' seriously, this is electronic pop at its finest. it is an album i would be lonely for if i was ever without it. dig it.

rocky police

i lost at least three virginities because of 'the rocky horror picture show.' the only reason i mention it, is because when i was in loyal attendance at least three times a month, all the cool sexy guys i wanted to play with wore long dark coats. these coats of the mid-to-late 1980's were also sometimes referred to as 'john taylor' coats, due to the look he was sporting in video for duran duran's 'new moon on monday.' you had to have a cool long coat to sneak in all the 'stuff.' so, this slide reminds me of 'those nights,' due to the long coat morrissey is wearing on the far right. also featured are thomas dolby in the middle, and the clowning jools holland on the left. i think it works well.