Vinyl, Album, Cover, Art

Synopsis

The complete, definitive and never-before-published catalogue of Hipgnosis, Vinyl  Album  Cover  Art finally does justice to the work of the most important design collective in music history, which, according to Roddy Bogawa, director of the documentary Taken by Storm (2011), 'designed half your record collection'. Founded in 1967 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey 'Po' Powell and Peter Christopherson, Hipgnosis gained legendary status in graphic design, transforming the look of album art forever and winning five Grammy nominations for package design. Their revolutionary cover art moved away from the conventional group shots favoured by record companies of the day, resulting in the ground-breaking, often surreal designs which define the albums of many of the biggest names in the history of popular music: 10cc, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Peter Gabriel, The Police, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Syd Barrett, Throbbing Gristle, T. Rex, Wings, Yes and XTC, to name but a few. Arranged chronologically, Vinyl  Album  Cover  Art features stunning reproductions of every single Hipgnosis cover - 372 in total - coupled with detailed information by Po and Storm Thorgerson on the artworks and the compelling stories behind their creation. Additional contributions by Peter Gabriel, Marcus Bradbury, and Pentagram's Harry Pearce provide engrossing insights into the way these incredible artworks came into being; place the covers in context; and reflect on their enduring impact on album design. A highly accessible stand-alone volume, Vinyl  Album  Cover  Art will also make the perfect pop partner to the groundbreaking Hipgnosis | Portraits (2014) with its rare revelations and behind-the-scenes photography.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Birth of Vinyl

* Explains the history of vinyl records, from their invention in the early 1900s to their mass production in the 1950s.
* Example: The release of Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956 marked the rise of rock 'n' roll and the widespread popularity of vinyl records.

Chapter 2: The Vinyl Revolution

* Documents the golden age of vinyl records in the 1960s and 1970s, when they became a symbol of youth culture and social change.
* Example: The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967) showcased innovative cover art and experimental sound, revolutionizing the album format.

Chapter 3: The Art of the Album Cover

* Explores the role of album covers as a visual canvas for artistic expression and a marketing tool.
* Example: Andy Warhol's iconic cover for The Velvet Underground's "The Velvet Underground & Nico" (1967) became a symbol of the New York art scene.

Chapter 4: The Digital Age and the Return of Vinyl

* Discusses the decline of vinyl in the digital era and its recent resurgence as a symbol of nostalgia and authenticity.
* Example: The release of reissued vinyl albums by classic bands like Radiohead and Coldplay has fueled the renewed interest in the format.

Chapter 5: The Vinyl Experience

* Celebrates the unique listening experience offered by vinyl records, including the warm sound, tactile qualities, and ritualistic aspect of playing an album.
* Example: The immersive experience of listening to a vinyl copy of Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" (1975), with its intimate vocals and evocative lyrics.

Chapter 6: Vinyl Culture

* Explores the subculture surrounding vinyl records, including record collectors, enthusiasts, and independent record stores.
* Example: The annual Record Store Day, which celebrates independent record stores and promotes the sale of physical music formats, has become a major event in the vinyl community.

Chapter 7: The Future of Vinyl

* Speculates on the future of vinyl records, considering both its enduring appeal and the challenges posed by the digital age.
* Example: The rise of streaming services has not diminished the demand for vinyl, suggesting that the format will continue to thrive as a symbol of authenticity and artistic expression.