In our 2012 Album Covers of the Year feature, we once again get our hands on everyone we can. Through interviews with designers, musicians, labels, and plenty of others, we take a close look at just how many hands are in the pot when it comes to the album artwork process. Inside this feature are 98 album covers spanning a wide array of sonic and visual styles, each selected for its own unique contribution to the world. They are not ranked; instead, they are broken down into sections based on conceptual underpinnings or artistic mediums, and then are displayed on spectrums. Get started by navigating into any of these six sections: Geometric & Pattern-Based Classically-Influenced Narrative & Symbolic Photography & Manipulations Painting & Illustration Collage, Sculpture & Mixed Media You can also see last year's at 2011 Year-End Respect For Album Cover Art
 
29 December, 2012

Teengirl Fantasy Tracer True Panther Sounds / R&S Since the release of their debut album, conversations surrounding Teengirl Fantasy usually revolve around the group meeting in college and quickly fetishize the idea of the duo reviving house and techno records from decades gone by. And while 7AM certainly paid homage to others through its use of samples and unique editing, the group’s approach to their sophomore record has completely shifted their original outlook; it’s now less about the past and more about the future. And with the help of a few friends, the duo of Nick Weiss and Logan Takahashi may have finally found their truest sound: a balance of gorgeous vocals and incredible synth work.
SUMMARY: Guest stars from artists like Panda Bear, Laurel Halo, and Romanthony and a more future-minded approach make this record.

 

21 August, 2012

Remix City Sifting through mountains of remix trash so you don't have to, in an attempt to find the ones that contribute to their originals. Today's post runs the gamut in musical style, but pay special note to the Whitney Houston tribute. R.I.P., woman. Wooden Shjips If you...

15 February, 2012

Laurel Halo's King Felix has an ambient, spacey style that's brought down to earth with choral, hymnal vocals. Halo's vocals are sometimes hard to decipher, but also have a straight-forward side to them. Almost all of the beats evolve as the listener travels through them,...

05 December, 2010