Album Art Spotlight

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, in the world of album cover art flattery occurs more often than you would think. Oftentimes it’s manifested as parody. In other instances, the imitations are paying homage to the original artist. Execution runs the gamut from funny to downright pathetic. But I’ll let you be the judge. In our first installment of Album Art Parodies, here’s a round-up of album art by Elvis and the Beatles that inspired imitators, along with some random other examples thrown in for good measure.

ELVIS PRESLEY

The Clash (London Calling, 1979):
Is there any image that better encapsulate’s the Clash’s fiery passion better than this photo of Paul Simonon smashing his bass? Add to that the typography that riffs on Elvis Presley’s self-titled 1956 debut LP and you have one of the most riveting album covers representing one of the best records of the decade.

The Fall (50,000 Fall Fans Can’t Be Wrong, 1994): Mark E. Smith, in typical self-deprecating fashion, loses three zeros from Elvis’ 50 million on this 2004 collection of “39 Golden Greats.” Bon Jovi (100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong, 2004): In typical bloated-ego rock star fashion, Bon Jovi doubles the King’s fan count to 100 million. Lame!

The Replacements (Pleased to Meet Me, 1987):
Another riff on the King’s typography and color scheme, this time from Elvis’ GI Blues LP.

THE BEATLES: As expected Sgt Pepper’s and Abbey Road have a slew of imitators.

The Simspons (The Yellow Album, 1993): With a title combining the White Album with Yellow Submarine and a riff on the iconic Sgt Pepper’s sleeve

Devendra Banhart (Cripple Crow, 2005): Devendra’s hippe take on Sgt. Pepper’s.

The Mother’s of Invention (We’re Only In it For the Money, 1968): An early parody, as only Zappa could imagine.

Spinal Tap (This is Spinal Tap, 1984): Who can forget Spinal Tap’s classic take on the White Album?

Meet the Beatles and With the Beatles were tackled by a diverse group, including The Residents, The Smithereens, Nazz, Young Black Teenagers, and Babes in Toyland.

A Hard Day’s Night as done by the Damned, and in an orange twist, the High Fidelity soundtrack.

Not all cover art imitations riff on the Beatles and the King. Here are some other random examples:Boris (Akuma No Uta, 2005): Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter as reimagined by Japanese sludge rockers, Boris. Notice the double neck Gibson. Kick ass!

Ween (The Pod, 1991): Gene and Dean Ween tackle Leonard Cohen.

Soul Asylum (Clam Dip and Other Delights, 1988): The Minneapolis quartet swap hot model with bassist Karl Mueller and whipped cream with clam dip in a take off of Herb Alpert’s Whipped Cream and Other Delights. Mmmmm, tasty!

That’s all for now. Look for Dylan and Blue Note Records parodies in the next installment of Album Art Parodies! In the meantime, send me your favorite album art parodies.