I actually lucked into a couple of Command Records original LPs at the local lotto and cigarettes store in my old town in great condition. Bongos, Bongos, Bongos. We used to call them corner stores or magazine stores but they're rarely on corners and magazines are a largely thing of the past. The covers are amazing as is the music contained. Nada Surf was/is? a great band but really just a guy with a few tunes. Saw him in Willie bK and was unimpressed and I was so so excited to finally see them/him. Sleepy like a lot of newish bands. They've been around for over 30 years so almost an Oldies act at this point. The hit Popular is of its time and broke some ground. I just expected more live. Ranting old man here but I liked a lot of music from back then Bush, Local H, even Cake (say it ain't so) but it just doesn't hold up. Even Ben Folds is meh? Why? Is it our times that suck or the bands? GnR is still so Popular because in the end real rock never dies. Here's my put up or shut up proof positive. soundcloud.com/stevegabe
I've always been something of a Bauhaus groupie, but I did not know the story of Josef Albers and Command Records. I was moved by those magic covers. I always learn something from The Art of Cover Art!
P.S. After reading your piece, I discovered that a visit to the Albers Foundation website is a nice way to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon: https://www.albersfoundation.org/
This is a wonderful article. I saw Joseph Albers' record covers at an exhibition recently. Even in their simplicity, there is something distinctive about them. Thanks for all you do.
I picked up a copy of Provocative Percussion Volume 2 mostly on the strength of it's cover. It's part of a display on my wall.
great taste!!
I actually lucked into a couple of Command Records original LPs at the local lotto and cigarettes store in my old town in great condition. Bongos, Bongos, Bongos. We used to call them corner stores or magazine stores but they're rarely on corners and magazines are a largely thing of the past. The covers are amazing as is the music contained. Nada Surf was/is? a great band but really just a guy with a few tunes. Saw him in Willie bK and was unimpressed and I was so so excited to finally see them/him. Sleepy like a lot of newish bands. They've been around for over 30 years so almost an Oldies act at this point. The hit Popular is of its time and broke some ground. I just expected more live. Ranting old man here but I liked a lot of music from back then Bush, Local H, even Cake (say it ain't so) but it just doesn't hold up. Even Ben Folds is meh? Why? Is it our times that suck or the bands? GnR is still so Popular because in the end real rock never dies. Here's my put up or shut up proof positive. soundcloud.com/stevegabe
Not sure when you saw Nada Surf, but I caught them last fall, and it was fantastic.
It was an acoustic guitar show sit down pretty big place so maybe misguided attempt at unplugged… They were a big band in that era no doubt…
I've always been something of a Bauhaus groupie, but I did not know the story of Josef Albers and Command Records. I was moved by those magic covers. I always learn something from The Art of Cover Art!
P.S. After reading your piece, I discovered that a visit to the Albers Foundation website is a nice way to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon: https://www.albersfoundation.org/
Thank you!
This is a wonderful article. I saw Joseph Albers' record covers at an exhibition recently. Even in their simplicity, there is something distinctive about them. Thanks for all you do.