The Art of Cover Art

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Record Covers that Defy the 12" Square

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Record Covers that Defy the 12" Square

Challenging the standard LP jacket through die-cuts and geometric possibilities

Rachel Cabitt
Apr 20, 2022
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Record Covers that Defy the 12" Square

theartofcoverart.substack.com

From the 7” to the 12”, the record cover has lived within the parameters of a square since its inception. But along the way, some designers have defied its 2-dimensional limitations by utilizing die-cuts and the possible jigsaw combinations of a square canvas, to create interactive jackets for fans. Designer Craig Braun brought Alice Cooper’s School’s Out into the classroom by transforming the jacket into a wooden desk and creating a packaging just as eccentric as Cooper. Opening the jacket like you would a desk, we find a messy assortment of supplies, memorabilia, and the record scantily dressed in a pair of panties (later banned from the UK edition). Braun even adorned the bottom of the jacket with legs to make the desk stand. In 1978 Cooper brought back the “pop-out” functionality for the packaging of From The Inside as well.

Alice Cooper School’s Out released 1972 on Warner Bros. Designed by Craig Braun.

Just as he transformed modern art, Andy Warhol also altered the interactiveness of record covers with his banana peel sticker for The Velvet Underground and the risque zipper on The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers. Designer Peter Corriston trademarked the die-cut on Led Zeppelin’s Physical Grafitti and The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls, creating easter eggs in the form of windows and silhouettes for fans to unearth.

In 2010, MGMT included a coin in their packaging on Congratulations, inviting fans to literally scratch off the cover to find a hidden alternative underneath. In 2013, The National followed the reflective lines on their cover of Trouble Will Find Me to create a special edition die-cut puzzle-Esque visual. Nowadays, with vinyl making a resurgence, we’re still more likely to see artists selling limited-edition colored vinyl, booklets, or deluxe box sets instead of rebellious shaped jackets. But I’d be happy to see mainstream artists who can afford to, bring back this lost art. Take the Spinners’ Pick Of The Litter for example. I could easily see groups like BTS, The Spice Girls, NSYNC, The Jonas Brothers, or One Direction adopting this perforated pop-out design.

Spinners Pick Of The Litter released 1975 on Atlantic. Photography by David Gahr. Design by Porter Wagner Design.

Find more innovative packaging throughout the years below:

John Lennon Walls and Bridges released 1974 on Apple Records. Art Direction & Design by Roy Kohara. Photography by Bob Gruen. Illustrations by John Lennon.
Donna Summer Live & More released 1978 on Casablanca. Photography by Francesco Scavullo. Art Direction & Design by Stephen Lumel/ Gribbitt!
Graham Nash & David Crosby Graham Nash David Crosby released 1972 on Atlantic. Photography by Robert Hammer. Design by Tom Wilkes.
Led Zeppelin Physical Grafitti released 1975 on Swan Song. Package Concept and Design by AGI (Mike Doud & Peter Corriston). Photography by Elliot Erwitt. Illustration by David Heffernan.
Caetano Veloso Transa released 1972 on Philips. Photography by Álvaro Guimarães. Design by Aldo Luiz.
The 5th Dimension Live!! released 1971 on Bell Records. Art Direction by Beverly Weinstein. Photography by Ed Caraeff. Design by Lester Bellin Associates.
Rolling Stones Through The Past, Darkly released 1969 on Decca. Photography by Ethan Russell.
Sonic Boom Spectrum released 1990 on Silvertone Records. Artwork by Sonic and T + CP London. A plastic wheel is adhered on the front to create an optical illusion when spun.
Floh De Cologne Fließbandbabys Beat-Show released 1970 on Ohr. Design by Reinhard Hippen. First pressing included a cutout for a balloon to be inserted, which was said to be inflated in stores.

The Art of Cover Art is a free educational and inspirational resource. But, if you have $5/ month to spare it would be super helpful in furthering my research. Or if you think a friend might enjoy this newsletter, the best way to pay it forward is by sharing!

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Record Covers that Defy the 12" Square

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