Classic Album Art Showcase

Jackie Wilson-Shangra-Las-Young Rascals (They were rockin')

Spotlight on Martha Reeves

Let's don't forget James Brown

Rockin' in the U.S.A.

John Mellencamp - R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute to '60s Rock (Riva, Single, 1986) - Designer and photographer unknown

As heard on Scarecrow.

Love this '60s style picture sleeve. It even boasts the "Stereo" label that appeared on records at the time (stereo was a big deal in the '60s, since almost all music before then was in mono).

As I said before, this was a last-minute addition to the album. Mellencamp intended for it to be a hidden "bonus" track before his manager convinced him to make it part of the main track listing, believing it had commercial potential. Sure enough, it peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, performing on par with "Hurts So Good".

Gladys Knight & the Pips - Imagination (Buddah, 1973) - Art direction by Glen Christensen, concept by Milton Sincoff, design by Mike Mendel, photograph by Joel Brodsky

Tin Machine - Tin Machine (EMI America, 1989) - Art direction by Roger Gorman, Photograph by Masayoshi Sukita

David Bowie's short-lived group. Lasted for about two studio albums and a live record before unceremoniously splitting up, after which Bowie went straight back to going solo.

Elvin Bishop - Struttin' My Stuff (Warner Bros.-Capricorn, 1975) - Art direction by Diana Kaylan, design by John Kehe and Mick Haggerty, photograph by David Alexander

Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless (EMI-Capitol-Harvest, US Release, 1982) - Design by Michael Diehl, illustration by Mark Thomas, photograph by Andrew Douglas

As Capitol wasn't too thrilled with the comic book-style cover for the UK release, they replaced it with this for the US. Dolby attended a production of the play Life of Galileo when this was taken, and this was the set of said play; the cover had been used the year prior for the "Europa and the Pirate Twins" single in the UK.

Once the non-album single "She Blinded Me with Science" was a hit, this cover was ditched in favor of the original cover for the re-release.

Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless (EMI-Venice in Peril, UK Cover, 1982) - Design by Andrew Douglas and Thomas Dolby, layout by Bill Smith

Initially rejected by Capitol-Harvest in the US, for some odd reason. They also butchered the track listing by swapping some songs out. When "She Blinded Me with Science" became a hit, Capitol decided to put the record out again, with this cover restored.

The Brady Bunch - The Kids from the Brady Bunch (Paramount, 1972) - Art direction by Bill Levy, design concept by Pacific Eye & Ear, illustration by Joe Petagno

The Brady Bunch had a record? Yeah, four of them! Can't think of any other non-musical sitcom that spawned that many records (key words: non-musical. Obviously The Monkees and The Partridge Family have more).

Those who are familiar with the game show Concentration know how this game goes. Try to guess each song title.

Dead or Alive - Youthquake (CBS-Epic, 1985) - Design by Satori, photograph by Mario Testino