When graphic art shapes sound identity
Album covers, deeply rooted in our musical memory, instantly recall our favorite records and their unforgettable visuals. They are the fruit of the work of photographers, illustrators and art directors, some of whom have become true icons, so much have their creations marked popular culture. Some visuals have even acquired an international reputation equal to the artists they accompany, helping to forge the sound and visual identity of legendary groups or new musical trends.
A tribute to more than 750 iconic covers
Taschen's Rock Covers celebrates this often underappreciated form of artistic expression by collecting over 750 rare and famous cover illustrations. The range of musicians featured is wide, from Elvis Presley to the Beatles, from the Sex Pistols to Pink Floyd, and from The Cure to Sonic Youth, reflecting the diversity of genres and the importance of these visuals in rock history. Each image is accompanied by details about the artist, illustrator or photographer, as well as the year and label, allowing us to appreciate the creative richness and complexity hidden behind a simple record cover.
An analysis of their aesthetic and musical impact
The book also focuses on highlighting 250 essential albums that have decisively influenced the career of an artist, a group or a musical style. Short descriptions detail the reasons why these records, and their visuals, have shaken up aesthetic codes and contributed to the evolution of musical trends. Throughout the pages, we become aware of the essential role of the image, whether to convey a message, assert an identity or simply capture the attention of an ever more demanding public.
Interviews and anecdotes about the world of musical design
As you browse through this anthology, you will also discover enriching interviews with major figures in the industry who have marked the collective imagination and shaped the visual landscape of rock. You will find anecdotes, confidences and retrospective looks at how artistic inspiration is born around an album. Ten major collectors also share their personal selection of favorite records, offering an additional insight into the passion and diversity that drive this universe.
Record covers as reflections of an era
This book thus constitutes a living testimony to the cultural impact of record covers and their role as a bridge between music, art and history. It highlights the full aesthetic value of these creations whose scope goes far beyond the framework of the musical object, to become a reflection of the spirit of an era and the sound revolutions that continue to shape our collective memory.
- authors: Jonathan Kirby & Robbie Busch
- languages: English, French and German
- 512 pages
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 6.1" | 15.6 cm |
| Height | 8.5" | 21.7 cm |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 1.1 kg |
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