You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The same, no doubt, holds true that you shouldn’t judge an album for its cover, but there’s nothing wrong with judging a cover as a cover. A good album cover might relate to its lyrical content, but more often than not, it’s the glitzy bit of packaging that draws us in, and in that regard, is a deserving art form in its own right. It’s that physical keepsake from a live show, a canvas for the band’s autographs, and the liner notes flipped through on the first, or umpteenth, listening. It’s an integral part of the whole musical experience. Here are what we think are some of the best that the East Coast has to offer. Long live the album cover.
#15 | Ben Caplan – In The Time Of The Great Remembering
Somewhere between American Gothic and The Tempest‘s Prospero stands Ben Caplan.
#14 | Molly Thomason – Beauty Queen
#13 | Penny Blacks – Harbour
Penny Black’s album is a double winner, since the artwork was done by our dear friend Pamela Pierce. Yes, we’re biased, and proud of it.
#12 | Joel Plaskett – Ashtray Rock
We’re suckers for the Prince of East Coast Rock, and this album cover is made all the better with this behind the scenes look.
#11 | Thrust Hermit – Rock & Roll Detective
Two wins in a row for Joel Plaskett. We had to dig this one out of the vaults, but the Canadiana kitsch has aged as poorly as we could have hoped. Full points.
#10 | Wooden Wives – Tail
A collaboration between musicians/artists/nice guys Jud Crandall and Pierre Cormier built around a found photo.
#9 | Radio Radio – Belmundo Regal
French Acadian rappers et une picture d’un ship? C’est le best.
#8 | John Richard – Blue Valley
John Richard took a note from Mike Trask’s book to collaborate with Bennie Allain on this one.
#7 | Dog Day – Fade Out
It’s an illusion. It’s an album cover. It’s Halifax based Dog Day. Winners all round.
#6 | Quake Matthews – Rap Music
Quake Matthews, just as advertised.