I think cover art is the one single thing I miss most about albums. Nowadays, even if you do get a CD it’s just as likely to be a picture of the artist looking hot/cool/tough etc. When you were first getting into music, don’t you remember pouring over album covers, studying every nuance? Trying to see if it tied in with the album in some thematic way?

So with that in mind here are of 10 Album covers I remember loving as a pre-teen non female touching nerd.

#10 News of the World – Queen

I was hypnotized by that strangely soulful looking robot and the destruction he caused. What did he do to Freddy? Whatever it was it was with his finger evidently. Freddy got Fingered.

#9 Out of the Blue – ELO

Sorry Boston, there’s only room for 1 spaceship on this list and this one is it. Sure it looks like a “Simon” game, but so what… it’s awesome. I think “Mr. Blue Sky” is on this album too, which ups the awesomeness.

#8) Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd

Simple, classic iconic. Elaborate isn’t always best. (See also, the White album to argue that point)

#7) Killers – Iron Maiden

Eddie…Killing motherfuckers dead since 1979. Most Maiden Album art is awesome, but this one is easily their best

#6 Toys in The Attic – Aerosmith

I like a little “What the Fuck” in my album covers don’t you? I can’t imagine looking at this thing stoned. “Jesus…what is WRONG with that FUCKING BEAR?”

#5 Who’s Next – The Who

There is something ever so Who-like, I think you will agree, about the Boys pissing on something big , ugly and industrial

#4 Kiss Alive

This about sums up the band, and their appeal in one magnificent two ton ball of Gouda. It’s a testament to this cover that when listening to a Kiss song, I always picture them doing the song live, regardless of what the song is about.

#3 Abbey Road – The Beatles

I liked this album cover so much I bought a coffee mug with it on it. It succumbed to a dark fate. but my love of this iconic cover did not.

#2 Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin

This is also the cover art that gave us the 4 symbols. It was a tough one for Zep, but this is my choice of all their covers (Although Physical Graffiti is also awesome)

And #1

Has to be…

#1) Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles

The “Citizen Kane” of Rock music strikes again. Look at the color…the detail, the weird significant but not significant nods to various friends and influences. Any cover that is sooooo analyzed that stoners talked themselves into thinking one of the Band members was dead has to be #1 on the list.