#Alex Steinweiss

[albumwalloffame]

Album Cover Wall (Hall) of Fame Winter 2024 Inductees - Day 1

Minor thing before we begin, doing 25 whole album covers was... a lot, so I decided from now on (Since we're over 200 covers anyway), I'll just induct 10 each season. So I'm going to induct 5 covers today, and five others later this month.

Okay, with that said, let's get to the album covers.

1. Smash Song Hits by Rodgers & Hart

2. The Rarity of Experience - Chris Forsyth

3. Yesterdays - Yes

4. That's the Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye

5. Control - Janet Jackson

[albumcoverhalloffame]

Album Cover Hall of Fame News Update and Link Summary for November, 2023

Here's the summary of everything I could find in the world about album cover art and the people that make it and promote it. Enjoy and please share with friends and family.

Posted sometime November 1, 2023 by Mike Goldstein, AlbumCoverHallofFame.com Hello to all – this month’s summary will be a brief one as I was out on a road trip most of the month and, therefore, have not been able to devote a lot of time to the gathering and sharing of album art/artist-related information. With that said, while I was gone, the work done by these talented individuals continued…

[silvergrapefruits]

The Groundbreaking Art of Alex Steinweiss, Father of Record Cover Design https://www.openculture.com/2014/10/art-of-alex-steinweiss-father-of-record-cover-design.html

[thriftstorerecords]

Carnival Tropicana André Kostelanetz And His Orchestra Columbia Masterworks/USA (1950)

Cover by Alex Steinweiss

[my-chaos-radio]

Release: July 9, 2010

Lyrics:

Un, deux, trois (uh ah, turn it up a little bit more)

Bang, bang, bang

Feathers, I'm plucking feathers

One by one, by one

No more skylarking, around my head

Your information

But there's no hiding it, behind moulting feathers

On the plane, on my brain, 'bout to do the sho'

40k contract, take it out the do'

Dice, symbolize my life, roll 'em on the flo'

From your grubby hands, as you hand the grandstand

You live a shitty life, we live a bon, bon vie

Hotter than the book, while we watch the tv

Think you got us fooled, ooh never again

First time, shame on me, second time, your time will end

No way, bang your dead, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

Bang your dead, alouette, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

No way, no, (the clock) it's ticking forward

No way, it's just a cruel, cruel world

Cruel world is fittin', they got us all hittin'

With late night divisions, and lab app decisions

We're faced with decisions, to fight a fricassee

And you've clearly decided, on how to handle me

Difficile, imbecile, is it fake, is it real

Are we dying on our feet, are we trying in our sleep

There's a rumour goin' 'round, 'bout the suits runnin' town

If you look into the sky, them birds fly high, high, high

Numbers, you got that number

You're logging hours, and don't see the big picture

Over your shoulder, you'll get no last words

Because it's too late, you've clipped your own wings (your own wings)

No way, bang your dead, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

Bang your dead, alouette, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

We're never gonna, believe in, the stories, that you're weavin'

We're never gonna, believe in, the stories, that you're weavin'

We're never gonna, believe in, the stories, that you're weavin'

We're believin' in the proof, we're believin' in the truth

We're believin' in each other, not you, you, you

Stories (you with the tall tales), how many stories (so many tall tales)

We climb the structure (you scale the ladder)

You build it higher (you make us madder)

We take our aim (so now we're bearin' off)

You perch above your nest (in your charms)

The stories in your head (it's a crazy bald head)

Yeah, that's what got you dead

No way, no, (the clock) it's ticking forward

No way, it's just a cruel, cruel world (cruel, cruel world)

No way, bang your dead, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

Bang your dead, alouette, here's your silhouette

Je te plumerai la, tete

Je te plumerai la, tete

Songwriter:

Un, deux, trois

No one ever does it like that anymore

Bang, bang, bang

When feathers fly, you deny everything (alouette)

Un, deux, trois

No one ever does it like that anymore

Bang, bang, bang (alouette)

When feathers fly, you deny everything yo

Alex Greenwald / Amanda Warner / Homer Steinweiss / Kamaal Fareed / Mark Ronson / Nick Hodgson / Peter Keush

SongFacts:

👉📖

[the-last-rat-standing]

Album Covers

Up until 1939, albums came in a plain white sleeve, until a young graphic designer by the name of Alex Steinweiss (1917-2011) convinced Columbia Records that they’d sell more if the albums came in something that caught people’s eye. And from that came the first record album with an image. Record sales increased by nearly 900%. 

Smash Song Hits by Rodgers and Hart, Richard Rodgers and the Imperial Orchestra (Columbia Records, 1939) (Alex Steinweiss: The Inventor of the Modern Album Cover)

Which leads me to my favourite covers. Or at least a sample- there are so many to choose from, for so many different reasons, either personal, because of their easily recognizable image or because of their lasting significance to music. Let’s start with one that covers (no pun intended) all three:

Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd (1973) Created by Storm Thorgerson, drawn by George Hardie. Thorgerson created ‘Hipgnosis’ with Aubrey Powell, a graphic art group that became known for their single and album covers. (Too, too many to list here, but you can check their WORKS page on wikipedia. I was surprised to see they did “High and Dry”, which is one of my favourite Def Leppard albums.)

Love at First Sting, The Scorpions (1984) Art Design by Kochlowski and Missmahl, photo by Helmut Newton This cover was the reason I did this post! ‘Still Loving You’ came up on YouTube and I wondered what happened to the models. Couldn’t find any information on them, unfortunately. Some copies in the States just have an image of the band on the front (same as the image on the inside sleeve), because Wal-Mart demanded that Polygram reissue it with a less controversial cover. This is the band’s 9th studio album and arguably their best.

Bat Out of Hell, Meatloaf (1977) Cover concept by Jim Steinman, Drawing by Richard Corben. Meatloaf’s debut album. Richard Corben was then known for his work on the magazine ‘Heavy Metal’, but he had a huge career in comics, working on everything from Hellblazer to Punisher to Hellboy. I mean, who doesn’t know this cover?

News of the World, Queen (1977) Cover by American sci-fi artist, Frank Kelly Freas. It’s an alteration of his cover for Astounding Science Fiction (1953). This is the band’s 6th studio album. The one with “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” on it. (That being said, my favourite off this album is “Spread Your Wings”.)

Low, David Bowie (1977) Cover design by George Underwood, using a still from the movie, ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. George also did the covers for ‘Hunky Dory’ and ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’. George is also the guy who punched Bowie in the face, causing the paralysis in his left eye that made him look like he had two different coloured eyes.

This is Bowie’s 11th (!!) studio album, 1st in the Berlin Trilogy (the other 2 being ‘Heroes’ and ‘Lodger’). While it’s not my favourite album (probably the aforementioned ‘Hunky Dory’), isn’t his most distinctive cover (probably the aforementioned ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’), nor has any song that a casual listener might recognize (but please, listen to ‘Sound and Vision’), I just like the image. I don’t know why. I find it a very calming image, almost oddly ‘normal’ for Bowie.

[dumeworld]

Alex Steinweiss

[afs9050]

Design Review

I think the most captivating theme of this album cover by Alex Steinweiss is the adventure of where the horse rider is heading next. It appears as the horse rider currently is in a homely and safe place but is considering taking a more riskful, mysterious and potentially dangerous path by entering the opening in the mountain. One can state that Steinweiss has worked with both colors and scale in order to evoke that feeling in the spectator. Steinweiss has used colors as white, beige, light blue and yellow for the current location of the horse rider which creates a feeling of a safe and calm place. In contrast, the opening of the mountain is depicted in red, black and massive in comparison to the tiny horse rider, these things combined may create an impression of a more riskful and obscure path.

In this sign, designed by Louise Fili for the restaurant Poulet Sans Tête, my focus is directly drawn to the head of the chicken because of Fili's use of colors, light, symbolism and text. By using the blue color and the blinking light only for the last word of the text, Tête (a French word for head), and the actual chicken head, one can argue that Fili directs the spectator's focus to the chicken’s head in several ways. If the text Poulet sans Tête or the figure of the chicken was removed, one can argue that the spectator still would focus on the head because the blue color and blinking light makes it stand out. The major focus on the chicken's head and the text Poulet sans Tête (French for headless chicken) may therefore be interpreted as a symbol for the idiom "run round like a headless chicken".

[bristefreelanceservice]

Graphics Disgein: A Full Course in Visual Creativity

Introduction

Graphics design has become an essential element of modern media, from web marketing strategies to graphic novels. For those interested in pursuing this art form, the Graphic Design: A Full Course in Visual Creativity by Andrew Loomis provides an exceptional introduction that covers everything from the basics and fundamentals through to more complicated techniques.

Exploring the Art of Graphic Design

Graphic Design: A Full Course in Visual Creativity is divided into seven sections which introduces the reader to the principles of design, the fundamentals of composition, the importance of color, typography, how to create effective graphics, and how to use light and shadow. It covers all the important aspects of graphic design, providing the reader with an in-depth understanding of the medium. What sets Graphic Design: A Full Course in Visual Creativity apart from other books on graphic design is its strong emphasis on the creative process. Loomis guides the reader through exercises that help to develop their creative thinking and how to bring their ideas to life. He also provides examples, inspiration, and practical advice on how to create stunning visuals.

Unlocking Your Visual Creativity

Graphic Design: A Full Course in Visual Creativity provides an excellent foundation for anyone looking to develop their visual creativity. The book is easy to read and is filled with tips and hints that will help readers unlock their creative potential. The book also includes a collection of graphics from some of the great designers of the past, such as Paul Rand, Saul Bass, and Alex Steinweiss, providing additional inspiration. There are also numerous illustrations and diagrams that help to explain the concepts discussed in the text.

Conclusion

Graphic Design: A Full Course in Visual Creativity is the perfect starting point for those looking to explore the world of graphic design. It is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to unlock their creative potential and create stunning visuals. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, this book can help you take your artwork to the next level. Read the full article

[inevertookart]

Music Response

Album Cover Imagery -

Designed in 1939 by twenty three year old Alex steinweiss while working at Columbia records. Taken from New York's West 45th Street and stood outside the city's famous Imperial Theatre. This was one of the first album covers to use a photography.

As the first album art cover and with no previous subjects to take inspiration from i think this is a great use of imagery, imagination and colour to start.

5O'S

Elvis Presley 1956 was taken by William V. "Red" Robertson from the debut studio album, The picture of Elvis playing the guitar and singing during a performance at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, Florida, on July 31, 1955 was used here with the singers name and album title vertically and horizontally in some bright cool colours. The set up of this album would go on to be, I used the word reference lightly in a later massive album cover. I thought this was really cool for the time of the album.

60s

A great visual and cover to reflect the time the psychedelic 60s, Jimi Hendrix’s Axis Bold As Love (1967) was created by David King and Roger Law shows art work of religious faith with the bright 60s colours. The artwork would go on to be the source of complaints and banned by the Malaysian government's Home Ministry and Jimi himself explaining how he had nothing to do with the choice of the cover. Its great reference to something to looks good but the more information you gather about it the more questions it raises.

I have also included this album cover by Led Zeplin from the 1969 self titled album, photographed by Sam Shere on 6 May 1937, during the hidenburg disaster. taken from a joke about the band starting and how it would go down like a lead balloon. The design was coordinated by George Hardie the front cover illustration, rendering the famous original black-and-white photograph in ink using a radiograph technical pen and a mezzotint technique.

70s

Designed by Paula Scher and illustrated by Roger Huyssen for Epic Records the cover of Boston's album is one of my favourites even if it designer Paula Scher does not understand why it got a backing when released, “The Boston cover was designed in 1976 and is now 39 years old,” she says. “It was, and still is, in my opinion, a mediocre piece of work.” The guitar shaped spaceships have become a trademark for the band and other album covers. Paula had a meeting with Tom scholz guitarist for Boston and the bands product manager, “The first space ship cover idea we showed Scholz had a Boston invasion of the planet, but Scholz said that space ships should be saving the planet, not attacking. So we came up with the Earth-blowing-up idea.

Rogger Huyssen has created close to 100 album including James Brown and has work in the Smithsonian National Portrait gallery in Washington DC, his work is amazing and very recognisable.

80s

Released on October 8th 1980 Talking Heads Remain in the light album is a great alternative album cover. Using and image of the band the Massachusetts Institute of Technology blotted out the band face using red and keeping the bands eyes and mouth. Painstakingly the job took hours due to the lack of computer power in the 80s. The rest of the artwork was created by graphic designer Tibor Kilman. It was Kilman that came up with the idea of inverting the A's in the bands name, I think this is a great addition and simple idea but also has a great effect that pulls you to the writing. This and the what would be a simple job now but lengthy job in the 80s creates a great cover.

90s

The Glasgow boys make my top album on the 90s. Released in September 1991 and created by Paul Cannell the psychedelic sunburst that adorns the album’s sleeve has become the bands recognisable calling card featuring on countless t-shirts, posters and other memorabilia. According to myth the picture was created after artist Paul had taken LSD at the Creation Records office in Westgate London and Paul was inspired by a damp patch. Paul would go on to create other album covers for Primal Scream and also created work for the Manic Street Preachers. Sadly Paul passed away in 2005 but thankfully his amazing artwork lives on.

Released in June 2003 and Created by English artist Stanley Donwood. Donwood has created all the artwork for Radiohead with Thom Yorke. The cover art is a roadmap of Hollywood, with words and phrases taken from roadside advertising in Los Angeles, such as "God", "TV" and "oil". Not only did Donwood use the advertising but he also used songs from the album such as Burn the Witch and also used some political reference due to the ongoing war on terror at this time.

2010s

Bon Iver's second studio album Bon Iver album was released in June 2011 and the album cover was created by American contemporary artist and teacher Gregory Euclide. Gregory's artwork is most recognisable for its water colour look and its focus on nature and the outdoors. Gregory's work has had plenty of recognition from appearing on album covers and in magazines to the museum of Art and Design in New York and exhibitions on Nevada's Museum of Art. Euclide has went on to do many more Album covers and book covers.

2020s

Released in August 2020 the Killers most recent Album 'Imploding The Mirage' album artwork was created by Thomas Blackshears piece called 'Dance of the Wind and Storm'. The Killers have noted that the artwork is the main source for most of the inspiration for the entire album, the band have said there is a number of direct links between the art and song lyrics. Thomas Blackshear work has been exhibited at The Smithsonian National Museum of American History and has created work for stamps, Hallmark cards and illustrations, He has also created artwork for Disney pictures, George Lucas Studios and National Geographic magazine.

Below are some other amazing album covers.....

[albumwalloffame]

Album Cover Wall (Hall) of Fame 2023 Winter Inductees - Day 1

Probably will be the final year of inducting twenty-five album covers twice a month.

1. Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra ft. Alec Templeton - Rhapsody in Blue

2. Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell

3. Gallows - Orchestra of Wolves

4. David Bowie - The Man Who Sold The World

5. Yes - Relayer

[garadinervi]

Alex Steinweiss, cover for 'Eugene Ormandy conducting The Philadelphia Orchestra / Fritz Reiner conducting Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Oscar Levant (piano), Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune; Dukas: L'apprenti sorcier; Honegger: Concertino for Piano and Orchestra', ML 2156, Columbia Masterworks, Columbia Records, 1951 [Letterform Archive, San Francisco, CA]. Cover: Alex Steinweiss

[mistons]

Alex Steinweiss (1917-2011). Arturo Toscanini, Grand Canyon Suite (1950).

[marksinn]

Alex Steinweiss

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REFERENCE

1: www.alexsteinweiss.com. (n.d.). Alex Steinweiss. [online] Available at: http://www.alexsteinweiss.com/as_index.html [Accessed 21 Oct. 2020]

2: www.eyemagazine.com. (n.d.). Eye Magazine | Feature | Reputations: Alex Steinweiss. [online] Available at: http://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/reputations-alex-steinweiss [Accessed 21 Oct. 2020]

3: September 5, A. and 2004 (n.d.). Alex Steinweiss. [online] AIGA | the professional association for design. Available at: https://www.aiga.org/medalist-alexsteinweiss [Accessed 21 Oct. 2020].

4: Mcknight-Trontz, J. and Steinweiss, A. (2000). For the record : the life and work of Alex Steinweiss. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

5: Heller, S. (2011). Alex Steinweiss, Originator of Artistic Album Covers, Dies at 94 (Published 2011). The New York Times. [online] 19 Jul. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/business/media/alex-steinweiss-originator-of-artistic-album-covers-dies-at-94.html [Accessed 22 Oct. 2020].

[thriftstorerecords]

Ravel: Daphnis Et Chloé Suites Nos. 1 And 2 Schönberg: Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) The Philadelphia Orchestra Conducted by Eugene Ormandy  Temple University Chorus Columbia Masterworks/USA (1950)

Cover by Alex Steinweiss

[oldadvertising]

<strong>Mantovani and his Orchestra: Continental Encores <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ernie_uszniewicz/">by Ernie Uszniewicz</a></strong>

London Records LL 3095, 1959. Photo by Steinweiss.