...to the Sublime

For Your Eyes Only: A Gallery

Here are a few more gems from my collection of 45 covers. This one was on the ABC-Paramount label. The song originally appeared on the second volume of Brother Ray's C&W recordings. No artist is credited on the cover.

British labels put out really fantastic artwork on their 45s. This is Billy Bragg's tribute to the late, great lead singer of The Four Tops. Again, no artist credited. (The scrape above Bragg's name is where I had to peel off the price tag, but it actually looks like part of the design.)

Another British production, this one from one of my favorite bands. Whoever designed their artwork for Ze Records perfectly captured the band's style.

The image of the two kids originally appeared on the back cover of Los Lobos' "By the Light of the Moon" LP. I also have the above image on a 12" British single.

The British band Scritti Politti has a thing for the Queen of Soul. This song is subtitled "Pray Like Aretha Franklin." References to her appear on at least a couple of their album covers. I've also got a 12" version of the above, which is part of my Aretha shrine.

For Your Eyes Only: Dali and Gleason!

I've been meaning for some time to feature some pieces from my collection of 45 and LP covers. This is a design that Salvador Dali did for a recording by the Jackie Gleason Orchestra in the mid-1950s. I first learned about this in a book about collectible album covers, then soon after came across a copy of the 45. I later found the LP version, which I picked up as well. I didn't pay much for them and I don't know what they're worth, but I'm not into collecting as an investment. I just like having this stuff. Yes, it's a sickness. Fellow music hounds can relate.

One-Hit Wonders: Patti Drew

Here's a groovy song that doesn't get enough play on oldies radio. Released in 1968, it was Patti Drew's highest charting single. (The Fifth Dimension charted higher the following year with its over-produced, middle-of-the-road version.) I was initially surprised to learn the song was co-written by Neil Sedaka, but upon closer listen, its melody and chord changes are signatures of the pop tunesmith.

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