Favorite Album Covers!!!

[Graceland1979]

I like the 70's albums with the jump suits

[NEA]

Thanks for the info re: the US version of "His Hand In Mine", Lonnie!


Still on the subject of the original "Aloha" cover, I think that the cover of the ELVIS 'Fool' album released in 1973 would have suited the "Aloha" double LP...it would have most definitely been a better representation at that time.

[Lonniebealestreet]

You're welcome, NEA, and I definitely agree about the 'Fool' album cover.

Of course most images used on Elvis album covers weren't date-appropriate anyway, but in the case of the original Aloha album all the artwork was made up in advance so that once the records were pressed, they could be released as soon as possible.

RCA did the same thing with the Madison Square Garden concert album, and I think the turnaround time on that one--from performance to the records being in store shelves--was something crazy like between one and two weeks.

But generally speaking, the choice of photos seemed a little uninspired and more flattering ones could have been used--ones taken by the same photographer at the same venues.

[NEA]

Even though such vinyl projects as 'Madison Square Garden' & 'Aloha' were rush-released you would still think that the company would have catered for time to include an up-to-date photo for the covers.

For example, if they were in such a rush to release the MSG Evening Performance of June 10th, 1972 then why couldn't they have taken a photo at the concert the day before? A great photo to use for the cover would have been the pic of Elvis & the Band with the American Flag draped at the back of them - this was taken at the June 9th show! (See 'Red Shirt' trivia thread on this Forum).

They could have taken a photo from the 'Aloha' Rehearsal concert on January 12th, 1973 and used it for the cover of the original 'Aloha' double album? Granted, it wasn't from the actual date of the telecast but at least it still would have been appropriate for the project.

NEA.

[Sonny]

NEA, that very first cover always has been a favorite of mine.

Back in 1956 is was a very "arty design", you know. A black and white cover with the artist's name on both the side and bottom in those fine mint and pink colors.

I believe some punk band back in the eighties used the same colors and layout for their album cover. Perhaps "The Stranglers", but I'm not sure here.

[Leroy]

While reading back the latest replies I saw the cover of the album "Elvis In Demand". I remember buying this record in a store and the salesman laughed his eyes out when he saw the title. I didn't get it at first but he read it phonetic. Here in Holland it would say "Elvis In The Basket". (Elvis In De Mand)

[NEA]

Hi Sonny,

Many thanks for your reply.

The punk band you're referring to is 'The Clash'!

Cheers,

NEA.

[Sonny]

See what I mean! I didn't know...

Thanks for helping me out here, of course it was "The Clash".

Sonny

[NEA]

Here's another great & rare cover/lp from 1977 (?) and I think it was released on the Charley label (?)

[NEA]

Here's another classic!

The album of songs itself is classed as one of The King's very best...some fans have even labelled it THE very best...the cover's pretty cool too!

The Special Edition that was released in 2000 is a 3-disc set with a great design on each cover.

[NEA]

So Iconic...Number 2 on my list.

[NEA]

Just about anything and everything connected with the '68 NBC-TV Special Comeback is bound to be described as classic.

The production has been the subject of a number of import releases over the years which have also spawned some great covers. Here are two more of the official BMG releases:

[NEA]

Here are two more covers that 'Aloha From Hawaii' could have benefitted from. These are both UK LPs, "Hits Of the 70s" was released in 1974 and "He Walks Beside Me" from 1977/78.

"He Walks Beside Me" was a Gospel-themed album which featured a live version of 'The Impossible Dream' (possibly 'Madison Square Garden' Evening Show June 10th, 1972??) and also an alternate take of 'If I Can Dream'!!

I think this cover is one of the more classier creations in the same category as 1972's "He Touched Me" - such a great shot of Elvis too.

[NEA]

Here's the Mexican version of the UK's "Sun Collection" - another piece of unusual artwork from 1977.

[NEA]

Here from 1975 we have the UK's very own 'Reader's Digest' 6-LP Box Set - an artistic impression on the cover and very much a rare and recognisable one at that. I remember that a rare flexi-disc sampler was available from Holland (?) to promote the set and it was quite impressive to listen to!

From 1985 we have the US album, "Always On My Mind". When this was released this cover was met with mixed feelings about the style and colourisation that was used on the photo. Some fans thought that it was an attempt to bring Elvis into the 80's?! A single was released from the album which consisted of the very same treatment on its cover.

[NEA]

Your Fave? US or UK?...the choice is yours.

[NEA]

The TV Special even got in on the act with the release of these two classic albums - the photos bare no relation to the recorded material on these projects.

[NEA]

Here are two more classic albums with classic covers that could both be contenders for the cover of the "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" album.

[NEA]

Two of the more distinguished and unique album covers (and songs) released during the movie period from 1962 & 1965 respectively.

[NEA]

Familiar Fan Favourites from 1970 & 1971 and considered to be two of the very first box sets (4 LPs in each), but how much do you like these covers on Volumes 1 & 2?