Chapter 1
The physics of the groove
Chapter 2
From shellac to stereo
Chapter 3
The art you can hold
Chapter 4
The global vinyl revival
Ch 3 · The art you can hold
Quiz
Which legendary design studio created iconic album covers for Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin?
Quiz
By what percentage did sales increase when Columbia Records introduced the first illustrated cover?
sonia Vinyl Album Cover Art
Hold the art, hold the art! Dress it up, watch it fly off the chart! Hold the art!
Quiz
What physical insert, often included in classic gatefolds, contains the song lyrics and band photos?
Quiz
Why is carbon black traditionally added to the natural, clear PVC used to make records?
Fun Fact
Clear vinyl: Vinyl records are naturally colorless and transparent; they only look black because manufacturers add carbon black to make the plastic stronger.
Glossary
album cover (noun)
The protective cardboard packaging enclosing a vinyl record, typically featuring creative artwork and text. In 1939, Columbia Records art director Alex Steinweiss revolutionized music packaging by inventing the illustrated cover.
The protective cardboard packaging enclosing a vinyl record, typically featuring creative artwork and text. In 1939, Columbia Records art director Alex Steinweiss revolutionized music packaging by inventing the illustrated cover.