THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS "NOW!"

Artist: The Chambers Brothers
Album: Now!

Label: Vault
Catalog: LP 115

Year: 1966

Genre: reggae
Grading: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Cover Designer: Ralph Kaffel

Cover photography: Bob Gerstlauer
Grade: **** star

If I had to pick a cover that screamed mid-60s gestalt (always wanted to use that word on the internet), then this Chambers Brothers album cover would certainly be in the running.  For some reason the flower cover has always reminded me of that infamous Lyndon B. Johnson "daisy girl" commercial.  If you've never seen it, check out the attached YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Id_r6pNsus

Add in the '60s font (which is almost impossible to read) and you've got a classic timepiece cover.

MAX ROMEO "OPEN THE IRON GATE"

Artist: Max Romeo
Album: Open the Iron Gate

Label: Liberty
Catalog: LY 61165

Year: 1978

Genre: reggae
Grading: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Cover Designer: Steve Smith

Cover photography: not applicable
Grade: **** star

Wow, that's some spliff Romeo is holding ...  If you're looking for an album that just reeks Caribbean, this is probably the one.   Stark, but the colors instantly grab you and won't let go.


 

HOT TUNA "AMERICA'S CHOICE"

Artist: Hot Tuna
Album: America's Choice

Label: Grunt
Catalog: BFL1-0820

Year: 1975

Genre: rock
Grading: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Cover Designer: Frank Mulvey

Cover photography: not applicable
Grade: **** star

Even if you're not a big fan of this Jefferson Airplane spinoff, you've got to admit that the cover to their "America's Choice" album was eye catching. Frank Mulvey's use of vivid colors and the striking lettering were clearly meant to mimic a box of laundry detergent (take that Andy Warhol).  There was just something very counter-culture cool here.  One of the last breaths of the San Francisco psychedelic lifestyle ...   Always loved the side panel "WARNING: THIS ALBUM TO BE PLAYED AT FULL VOLUME FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT"