Dis|cover 2014… with Tetsuo
Remember 2014? Yes, that was last year! Nevertheless, I want to go back one more time and present my very own selection of favourite record covers of the previous year. Surprisingly, here are a bunch of record sleeves of music I never listened to, stuff that popped into my eyes while browsing shops and reading newsletters.
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Antoni Maiovvi - Avrokosm (Not Not Fun)
A prime example of what a good record cover might do, I started listening to the music after seeing this beauty. It shares all the qualities of a poster advertising a seventies sci-fi movie, obscure imagery that makes one want to find out more. Notice the mismatching reflection on the lake. Designer unknown.
Update: Actually, this seems to be a take on Tangerine Dream's Stratosfear sleeve.
Deejay Deer - Natur (Numbers)
Sometimes a good photo is all it takes, and someone at Numbers must have thought the same. The picture itself dates back to 1909 and I always had a sweet spot for portrays that show a person in a h2, dignified way. Photography by Underwood & Underwood.
Oberman Knocks - Dilankex EP (Aperture)
Here's a record I actually bought last year and I'm not ashamed to admit I bought it soleley for the design. Not that there's anything about an Autechre remix or even Oberman Knocks himself. Bold design, high contrast and a clever die cut. What's not to like? Designer unknown.
Clap Clap - Tayi Bebba (Black Acre)
I have to admit, I first saw this cover in high resolution while tracking down the image for this post. I always liked the colours and composition, but I was mildly disappointed about he clean, digital (?) look — the lack of texture. Still, a favourite of 2014! Designer unknown.
Caribou - Our Love (Cityslang)
Not exactly my favourite Caribou record, but longtime collaborator Matthew Cooper came up with this sleeve worthy to add. Reminds me of Carnovsky‘s RGB room and some of Erosie‘s work.
Rustie - Green Language (Warp)
Alright, I complained about the clean detail of the Clap! Clap! sleeve, but that's exactly what makes the Rustie cover so great. And the unreal look of those flamingos, I still find it hard to believe it's an actual photo. Artwork by LuckyMe's Dominic Flannigan with photography by the amazing Simen Johan.
Roughlung - Untitled (Cleaning Tapes)
Maybe a bit of random choice, but it represents a for a style that has become a favourite of mine in recent years. Grim, with an almost metallic quality. Designer unknown.
FaltyDL - ///I\II\\\\ (Ninja Tune)
A bit too Instagram maybe, but let's not pretend: this is why I use Instagram myself, and it's probably why you either love or hate it yourself. Artwork by Thomas J. Simon, who was already responsible for several of FaltyDL‘s earlier sleeves.
Powell - 11-14 (Diagonal)
Simple and cute. Powell had a series of covers in a similar fashion and it would nice to these go on for a bit, as Modeselektor have been doing over the years with their trademark monkey. Design by Guy Featherstone.
Future Islands - Singles (4AD)
Yet another band I never heard about, but the cover caught my attention. I like a collage now and then and there's nothing more to say about this one. Artwork by Beth Hoeckel.
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If you like this post, check out the rest of the Dis|cover series, including selections by Shaun Bloodworth, Optigram, GiveUpArt and others.