I love vinyl! No, I'm not a fetish dresser unless you count a killer bee pair of 5 inch stiletto Manolo Blahniks last worn circa B.C. (before children) And I'm not partial to sticky, squeaky furniture or car seats. Nope. I mean record albums. Those beautiful pressed plastic discs of yore.

Emotional Rescue was the very first record I bought with my own hard-earned money. I still have the receipt. Musicland. $5.99 (on sale, because at the time it was a new release). I played it over and over on my trusty Panasonic turntable. I memorized the song order on both the A and B sides. I then pilfered the three Stones albums from my parents' collection. (I also stole the Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys) And I began record buying in earnest. Mostly for the music, but sometimes for the artwork. It is nearly impossible, I believe, to replicate on a 5 inch square of paper stuffed into a jewel case what was created on the album covers of old. Anyone remember seeing Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon for the first time? I do. And I still have the poster, though it no longer hangs in my bedroom.

By the time I graduated from high school, I had amassed quite a nifty collection of vinyl. Around two hundred, I suppose. Lots of "new wave" cr*p full of synthesizers and drum machines, this being the 80's and all. For instance, I am still the dubiously proud owner of all three (yes, there were three) A Flock of Seagulls records. But there was some good stuff too. And without further ado, and in no particular order, here is a list (with photos!) of a few of my favorite album covers.

Beatles Abbey Road

This album cover single-handedly (single-streetedly?) fueled my early passion for a visit across the pond. Someday I hope to re-create this famous photo using my sons and dog as the band members. As a bonus, "Come Together" starts this record off and that remains one of my favorite Beatles songs.

Styx Paradise Theater

Here is a case where an album was purchased solely for the artwork. The only song I even like by this band is "Renegade" and that's not on this record. Imagine my secret glee when I saw Tommy Shaw (barefoot) performing solo (and acoustic) at a Borders bookstore 5 years ago.

Sex Pistols Never Mind the Bollocks

Crisp text and graphic color. Like a ransom note with songs inside. A plus is "Pretty Vacant", one of their best tunes, in my humble opinion.

Elvis Costello King of America

So, basically I think ol' Declan here is one of the finest singer/songwriter/musicians to come down the pike in the last 25 years or so. And while it's difficult to pull off the 'crown and bedizened denim jacket' look...somehow he looks quite dandy. He graciously autographed it for me before a show several years ago and I was so overwhelmed with awe/fear/ill-worthy-ness, it was all I could do to sputter "Thanks" before scampering away. Sometimes I really impress myself.

Rolling Stones Let It Bleed

"Gimme Shelter" and a really cool cover? Jackpot!! One of the stolen albums, incidentally.

Devo Freedom of Choice

It was between this and Are We Not Men? and the photo trumped the drawing. Myself and four friends went as Devo to a Halloween party once. I still have the flower pot hat. And the bull whip.

Beastie Boys Licensed To Ill

I love, love, love when the entire front and back of an album is used for artwork. 'Just me and my pony and a quart-a-beer.' Brilliant! On the inside cover is a photo of the Boys. The all look so young and ornery. Then I have to remind myself this was released in 1986. Twenty plus years ago. Which officially makes me old.

X Under the Big Black Sun

Bleak ink on paper. A bottle of Night Train, a pack of smokes, and a twin bed. What more could one need?

Johnny Cash Orange Blossom Special

Not many folks can make short pants look hip but he succeeds. And on top of a freight car no less.

Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers

I traded my (scratched) copy of KISS "Alive" to Pat Gibb for this masterpiece (with a working zipper!!) in 6th grade during recess. Now that transaction was the art of the deal.