Ugliest covers of otherwise great albums

Present- This is not the End

Cristi wrote: Moyan wrote: Oh, and I would add the "Tormato" cover as well, because I consider that album to be the last Yes classic masterpiece with a disaster sleeve design. Again, not an ugly cover and not a good album.

When "Tormato" was out, I purchased it. Personally, I have never met a progressive rock lover who didn't adore "Tormato" back then. Nowadays, however, "Tormato" stands as one of the most underrated albums from the late 1970s. It is unjust to "Tormato" that people on internet forums simply reiterate the matrix that it is a weak album. Even if "Going for the One" clearly marked the beginning of the band's more commercial and approachable style, "Tormato" still has great yesssongs, and the album's overall quality is definitely excellent. Its tracks have powerful melodies and intriguing, novel concepts, and even though there is not a 15+ minute long song, "Tormato" is not a corny or sloppy record at all. No way! Although "only" 8 minutes long, the concluding "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" is certainly one of the most beautiful yessongs ever.

Moyan wrote: Cristi wrote: Moyan wrote: Oh, and I would add the "Tormato" cover as well, because I consider that album to be the last Yes classic masterpiece with a disaster sleeve design. Again, not an ugly cover and not a good album.  When "Tormato" was out, I purchased it. Personally, I have never met a progressive rock lover who didn't adore "Tormato" back then. Nowadays, however, "Tormato" stands as one of the most underrated albums from the late 1970s. It is unjust to "Tormato" that people on internet forums simply reiterate the matrix that it is a weak album. Even if "Going for the One" clearly marked the beginning of the band's more commercial and approachable style, "Tormato" still has great yesssongs, and the album's overall quality is definitely excellent. Its tracks have powerful melodies and intriguing, novel concepts, and even though there is not a 15+ minute long song, "Tormato" is not a corny or sloppy record at all. No way! Although "only" 8 minutes long, the concluding "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" is certainly one of the most beautiful yessongs ever. It's quite a different thing with that album sleeve. Not only does the Hipgnosis design not match the Yes' music, as was clearly seen in the example of the previous album, but their work used on "Tormato" is far below the level of the "Hipgnosis" group themselves. The urban legend even states that "Tor" was the originally chosen album title, and then that photograph and title, "Tormato," came from Rick Wakeman throwing a tomato at the artwork after viewing an awful and dull design.

Moyan wrote:

Cristi wrote: Moyan wrote: why is this one ugly?

That creature, of which, btw, I have no idea what it is doing on the locomotive, looks a lot more like a rubber Nessie toy than a camel. 

Octopus II wrote: Kevin Rowland of Dexy's Midnight Runners.

TBH, I find him quite hot. I think that cover was a bit ahead of its time. It would be way better received if it was released today.

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: Mic drop. Or should I say egg drop.

Id' say birdshіt drop.

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: Mic drop. Or should I say egg drop. Actually, I've never heard the music on this but apparently it's not nearly as bad as the cover.

Cristi wrote: Moyan wrote: Cristi wrote: Moyan wrote: why is this one ugly?  That creature, of which, btw, I have no idea what it is doing on the locomotive, looks a lot more like a rubber Nessie toy than a camel.  Unlike that one, "Mirage" has a great, iconic sleeve design featuring a camel motif. Mirage rips off the cigarettes pack, it's surprising they got away with it.  Coca-Cola sued Judas Priest for the cover of their debut album, so there is an alternative version. They settled it and realized it's free publicity as well.

There's a fine line between copying and inspiration. Camel's "Mirage" sleeve design certainly falls into the latter sort.