New Jacket Required?

Local artist/gallery owner Shelley Spector inspects some Philly artists’ album covers.

by Shelley Spector


Baby Blak Once You Go Blak (BBE) Shelley says: Who doesn't love a good booty shot?		Aspera Oh Fantastica (JAGJAGUWAR) Shelley says: There is something compelling about this Beck-ish guy. I wanted to listen to the CD based on the cover, so that's a good thing. I'm not sure what he's doing or why he's holding his breath, but this is a fine design.

Ween Quebec (SANCTURARY) Shelley says: Ween's cover really bothers me. Where are these people's eyeballs? Another art emergency that can be saved by a local artist. Ween, please call Thom Lessner.		Townhall The New Song (SELF-RELEASED) Shelley says: Sweet, moody and sincere, Townhall's CD is in a trifold cardboard cover -- a nice touch. It has no plastic case so it's a throwback to the old days of album covers. Painted by Fay Fanny Stanford and printed and manufactured in Pennsauken, N.J., this one works.

Burning Brides Fall of the Plastic Empire (V2) Shelley says: Huh? What's that supposed to be?		The Trouble With Sweeney I Know You Destroy (BURNT TOAST VINYL) Shelley says: Really nice graphics inside and out by G.A. Tarafelli. The silver lettering on the cardboard cover looks great. The photo confuses me because I don't think it's Sweeney but I wish it were. Sweeney, is that you?

Kamaflaj s/t (SOWA) Shelley says: I'm a fan of any Philly fan. I love the Sixers jersey and City Hall in the rear. Kamaflaj should get ahold of Philadelphia photographer Adam Wallacavage and reshoot this with his signature fisheye lens, 'cause this photo's a bit fuzzy.		Britny Fox Springhead Motorshark (SPITFIRE) Shelley says: Springhead Motorshark is an awesome name, but the cover's dark, faceless image makes me scared.

Frog Holler Railings (RECORD CELLAR) Shelley says: Ghouls unite! (See above.)		Karen Gross Navigating (SELF-RELEASED) Shelley says: This image is a good match for the music inside and I know where she's going with it, but it could be better. The graphics don't really match the mood of the photo, which is sad and reflective. Instead of a photograph, maybe a simple pencil portrait would work here.

The Three Tens Taking Nothern Liberties (RAINBOW QUARTZ) Shelley says: I'm not feeling this at all. These girls all look crazy.		The Roots Phrenology (MCA) Shelley says: This is a powerful cover. It combines history, science, social commentary and great illustrations by Tom Evil Prints Huck. The design is carried through thoughtfully in the liner notes. It's just two colors, brown on paper that looks like old parchment. Nice.