At first, I was a little overwhelmed by this particular challenge. As I reflected over 33 years of record and CD collecting, I thought of several albums that stuck out in my mind. One of my first memories of a stunning album insert was from Elton John's "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player". It was not uncommon for Elton to have elaborate booklets in his LP records. Another that came to mind was the first album by the Alan Parsons Project, "Tales of Mystery and Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe", a concept album based off of the writings of one of the most famous writers of the 19th Century. This LP came with a booklet that had stunning artwork by the late Storm Thorgerson, in addition to a bibliography of the life of Edgar Allan Poe, complete lyrics and extensive liner notes about the musicians that created this masterpiece. Ambrosia, anyone?
All these aside, there was one LP package (including inserts) that stuck out. Early last year, Austin, Texas Post Rock heroes, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, released their elaborate double LP, "TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE". This LP came in a set that was an inch thick, complete with slip cover. Slide the jacket out, and it folds out into four walls of a cabin. One side is the interior of the cabin, the other side, exterior. The set also comes with a poster that you set the "cabin" on, featuring green foliage and roots on the top side, and so detailed as to include the dirt and subterranean roots on the bottom side. This LP cost me $32.99 and it was worth every penny. I have NEVER seen such an extensive packaging for any piece of music, and as stated, I've been collecting for 33 years.
All these aside, there was one LP package (including inserts) that stuck out. Early last year, Austin, Texas Post Rock heroes, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, released their elaborate double LP, "TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE". This LP came in a set that was an inch thick, complete with slip cover. Slide the jacket out, and it folds out into four walls of a cabin. One side is the interior of the cabin, the other side, exterior. The set also comes with a poster that you set the "cabin" on, featuring green foliage and roots on the top side, and so detailed as to include the dirt and subterranean roots on the bottom side. This LP cost me $32.99 and it was worth every penny. I have NEVER seen such an extensive packaging for any piece of music, and as stated, I've been collecting for 33 years.
The following are pictures of the album, "Take Care, Take Care, Take Care".
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