Punk Album Covers

Having previously looked at the very un-punk(ish?) cover of 'The Dark Side Of The Moon' it is time to look at something a bit more punk.

This is the famous debut album cover of the Ramones. It is a pretty low budget affair but it has become iconic. The simple, stripped down approach reflected the music the Ramones produced. The black and white effect makes it look classic cheaply and easily. It is not overtly rebellious but there is an element of independence and defiance in their stance and dress code. The background (a wall) seems quite downtrodden with graffiti and makes the band seem more working class and rebellious. The lack of decals or detail in the cover could be so as not to distract from the band, who are clearly the focus of the cover and the albums selling point.

Album Cover Research

I have chosen to look at pink floyd's 'dark side of the moon' in order to analyse the conventions of album covers.

This album cover achieved huge commercial success. However it is very ambiguous as to the genre of music, it could really be anything .

This assumed knowledge creates a powerful feel to the image. In addition the lack of information makes it look more like a piece of art than an album cover which undoubtedly contributed to it's iconic status.

The Genre Of Punk

Perhaps more than any other genre, punk is about rebellion. Often punk songs have no specific aim in their rebellion other than to destroy the establishment.
One of the most rebellious punk bands were the Sex Pistols who attacked many British traditions, such as the queen. Songs such as 'Anarchy in the UK' and 'God Save The Queen' encapsulate this rebelious and often pointless side to punk.