W.A.S.P: ANIMAL (FUCK LIKE A BEAST) EP
Meaning lies somewhere in this cover, I just need some time and a few analytical essays to unlock the secret. The imagery and abstract concepts these guys try to convey fly right over my head. Who knew that such sophisticated and debonair artistry could come from W.A.S.P.? Who could call them White Anglo-Saxon Perverts and get away with it? Their originality and success all began right here with this little EP. Don't ever forget it.
THE BLACK CROWES: AMORICA
I love the sight of pubic hair in the morning. I find it in my bathroom, my kitchen, sometimes even in my food. What I don't want to find it on, however, is album covers, and I don't think that I'm asking too much. Not to mention, a trim every once in a while would be nice -- take some pride in your body!
THE ROLLING STONES: STICKY FINGERS
If you haven't noticed, cocks equal controversy. Mick Jagger and Co. wanted Andy Warhol (who did the classic cover for The Velvet Underground's debut) to be more subtle with his phallic imagery, thus the yellow banana was stuck into some tight jeans. Well, we're assuming that, because there's no way those guys did all those drugs without some sort of shrinkage down there.
NOFX: HEAVY PETTING ZOO
Read the signs, man! Don't play with the animals! Apparently extremely focused on the task at hand, this guy is getting some practice for his woman back at the ranch. What are the kids thinking in the background? Maybe they are his children. Maybe this cover is just nauseating.
N.W.A.: STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
Kurt Cobain may have flicked off his audience, but N.W.A. took it a step further. They pointed a gun at their audience. And while the cover seems tame these days, it's still drawn on as a source of inspiration and controversy. Just check out the poster for Walt Disney's Holes for a fine example.
SPINAL TAP: SMELL THE GLOVE
Solid colors can be quite entertaining and provocative. The Beatles tried to do it with, um, The Beatles, but they mucked up the image with their name. They're such egomaniacs. But Spinal Tap knew what to do. When forced to scrap their first album cover for being controversial, they came back with their all-black cover capturing the blackness and darkness of it all. Light some incense, blast "Sex Farm" and stare at this cover without blinking. Then you'll understand.
NIRVANA: NEVERMIND
I remember getting Nevermind in the mail in 1991 through one of those seven CDs for a dollar scams. I saw this cover and promptly reversed the booklet to appease my parents. The other side featured Kurt Cobain flipping me off. I went back to the penis because it was smaller than Kurt's finger.
SNOOP DOGGY DOGG: DOGGY STYLE
What's wrong with this cover? It has cute, smiling cartoon dogs. Maybe it's that white dog catcher in the background? "The Man" trying to catch "The Dog"? Or does it have something to do with Donovan McNabb? I am so confused, but my friend told me to put it on the list. So here it is.
WITCHFINDER GENERAL: DEATH PENALTY
Amidst the religious revival of the 1980s, a question rang out loud and clear for all to ponder: "What would happen if priests raped a nun?" In response and to demonstrate their religious dedication, Witchfinder General put forth Death Penalty -- a semi-nude woman being raped by priests over a grave. If that doesn't get you hot, then you got another thing comin'.
