There is a common saying that claims that music is a universal language. It is true in every culture in the world music plays an important part in ritual, maintaining social cohesion or simple entertainment.
At the same time there as an adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. Combine these two opinions and you begin to have some insight into just why album covers are so popular as collector’s items – it is not only the cover art that is so impressive – but also the uniqueness and joy of the music on the album that the cover art promises.
Use it As Art
The idea of an album cover as art is not a new one. There are covers that are widely regarded as pieces of art in themselves. Think of The Beatles – ‘Sergeant Pepper’, Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon or ‘Sticky Fingers’ by The Rolling Stones.
These album covers are iconic reflections of society at a certain time in history. no could argue that Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band did not represent a period of cultural upheaval and a society undergoing huge changes.
That is probably the first reason that many people are increasingly turning to framed collections of album covers as an interior design choice. They serve as an attractive visual reminder of certain iconic periods of time, style and musical tastes.
The second reason that people are increasingly framing album covers is more personal. Our individual tastes and personalities are often shaped by the music that we listened to in our formative years.
They Can Help Serve as Memoirs
Our music is as individual as we are unique. Framed album covers serve as reminders of the events that shaped us. Our first kiss, a great love, a smile, a laugh, sadness, pain and recovery. An album cover is a reminder of who we are – and how we became that individual.
Framed album covers are not only attractive talking points about musical style, art, and society. They allow us – and our friends and family to embrace the past.
Frames Offer Added Protection and Can Extend the Life of The Covers
Leaving aside emotion for the time being there is an argument to be made for framed album covers as an investment. Kept in a temperature-controlled environment there is no reason that an album cannot be framed with the original vinyl still contained within its sleeve.
As most album covers are 12×12, it won’t be too difficult finding a frame just make sure you are away of the matting. If you are someone who likes to customize everything, you can try a service like Build a Frame by Frame Destination.
Some of the albums that you enjoyed during your formative years may now well be worth a fortune. The Beetles White Album which was released in 1968 sold for $35,000 in 2013 (low serial numbers are worth more).
Ringo Star who owned the first copy of the album pressed and sold his at auction for an astronomical $790,000. It is also a beautiful cover – well worth framing. A copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band signed by all four members of the band sold for $290,000. The single by Elvis Presley: ‘My Happiness’ fetched $300,000 at auction.
If you take pride in the music that shaped you as you were growing up – and today framing your album covers makes all the sense in the world. Your decision could be based on emotion – or financial savvy – but it is one that you will not regret.