The “Worst Record Covers in the World” exhibition, curated by Steve Goldman, features a collection of over 700 hilariously bad album sleeves. Originally sparked by his discovery of the 1979 Peter Rabbitt album Roadstar, the exhibition has grown into a traveling phenomenon, with displays at galleries and festivals across the UK, including a scheduled appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Why Do Bad Record Covers Become Cultural Phenomena?
According to Steve Goldman, the appeal of these record covers lies in their unintentional humor. Goldman, a collector who began this project after a stroke, notes that his criteria for inclusion are simple: the artwork must be funny, family-friendly, and avoid being gory, violent, or offensive. The collection serves as a retrospective of artistic choices that went “horribly wrong,” often featuring bizarre imagery like rabbits with human faces or bands in bathtubs.
The collection’s origin story is tied to the band Peter Rabbitt. Former lead singer JT Thompson described the band’s 1979 album cover—where members were morphed onto rabbit bodies—as a “terrible dream.” Despite the band’s initial split, the cover has become the centerpiece of Goldman’s exhibition, leading to a collaboration where Thompson serves as a guest of honor at museum openings.
Steve Goldman once paid £110 for a single album, All My Friends Are Dead by Freddie Gage, making it the most expensive item in his collection. He cites it as a personal favorite due to its absurd depiction of a Southern Baptist evangelist kneeling at a grave.
How Do Curators Select Pieces for Public Display?
Selecting items for a public exhibition requires balancing humor with appropriateness. Goldman explains that while he collects anything that makes him laugh, he curates the physical displays based on the venue. For instance, at the Mansfield Museum, certain “risque” covers—such as those by Kingsize Dick or the Minister’s Quartet—are excluded to keep the environment suitable for younger visitors.
Visitors are often invited to interact with the collection by voting for their “favorite worst” cover. This engagement strategy highlights the subjective nature of “bad” art. While some covers are universally mocked, others, such as Prince’s Lovesexy, spark debates about whether a sleeve is a failure or a work of genius.
Future Trends in Record Sleeve Design
While the bulk of Goldman’s collection focuses on the 1970s and 1980s, the trend of questionable design persists. Goldman points to modern examples, such as the Norwegian band Satanic Panic Attack and their album Handgemeng, as proof that bands continue to produce “comical” imagery today. As physical vinyl continues to see a resurgence, the “worst cover” genre remains a vital, humorous subset of music history that bridges the gap between past and present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Worst Record Covers in the World” exhibition?
It is a collection of over 700 unintentionally funny or bizarre album covers curated by Steve Goldman, designed to raise funds for the charity Different Strokes.
Where can I see the collection?
The exhibition travels to various galleries and festivals, including recent stops at the Mansfield Museum and upcoming appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Can I submit my own covers?
Steve Goldman actively manages the collection. You can contact his project through his official social media channels, such as Instagram or Facebook, under the handle @worstrecordcovers.
If you are interested in the stories behind these bizarre designs, the book The Art of the Bizarre Record Sleeve provides detailed research by Simon Robinson, featuring over 200 covers from the collection.
Have you ever come across an album cover that left you speechless? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into music subcultures.
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