Worst looking CD/LP artwork

[Peter Power Pop]

Clearly, after decades marked by clarity, recognisability, and genuine informational value, we have drifted into an age of visual uncertainty that borders on the nonsensical.

This fashion no longer afflicts only dubious ventures by obscure performers, for whom absurdity has always been something of a professional obligation, almost mandatory. It has now reached even the most venerable and respected institutions, with ensembles of the stature of the Berlin Philharmonic being dressed in packaging that can only be described as preposterous.

In the case of Schoenberg, such excess may be forgiven, even welcomed, since the music itself thrives on provocation. With Beethoven, however, language itself falters. In earlier times, anyone responsible for such an offence would have been escorted into the courtyard and corrected with a bundle of birch rods.

Ugh.

[Peter Power Pop]

Possibly the least helpful cover for a recording of The Planets I think I've ever seen:



For anyone interested in the identity of the performer, it's the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by William Steinberg.

[Details at Discogs]

[JBS]

Possibly the least helpful cover for a recording of The Planets I think I've ever seen:



For anyone interested in the identity of the performer, it's the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by William Steinberg.

[Details at Discogs]

At least it tells you the name of the composer and the music being performed. The Berlin Philharmonic covers Another Spin posted give no information, unless it's using a code whose key is unknown to me.