IT’S LIKE THAT: Judging an Album by it’s Cover

Yesterday, Troy (aka, Smooth, aka Clarence Nice, aka Mr. Q.P.T.), who is not only one of our frequent "posters" here on the Indie Ear Blog, but is also a revered and well respected member of the 'zine world (which were basically blogs before blogs existed), commented on Weezer's newly unveiled album cover (left). He mentioned how Rivers Cuomo's "country" look doesn't seem to be as smooth as Jack White or Beck's transition into western-wear. When done correctly, a cowboy hat and rockmount shirt (worn with a hint of irony) seems like an ideal wardrobe choice for any indie artist. If not done correctly--you could very well bring to mind the stereotypes of a Jeff Foxworthy punch line. If I wasn't familiar with Weezer's music, their new album cover--featuring a mustached-Rivers Cuomo, an extra-hairy Brian Bell, a prep-school dapper Pat Wilson, and a tattooed-out Scott Shriner--could lead me to believe...

Yesterday, Troy (aka, Smooth, aka Clarence Nice, aka Mr. Q.P.T.), who is not only one of our frequent “posters” here on the Indie Ear Blog, but is also a revered and well respected member of the ‘zine world (which were basically blogs before blogs existed), commented on Weezer’s newly unveiled album cover (left). He mentioned how Rivers Cuomo’s “country” look doesn’t seem to be as smooth as Jack White or Beck’s transition into western-wear.

When done correctly, a cowboy hat and rockmount shirt (worn with a hint of irony) seems like an ideal wardrobe choice for any indie artist. If not done correctly–you could very well bring to mind the stereotypes of a Jeff Foxworthy punch line.

If I wasn’t familiar with Weezer’s music, their new album cover–featuring a mustached-Rivers Cuomo, an extra-hairy Brian Bell, a prep-school dapper Pat Wilson, and a tattooed-out Scott Shriner–could lead me to believe that they were either Larry The Cable Guy’s house band or our generation’s answer to the Village People.

However, over the years I’ve developed an uncanny talent of being able to look at an album’s artwork and determine what kind of music is contained within it.

Let’s see how good you are:

ALBUM COVER #1
A. Contemporary Christian recording artist, whose latest album is titled, Born to Worship.
B. Pop-starlet who is currently opening up for Hannah Montana.
C. Rocker chick whose latest single is called, “I’m a Bitch, 24-7″

ANSWER:
A., Sarah Kelly, Born to Worship

ALBUM COVER #2
A. Sonic Youth inspired art-trio from Seattle who will be playing this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival.
B. A Josh Groban-like crooner, whose voice is known to make middle-aged women melt into butter.
C. A run-of-the-mill modern rock band who seems like they’d be interested in talking piercings and haircuts with Nickeback.

ANSWER: C., Saving Abel, Saving Abel

ALBUM COVER #3
A. Power-blues-rock band from Kansas City.
B. Rapper riding the momentum of the hit single “Low”, named after a state, but pronounced with a hip-hop twist.
C. Orchestral chamber pop musician.

ANSWER: B., Flo Rida, Mail on Sunday

ALBUM COVER #4
A. Indie-art-rock-dance outfit from Oxford, England. TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek produced their debut album.
B. Bubble-gum all-girl pop group from Mexico.
C. Country recording artist who has toured with Big & Rich and Vince Gill.

ANSWER: A., Foals, Anitdotes

ALBUM COVER #5
A. Black Metal group from Finland, whose debut album is titled, Bludgeon Your Head on the Devil’s Doorstep.
B. Emo artist who recently clipped his overgrown bangs.
C. Former American Idol finalist who discovered the “country” bug late in his run.

ANSWER: C., Phil Stacey, Phil Stacey