COVER OF THE WEEK

# 15 is the album Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy by Elton John.

It's from 1975 and considered to be one of his best.

The album tells the story of those early years when Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin struggled to make it in the music business.

Looking back on those days from the hectic fantasy life they were living at that time, the songs are about the innocent years up until the first album was released back in 1969.

Bernie had the idea for the cover and Alan Aldridge was asked to paint it. It features a dreamlike mix of images referring to the songs and lyrics.

Aldridge was a respected and successful artist who had been involved with rock world since the early 60s when he landed the job of creative director at Beatles Apple Corp. Lennon called him "His Royal Master of Images to Their Majesties The Beatles"(!).

Aldrigde designed The Beatles "White Album" as well as "A Quick One" for The Who and albums for Cream, Jimi
Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and John Lennon.

This is one cover that won't translate well to the CD format. The painting is full of images that will be lost when reduced to the size of a CD insert. The fact that the prints on these releases have been less than perfect will make it look even worse.

What you also miss out on is some of the art included in the two booklets. One named "Scraps" the other "Lyrics"

If you go looking for the vinyl release of Captain Fantastic and find a copy complete with the booklets as well as the limited edition poster of the cover you've got the ultimate version of this album!

N.S.

More on Alan Aldrigde (including lot of art)