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R. Crumb: The Complete Record Cover Collection

Review

R. Crumb: The Complete Record Cover Collection

For decades, R. Crumb has been, sometimes boldly, sometimes quietly, blazing trails through the comics artform. But he was also crossing over into other mediums, such as the recording industry. He drew album covers for hundreds of artists, including his first, the Janis Joplin album Cheap Thrills. His work ended up spanning multiple genres and artists, and Crumb approached them all not only with his signature artistic style but with an obvious love and appreciation for the music that shows through in every cover he did.
 
There were many, many more after that first cover, as well as portraits of the musicians and other accoutrements, which are collected in this comprehensive volume. It’s an entirely fun and engrossing trip through history for comics lovers and music fans alike. There are no stories here, per se, so don’t expect storytelling. But Crumb’s cover art speaks volumes on its own.
 
 

Reviewed by John Hogan on March 24, 2012

R. Crumb: The Complete Record Cover Collection
by R. Crumb

  • Publication Date: November 7, 2011
  • Hardcover: 96 pages
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • ISBN-10: 0393082784
  • ISBN-13: 9780393082784