You Oughta Know: Storm Thorgerson
Today we commemorate the passing of one of the greatest album cover artists of all time, not to mention one who – although he’s well known for his many collaborations with a particular band – is often given short shrift when it comes to how many other artists he worked with over the course of his career.
The “particular band” we referenced, of course, was Pink Floyd, who utilized Storm Thorgerson artwork on their albums throughout the majority of their career. Indeed, if you aren’t already aware of his efforts for the Floyd, then you may be surprised to discover just how many of their albums he helped design:
- A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS
- MORE
- UMMAGUMMA
- ATOM HEART MOTHER
- MEDDLE
- OBSCURED BY CLOUDS
- THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
- A NICE PAIR
- WISH YOU WERE HERE
- ANIMALS
- A COLLECTION OF GREAT DANCE SONGS
- A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON
- DELICATE SOUND OF REASON
- SHINE ON
- THE DIVISION BELL
- P*U*L*S*E
- RELICS (1996 reissue)
- IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE? THE WALL LIVE 1980-1981
- ECHOES: THE BEST OF PINK FLOYD
- OH, BY THE WAY
- THE BEST OF PINK FLOYD: A FOOT IN THE DOOR
Whew! We’re exhausted just typing that list, so we can imagine how exhausted Thorgerson was. Mind you, some of these covers were done with Thorgerson’s art collective, Hipgnosis, which he founded with Aubrey Powell and which later included Peter Christopherson as well.
We’ve put together a playlist of albums within Rhino’s catalog that feature albums and compilations which have artwork that involved Thorgerson. Prepare to be startled, educated, and filled with bliss from all of the great music, and as you listen, remember this great artist fondly, won’t you?
