In Matthew Chojnacki’s stunning new book, Put The Needle On The Record, two Eurythmics record sleeves are featured, and Annie Lennox was one of the first artists to contribute to the book. Here’s a quote from Annie.
As an artist, I’ve always relished the opportunity to explore ideas and prod the boundaries. Having freedom to express oneself via the broad arena of ‘pop culture,’ incorporating the photographic image, symbol and metaphor, word, melody, rhythm, movement, texture, composition, social commentary, style, sex, drama, angst, ecstasy…in fact…the total range of human emotion and experience can be encountered in the process. – Annie Lennox
Watch out for our interview and competition with Matthew soon, in the mean time, here’s a lot more information about the book.
In the 1980s, music defined the moment – “Video Killed the Radio Star” ushered in MTV, “Don’t You (Forget about Me)” ruled The Breakfast Club, and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” became the anthem of a generation. But the era was not just about its distinctive music; it was also the most visually provocative era of the last millennium. Every new vinyl single hit the stands wrapped in an eye-catching sleeve that reflected the latest trends.
Put the Needle on the Record: The 1980s at 45 Revolutions Per Minute is pop-culture historian Matthew Chojnacki’s definitive guide to seven- and twelve-inch vinyl single artwork from the ‘80s.
From a dream of a vinyl collection, Chojnacki presents and compares more than 250 vinyl single covers that represent nearly every prominent ‘80s musician. However, this is not just a pop-cultural feast for the eyes. From hundreds of hours of interviews, Chojnacki allows the designers and visual talent behind Madonna, Prince, Pink Floyd, Queen, Adam Ant, Iron Maiden, The Clash, Pet Shop Boys, Van Halen, and more to tell the unheard stories behind the decade’s most iconic images.
Coupled with exclusive commentary from more than 100 of the ‘80s biggest musicians, including Annie Lennox, Duran Duran, Run-DMC, Devo, The B-52’s, Erasure, The Human League, Scorpions, The Knack, and Yoko Ono, this is an authoritative journey back to the songs and images that continue to influence our culture.
Two prominent pop musicians bookend these musical stories: Scissor Sisters’ lead singer Jake Shears introduces Chojnacki’s work, and Nick Rhodes, part of seminal ‘80s pop band Duran Duran, rounds out the collection with the afterword.
Put the Needle on the Record is published by Schiffer Publishing
You can purchase the book from Amazon using the links below.
