Album covers are a dying art form. With the digital age upon us, less and less artistic thought is being put into creating imaginative album covers. While CDs may offer cover art, it is a dwindled-down replica of a once extensive, detailed and in-depth image. Back to the days when vinyl was the primary technology for music reproduction one could find all types of intricate, unique, clever and even ingenious designs. Vinyl offers the artist a larger canvas on which to express their creative vision. Many bands know this and have returned to vinyl, offering LPs as well as the CD and digital downloads. Here 10 of the most amazingly artistic vinyl album covers.

“Bitches Brew” Miles Davis

(Image via: www.dustandgrooves.com)

“Bitches Brew,” released in 1970, is generally tagged as one of Miles Davis’ best-selling albums and is believed by many to have marked a pivotal turning point in modern jazz. Its unconventional and progressive sound is credited with laying the foundation for the jazz-rock genre. It’s rumored Davis originally intended on calling the album ‘Witches Brew’ but, thanks to his former wife funk singer Betty (Mabry) Davis, settled on ‘Bitches Brew.’ Artist Mati Klarwein, whose work is known for its surrealist elements, created the cover art. Klarwein has also contributed cover art for Davis’ album “Live-Evil” as well as for other musicians such as Reuben Wilson, The Chambers Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire and Santana.

“One Nation Under a Groove” Funkadelic

(Image via: tralfaz-archives.com)

(Image via: tralfaz-archives.com)

(Image via: tralfaz-archives.com)

“One Nation Under a Groove,” released in 1978, launched Funkadelic into the mainstream eye and was the first Funkadelic LP to reach platinum status. It is a loose concept album on the power of funk music’s ability to evoke open-mindedness, happiness and dance. Many credit this album with introducing guitar funk into the mainstream. The album’s artwork and liner notes were created by artist and illustrator Pedro Bell. Bell has designed many album covers for Funkadelic as well as for George Clinton’s solo work.

“The Velvet Underground & Nico” Velvet Underground

(Image via: mockingmusic.blogspot.com)

(Image via: www.bellazon.com)

Referred to by some as the “banana album” the Velvet Underground’s debut album “The Velvet Underground & Nico” has become one of the most influential and critically acclaimed rock albums of all time. The album’s iconic cover art is probably the most recognizable in rock history. Loaded with New York street drug jive and tales of sexual exploration, the album’s musical content was revolutionary. The album’s cover art was created by artist Andy Warhol. Early copies of the album allowed the consumer to “peel slowly and see:” upon peeling back the banana’s skin a flesh-colored banana was exposed. Due to this unique feature special machines were required for the manufacturing of the covers, which is one of the causes of the album’s delayed release. The other reason for delay was due to the album’s first issue featuring a photo of actor Eric Emerson who threatened to sue over the unauthorized use of the photo. MGM recalled copies and were forced to stall distribution until Emerson was airbrushed from the photo.

“Sticky Fingers” The Rolling Stones

(Image via: djkub.com)

(Image via: aziomedia.wordpress.com)

The Rolling Stones’ album art for “Sticky Fingers” was conceived by the avant-garde mind of artist Andy Warhol. The cover displays a close up shot of actor and Warhol superstar Joe Dallesandro’s crotch in tight blue jeans, which feature a working zipper. The cover opened up to another layer of cardboard (needed to protect the record from the zipper) that featured a photo of man in briefs who is still to this day unidentified. In order to prevent damage to the records caused by the zipper when albums were stacked for shipment, the zipper had to be unzipped halfway to the middle of the record where only the label would become dented.

“Power, Corruption & Lies” New Order

(Imahe via: www.niagara.edu)

(Imahe via: www.niagara.edu)

“Power, Corruption & Lies” is the second album released by New Order. The album’s cover is a reproduction of French artist Henri Fantin-Latour’s “A Basket of Roses.” Peter Saville, an English graphic designer famous for his record sleeve designs for various Factory Records artists, designed a color-based code for the album as well. The bands’ name and album title are not written on the album but are expressed through a color bar. A multi-colored wheel design was pictured on the back cover to serve as a decoder.

“Meet the Residents” The Residents

(Image via: www.residents.com)

(Image via: www.equinemusic.net)

“Meet the Residents,” released on Ralph Records in 1973, was the first full-length record by the avant-garde group The Residents. The original album cover featured a defaced photo of the Beatles, a mockery of their second U.S. released album “Meet the Beatles!” Record companies EMI and Capitol threatened a lawsuit, resulting in a re-release of the record with a new cover. The new cover, still maintaining a Beatles theme, pictured sea creatures wearing Beatles suits. It is rumored that George Harrison found the original album cover to be quite humorous and purchased a copy of his own.

“Mods Carve the Pig: Assassins, Toads and God’s Flesh” Thought Industry

(Image via: cultureofnone.blogspot.com)

“Mods Carve the Pig: Assassins, Toads and God’s Flesh” was the second album, released on Metal Blade Records in 1993, by progressive metal band Thought Industry. The album’s cover features the painting “Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War)” by Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali.

“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” Neutral Milk Hotel

(Image via: www.matteomac.com)

“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is the second album, released in 1998, by Neutral Milk Hotel, who are a part of the Elephant 6 Recording Company. The cover art was a collaboration of the band’s singer and guitarist Jeff Magnum and R.E.M.’s staff designer Chris Bilheimer. The album is still highly successful and was the 6th best selling vinyl album in 2008.

“Animals” Pink Floyd

(Image via: www.analogartsensemble.net)

“Animals” is a concept album loosely based on George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” released in 1977 by progressive rock band Pink Floyd. The large pig floating over London’s landmark Battersea Power Station is no trick photography. An inflatable pig was constructed and filled with helium, then launched into the air secured by cables. On the day of the photo shoot a powerful gust of wind tore the inflatable pig from its securings and the pig sailed to a height of 18,000 feet – eventually landing in a farmer’s field. The pig was repaired and sent back up into the sky for a successful shoot the following day.

“London Calling” The Clash

(Image via: quality-business.com)

“London Calling” is the third album, released in 1979, by punk band The Clash. Pennie Smith, the photographer of the famous cover photo, did not want to use the photo originally but the band’s vocalist Joe Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry chose to make it the album cover. Lowry designed the cover artwork as a homage to “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Elvis Presley’s debut album. London Calling’s cover photo, which captures the very essence of rock n’ roll, was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine.

Everywhere you look today you see run of the mill, quotidian computer cases that simply lack any kind of “wow” effect. Technology blazes forward, yet the design of the desktop case remains relatively unchanged. It doesn’t have to be this way, and many people have actually designed their own, unique computer cases that match their own individuality and taste. Below are 19 of the most distinctive and amazing computer case mods around.

Coffin Case

(image via funnychill)

This unique workstation design gives whole new meaning to the term “blue screen of death!” When the top is closed, some might wonder who you have buried in your home office, and you can slyly reply, “the last intern who defied my wishes!” However when open, the coffin workstation is a capable and brilliantly designed machine! A cross shaped window on the far end of the case even gives you an illuminated look at the guts of the machine!

R2D2 Computer

(images via thecontaminated)

This computer is encased completely in an R2D2 robot shell. This droid has got it all, including double-decker CD-ROM drives. Wouldn’t it be awesome if it came with a real working projector out of the little scope under his “eye?” Star wars fanatics would have endless fun projecting Princess Leia all over the room saying, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi! You’re my only hope!”
Awesome Glasswork

(image via unusualnewtechnology )

Reminiscent of the glass work one often finds in cathedrals, this computer case mod proves that technology can also be art. The gorgeous glass sides of the case show flowers extending downward from the top, and the glass is ever so slightly frosted. Soft lights on the inside of the case give the artwork a gentle feel. Tying it all together is a light brown wooden frame work and dark gold colored handles.

Medieval Chest

(image via coolpics)

When one speaks of archaic technology, this is not exactly the what they mean. This small computer was engineered to fit inside a portable case that looks like something you might find in an enchanted forest. Even the wires are insulated in fraying browned cloth. Want to bring it to the LAN party down the block? Just close the top, fasten its straps and you’re good to go.

Trash Bin Computer

(image via coolpics)

This is a mod that must have been no simple task to engineer. Occupying a waste bin, this environmentally friendly PC reminds you to recycle with its lid. It’s too bad this bad boy isn’t a Mac – it sure looks a lot like the OS-X trash bin icon, doesn’t it?

Off-Road Technolgy

(image via zedomax)

Now this is one case mod that you cannot tell your kids not play with. “Son, don’t touch the computer! Its not a toy! Er…well…not anymore anyway!” With a small flat screen and keyboard under the hood, this Ford Bronco look-alike PC is an all in one workstation. Hook up a mouse, turn the key and you’re ready to hit the information superhighway!

Serious Steampunk

(image via boingboing)

Fans of steampunk art are sure to love this amazing looking case mod. With valves and copper pipes extending all over the outside, this PC looks like its ready to fire up and hit the rails. The dark stained wood adds to the intriguing appeal of this case mod which is yet another example of technological artwork.

Elegant Wood

(image via declubz)

Sometimes a case mod doesnt have to be shocking or intricately detailed to be worthy of praise. This wooden design is rather simplistic and minimalist, yet it is still beautiful and worthy of mention.  Wood staining is the key to this piece’s interesting design. Everything on this case is made out of wood, including the inner support structures. No bling, no sparkles, just well executed woodwork applied to an interesting concept.

Pizza Box Computer

(images via techchee)

The perfect computer for a college dorm room, this computer case is nothing more than an old pizza box with the requisite computer components shoved into it. Perhaps a tongue-in-cheek joke about the sterotype of the amount of pizza consumed by computer geeks, this case mod is quite bizarre. At least the designer remembered to cut an opening for the fan, although air circulation through a cramped cardboard pizza box can’t be very good. Playing a high-powered video game on such a machine might just result in a fire.

The Millennium Falcon

(image via gadgetvenue)

Have you ever wished you could pilot the Millennium Falcon? This might be the closest you can come without getting yourself cast in a fan remake of the Star Wars movies. This computer is contained entirely within the famous battle ship from Star Wars, and it’s both detailed and functional. Even the desktop background appears as though you are zooming through space! Mod away, and may the force be with you.

The Tie Fighter Workstation

(image via hardmodding)

Step behind the controls of an Imperial Tie Fighter every time you sit down at the PC. You will never have felt so powerful blasting n00bs away in online game play as you will sitting at a massive Tie Fighter desk. The entire computer is housed in the body of the fighter, which appears to provide more than adequate room for all of the necessary guts.

Harley Davidson Performance

(image via bornrich)

Harness the power of a legendary American Harley Davidson motorcycle with this awesome computer mod. For all those who love their bikes for their design as much as their power, this is the computer for you. The coolest part? The engine actually runs! The small V2 engine uses its pistons to pump water through the computer, cooling its components off. Not even West Coast Choppers can top that!

The Skeleton Case

(image via darkroastedblend)

Ever see a computer’s skeleton before? This design is refreshingly freaky and begs to be studied.  It almost appears as though it belongs in a Tim Burton flick, the sort of computer Jack Skellington would use. It appears as if it is lunging out at you like some kind of perverse jack-in-the-box. One can only speculate on the artist’s inspiration for creating this work.

The Computer Nerd’s Mistress

(image via unrealitymag)

For all those who consider their PC their second girlfriend, why not at least enjoy looking at it? With this bikini babe case mod, you no longer have to feel ashamed for referring to your computer as sexy! Your real girlfriend might get jealous as you slowly start spending more time at the keyboard, but who can blame you?

Jack-O-PC

(image via ursispaltenstein)

The eyes of this Jack-O-PC complete the freaky Halloween look. Fan vents and red LEDs! How much more evil can you get? It appears that you can even take the top off to inspect the computer’s insides – just be careful of the seeds! The case appears to be made out of hand crafted pottery. The look is completed with a CD-ROM drive for a mouth. This computer is delightfully bizarre and begs you to ask: “trick or treat?”

Microwave PC

(image via unrealitymag)

No, that isnt a casserole heating in there, thats the screen! This entire computer is housed in an old microwave with the screen built into the door. One has to wonder if the old microwave controls have any effect on the system. It would be pretty amazing if it was possible to set fan speeds and regulate temperatures with the old timer screen.

Mail Box Case

(image via insanelymac)

This case design gives whole new meaning to the old “You’ve Got Mail” notification. Wouldn’t it be cool if the red arm on the side would raise every time a new email arrived? This case mod features a blue light to illuminate the inside of the computer, which nicely complements the silver metal exterior. So go ahead, jump into an Unreal Tournament game room and go postal!

Lord Of The Rings Style

(image via techfresh)

Looking like an old mystical book from medieval times, this computer would go great with a old pewter  chalice and a posset. If Ash from The Evil Dead movies had a personal computer, is would look like this. Complete with ominous red glowing insides, this computer just looks bad-ass and evil.

Antique Phone Case

(image via darkroastedblend)

Marrying the technology of yesterday to that of modern times, this phone PC is both beautiful and functional. It is even conveniently on wheels, letting you roll it from one room to the next. The only thing that could make this case mod even cooler would be a working phone line hooked up to the phone.

When it comes to architecture, churches have always had some of the most awe-inspiring, beautiful designs. Each culture and religion has added their own influence on the church design, some making use of the traditional Roman architecture, and some innovating entirely unique designs. Below is a collection of photographs from seven amazing abandoned churches from around the world.

South Bend, Texas

(image via sooterkin)

What was once a small farming town in Young County, Texas stands today as a relatively well preserved ghost town. South Bend can be found at the intersection of SH-67 and FM-701. The town was abandoned in the early 1920’s when a small oil rush drove many inhabitants to new lands in search of better paying work. Very few of the town’s buildings are still inhabited, with 75% of the town empty and abandoned.

Williams County, North Dakota

(images via jpiepkorn)

Located in Williams County North Dakota, this church also has a small cemetery around back. Named St Olaf Lutheran Church, the building looks to have  abandoned for quite some time now. Explorers report that the inside is quite bare, except for an organ that was used during ceremonies and some stray pews.

Bokor, Cambodia

(images via breakfreshground, adventurevacationtrip, rickmann, andybrouwer)

This abandoned house of worship is located on Bokor Hill in Bokor, Cambodia. The church is of the Catholic tradition and is comprised mostly of red brick. In 1979, the church was the site of a major battle between Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese forces. The Khmer Rouge defended the church quite well and it suffered no serious exterior damage. The exact construction date of the church is hard to determine, but judging by the other construction that took place in the area during the 1920s, it is reasonable to assume that the church was erected around the same time.

Gary City Methodist Church

(images via cityeyesphoto, brnation)

Located in Gary City Indiana, the Gary City Methodist Church was closed in the 1970’s due to a lack of attendance and was damaged in a fire in 1977. Surprisingly, the church still stands defiantly against the wrath of time and elements. This great church has two floors and was built in traditional roman fashion. Tall arches, pillars and well intact stained glass (over the main altar) serve to preserve this church’s gorgeous essence.

Detroit Michigan

(images via brnation)

Located in Detroit Michigan, the Universal Hagar’s Spiritual Church was built in 1923. The church served a new religion led by George William Hurley which combined aspects of spiritualism, catholic ritual, holiness preaching, voodoo and astrology. The church still stands today, one of the few that remain in the area after Hurley’s death. Despite the passing of the leader, the religion continues to grow each year In the southwest and California.

Silvertown, East London

(images via urban75)

Today, St Mark’s Church in Silvertown London has been fully restored and no longer appears lonesome and abandoned. However in the 1980’s the church was in the state it appears above. Constructed in 1892, the church served the community ads a beautiful place of worship until its closing in 1972. In 1981 it was ravaged by fire and much of it was destroyed or seriously damaged.

Kayakoy, Greece

(images via deadcitystories, gofethiye, panoramio)

Located in Kayakoy, Greece, this church, as well as the entire town has been totally abandoned since 1923. Most people were forced out during the war between Greece and Turkey, leaving behind their homes and this church. Tall ceilings decorated by elegant sculptures line the inside of the main cathedral. One can find may examples of traditional Greek art meshed with Roman architecture throughout the majority of this rather large church. The interior has survived to present day in relatively good condition, inviting us to explore its history first hand.

Amusement parks are like playgrounds for the entire family. While in operation, the amusement park procures smiles from wide eyed children, adventurous teenagers and nostalgic adults alike. However, should an amusement park close and become abandoned, the atmosphere takes on an entirely different vibe. Creepy and delightfully twisted, these vast steel wastelands draw out curious photographers by day and kids looking for a cheap thrill by night. Below are photographed explorations of six of the most haunting abandoned amusement parks.

Rocky Point, Rhode Island USA

(images via opacity, brown, ranax, n8wood, grayfamilia)

Hailing all the way back to the 1840’s, Rocky Point amusement park was once one of America’s premier parks. It’s most famous rides included the classic “Corkscrew Loop Coaster,” and the now common “Log Flume” water ride.  The park was closed and abandoned in 1995 due to financial difficulties. The story of Rocky Point is quite famous, being the subject of a documentary entitled, “You Must Be At Least This Tall: The Story of Rocky Point Park.” Sadly, the park is frequently hit with vandalism, the worst of which being a fire started in the main building. It is a shame, as Rocky Point is truly a small piece of American history.

Pripyat Park, Ukraine

(images via robotfotomat, n00, pedromouraphinheiro, brilliantchang)

Titled “Prypjat Vergnügungspark,” this amusement park was never actually opened! The park was completed and scheduled for a grand opening just a few short weeks before the disaster at Chernobyl in 1986. The park has been left abandoned ever since the evacuations. The gloomy atmosphere of the park reminds us of the horror that was Chernobyl and serves as an eerie anomaly of chance.

Okpo Land Park, Southern Korea

(images via darkroastedblend)

This amusement park, located in Okpo City, South Korea, has been closed since 1999. The park was shut down because of two fatalities resulting from unsafe equiptment. The abandoned park can be seen sitting upon a ridge at the edge of town, and can be seen by boats approaching from the harbor. Quite an ominous landmark, one is left to wonder why the city allows an abandoned park to consume so much useful land! Despite is gloomy history, it appears as though it still poses quite a saftey hazard for photographers.

Idora Park, Ohio USA

(images via illicitohio, n07, shellytichy)

Formerly known as “Youngstowns Million Dollar Playground,” Idora Park hearkens back to 1899. From 1900 til the mid 1980’s the park slowly expanded, taking rides from other amusement parks that couldnt afford to keep thier doors open. The park was famous for the famous “Wildcat Coaster,” Jack-Rabbit Coaster,” and for its “Kiddieland” area which included a giant swimming pool. On April 26, 1984 a devastating fire consumed the park, burning down many of it’s rides and offices. This disaster brought about the end of historic Idora Park.

Glen Echo Park, Maryland USA

(images via januaryman, talkingphotography, documentone, wiki)

Glen Echo Amusement Park first opened in 1891 in D.C, Maryland. It wasn’t long before Glen Echo became an area hot-spot, attracting visitors from miles around. In 1961 the park was integrated, allowing both blacks and whites in for the popular rides and attractions. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the park closed it’s doors. In 1968, the park saw it’s last open season. Today, one can visit the empty bumper car ride, the decrepit swimming pool, and take a spin on the restored carousel (which bears shocking resemblance to the original!)

Spreepark, Berlin

(images via terrastories, landschaftsparks, panoramio, n07)

Wandering through Treptow Park in Köpenick, Berlin, you might just stumble upon the captivating abandoned Spreepark. The park was opened to the public in 1989 and remained open until 2000. In 2001 however, the park found itself in debt of 11 million euros, and had to close. The owner of the park, Norbert Witte is said to have fled to Peru with his is associates.

Wandering through the park, (which is technically illegal), you will encounter headless dinosaurs, a rusted ferris wheel, a peeling viking ship ride, a rickidy coaster, and much more abandoned amusement equiptment. The site is enough to make an urban style photographer run out of camera memory!

Why should art remain cooped up in museums? Art should be seen by as many people as possible, so as to inspire as many viewers as it can. Public art is the act of erecting intriguing, usually extravagant pieces of art in places of high population. From paintings and sculptures to art made of lights, public art helps to beautify cities and please all those who travel through. Below are nine of the most amazing pieces of public art ever constructed.

I See What You Mean

(images via mikaelgreanery)

This massive sculpture represents a blue bear peering into an office building’s window. This bear could quite possibly be one of the biggest distractions for those working on the floor he is staring into! The sculpture stands 40 feet high at the Colorado Convention Center and is quite a popular area piece.

Device to Root Out Evil

(images via uzhik, canada, centrecitytalk, horuskol)

Entitled “A Device to Root Out Evil,” this piece of artwork stands as an upside-down church in Glenbrow, Canada. The church used to be displayed in Vancouver (as shown in the first image), but controversy over it blocking the ocean view of where it stood caused it to be shipped out. The design is rather controversial, yet it remains a beautiful piece of captivating public art, and complaints about it in it’s new location have remained minimum.

Co2LED

(images via: inhabitat, utexas)

The environmentally friendly solar-art piece, “Co2LED” no longer stands where it once did in Arlington, Texas. The piece was once a field of 522 bright, solar powered LED lights. These LEDs would charge in the sun all day, and then illuminate the night once the sun went down. The best part of the entire project? Once it was torn down, the entire piece was recycled so as not to waste a single piece!

The New York City Waterfalls

(images via: artdaily, gizmodo)

Presented by the Public Art Fund, the New York City waterfalls are man-made pieces of art that recreart the look of waterfalls around the East River. The waterfalls themselves are designed to look like scaffolding, which is a common look for the city. Perhaps the most beautiful waterfall is erected under the Brooklyn bridge and creates the illusion that the water is flowing out of the bridge itself! Visitors to New York can now take boat tours around the river to view all of the waterfalls up close.

Cloud Gate

(images via: iceman9294, gallagher)

Inspired by the look of Liquid Mercury, artist Anish Kapoor created his public sculpture “Cloud Gate.” The sculpture is made of high polished stainless steel, and it’s mirror finish reflects the city’s skyline like a giant fun house mirror! Currently, this popular sculpture sits as the center piece of AT&T Plaza in Milennium Park, Chicago Illinois.

The Urban River

(images via funfever)

The Urban River is a one kilometer long stretch of road painted bright blue to give off the appearance of a river in the middle of a city! The blue road was constructed using 4,000 lieters of paint, and was created in memorium of an actual river that once flowed trough it’s location. All along the road, in eight meter high letters, “Water Is Life” is written so as to be read from the sky. The sight is quite beautiful and inspiring to drive along!

Bill Fitz Gibbons Artwork

(images via billfitzgibbons, justinparr)

Prominent street artist Bill Fitz-Gibbons specializes in creating neon-light displays in urban areas. Mundane overpasses come to life with vibrant colors that turn everyday concrete structures into gorgeous works of art. The effect is make possible by large light projectors that cast the light at just such an angle as to reflect as you see it.

Jeff Koon’s “Puppy”

(images via jeffkoons)

“Puppy” is a curious and innovative piece by Jeff Koons. The sculpture is made of living flowers on top of wood and stainless steel. Perhaps the most intriguing part of piece is that it features an internal irrigation system to keep the beautiful flowers alive. Puppy is a truly original and breathtaking piece of public art.