Album Art – Peter Lloyd

This is where I’ll be talking about the Album Art that I like. That is one of the benefits of 12″ vinyl albums, the cool packaging that surrounded the record. Here I’ll research the creations that we all loved as children, teenagers, and adults. I’ll try to find as much information on the artists as I can.

Peter Lloyd (1944–2009) was a freelance illustrator, specializing in advertising and digital artwork. He was born in England and moved to the United States in 1959. where became the youngest student to graduate from the Art Center College of Design with a master’s degree.

His editorial illustrations also appeared in Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Playboy, Oui, And Esquire magazines. In the 80s the artist found work in Hollywood as an illustrator and concept designer for such films as Tron and An American Werewolf In London. The artist Peter Lloyd was featured in a hardcover book on the cosmic California art scene of the 1970s by Norman Hathaway[1] titled; Overspray – Riding High With The Kings of California Airbrush Art.

In 1974, Lloyd designed the album cover for saxophonist David Newman, “Newnanism”, which was released on Atlantic Records. This jazz album features Roy Ayers (vibraphone), Pat Rebillot (electric piano), and Ron Carter (bass, electric bass), and both Ayers and Rebillot contribute two songs apiece. So there is a real band spirit and feel to the album.

“Dragon Fly” is the debut studio album by Jefferson Starship, released in 1974. The album marks a transitional phase for the band, as it came after the departure of Marty Balin and the evolution from Jefferson Airplane. “Dragon Fly” showcases a blend of rock, folk, and pop elements, with standout tracks like “Ride the Tiger” and “Caroline.” The album features powerful vocals from Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, and new member David Freiberg, along with intricate instrumentation and layered arrangements. It achieved commercial success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart with its Lloyd-drawn robotic cover.

In 1975 Lloyd created to cover for “Song for America”, the second studio album by the American progressive rock band Kansas. The album blends elements of progressive rock, symphonic arrangements, and intricate song structures. With tracks like the title track “Song for America” and the epic “Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman,” Kansas demonstrates its ability to create intricate compositions with dynamic shifts and compelling storytelling.

Also in 1975, he created “Atlantic Crossing” the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter Rod Stewart. It peaked at number one in the UK and number nine on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. The album contained two of Stewart’s most popular songs, “Sailing” and “I Don’t Want to Talk About It”, and classic rock favorites “Three Time Loser” and “Stone Cold Sober”.

The cover artwork for the Kansas LP “Leftoverture” features a classical-style oil painting depicting a mystical landscape. Artist Peter Lloyd created it and includes elements representing the album’s themes and songs. This album was the fourth studio album and was released in 1976. It was the band’s first album to be certified by the RIAA, and remains their highest-selling album, having been certified 5 times platinum in the United States.

In 1977 he illustrated the cover for “Fountains of Light”, the second studio album by the American progressive rock band Starcastle. With soaring vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work, and symphonic keyboard arrangements, Starcastle creates a sound reminiscent of the progressive rock era of the 1970s.

Also in 1977, Lloyd created the album cover for “Patrick Gleeson’s “Patrick Gleeson’s Star Wars” on Mercury Records. Patrick Gleeson (born November 9, 1934) is an American musician, who in 1968 bought a Moog synthesizer and opened the Different Fur recording studio in San Francisco. He is known for being a synthesizer pioneer, composer, and producer.

Another Kansas album for Lloyd was “Point of No Return” released in 1977. Their 5th studio album would reach number 4 on the US Billboard 200 and included the title song, “Dust in the Wind” and one of my all-time favorites “Portrait (He Knew)”.

In 1980, Lloyd would create the cover for “Audio-Visions”, the seventh studio album by Kansas. The album was to be the last album with the band’s original lineup until 2000’s Somewhere to Elsewhere, and coincidentally the band’s latest studio album to be certified gold by the RIAA (which it did in December 1980).

Footnotes
  1. Norman Hathaway is an accomplished author known for his contributions to the field of graphic design and visual culture. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of design history, Hathaway has authored several notable books that explore the rich tapestry of graphic design, illustration, and pop culture. His works often delve into the lives and works of influential artists, shedding light on their creative processes and the broader cultural contexts in which they operated. Notable titles by Hathaway include “Electrical Banana: Masters of Psychedelic Art” and “The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles,” both of which have been lauded for their meticulous research, insightful analysis, and visually engaging content. Hathaway’s expertise and passion for design are evident in his writing, making him a respected figure in the field. [Back]
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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