What's your favourite record sleeve of all time? Its an age-old question for all music lovers out there. And are hard one to answer. We've attempted to whittle it down to our top 10.

 

10. Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory

This sums up the Britpop era perfectly. But who are the men passing in the street? Photographer and graphic designer Brian Cannon revealed, “It was supposed to be Liam and Noel, but they cried off, I think because they were pissed from the night before". So Cannon and a London DJ Sean Rowley had to step.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Elton John - Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy

OK, not one of Elton Johns most popular records, but if your a fan of elaborate artwork sleeves, you have to admire Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy. Hats off to illustrator Alan Aldridge for the sheer detail and creativity of this visual delight.

 

 

 

 

8. David Bowie - Aladdin Sane

When you think of the late great David Bowie, you think of this image. Photographer Brian Duffy was responsible for one of the most recognised photos ever taken. The lightning bolt eye makeup to the red mullet, this is classic Bowie.

 

 

 

 

7. Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

Inspired by Led Zeppelins private jet, producer Rick Rubin said, "I had just read Hammer of the Gods, a wild biography about Led Zeppelins rock excesses. In the book there is a photograph of the Led Zeppelin private jet and the idea of this cover came from that".

 

 

 

 

 

6. Iron Maiden-Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son

Featuring the bands famous mascot, this 1988 release is Eddie at his best. Interestingly, this sleeve shows a disembodied Eddie, supposedly due to illustrator Derek Riggs tiring of drawing him.

 

 

 

 

5. Nirvana - Nevermind

Reportedly thought up by Kurt Cobain after watching a TV program on water births, this was a breakthrough album for Nirvana. The baby swimming towards a dollar bill on a fishhook was just four months old at the time. His parents were paid £154 the photo shoot that will go down in history.

 

 

 

4. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin

The striking image of a burning airship plummeting to the ground is reportedly a clue to origins of the bands name. When Page, Beck, The Who's Keith Moon and John Entwistle were discussing the idea of forming a group, Moon joked, "It would probably go over like a lead balloon", and Entwistle allegedly replied, "a lead zeppelin!".

 

 

 

 

3. The Beatles - Abbey Road

We couldn't have a top 10 without featuring at least one Beatles record. This classic cover has been recreated by thousands of tourists, and the crossing was actually given Grade II listed status in 2010.

 

 

 

2. The Clash – London Calling

What do you do if you hear that the bouncers at your concert aren't letting the audience stand up out of their seats? If your bassist Paul Simonon, you smash up your Fender Precision Bass of course. This classic photo was captured at The Palladium in New York City on 20 September 1979 during the Clash Take the Fifth US tour.

 

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1. Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon

At number one, it had to be this iconic sleeve from Pink Floyd. Designed by Storm Thorgerson, he was inspired by Pink Floyd's live light shows and a triangle. Interestingly, there was an early version of the cover that had the Silver Surfer, a Marvel Comics character on it, but was turned down.