A quirky exhibition showcasing the most atrocious album covers has landed at Mansfield Museum, drawing attention for its blend of comedy and music history. Curated by Steve Goldman, this collection, aptly named “Worst Record Covers in the World,” invites visitors to revel in the hilarity of poorly designed album art, including the infamous 1979 album *Roadstar* by the band Peter Rabbitt. The exhibit not only promises laughter but also encourages audiences to engage by voting for the worst cover on display.
A Journey Through Awfulness
As guests step into the exhibition, they are met with a treasure trove of album covers that epitomise musical misfires. Among these is *Roadstar*, which features all five members of the band awkwardly morphed onto rabbit bodies. Former lead singer JT Thompson, now 74, recalls his initial reaction to the bizarre imagery: “We had no idea they were going to do it,” he remarked, bemused. “This actually came out after we had split up.” The surreal artwork has become a focal point of the exhibition, which continues to gain traction since its first iteration in Huddersfield four years ago.
The collection has expanded over the years, now boasting hundreds of covers that Steve Goldman has meticulously gathered. He recalls purchasing the *Roadstar* album for a mere 10 pence, charmed by its sheer absurdity. “It made me laugh … I was in hysterics,” Goldman said. His passion for collecting what he calls “crap LP covers” has led him to track down these gems, resulting in a showcase that is as bizarre as it is entertaining.
A Showcase of Absurdity
Among the eclectic assortment on display, visitors will find such titles as *Oil and Vinegar*, featuring a naked couple engaged in a questionable culinary adventure, and *Songs for Gay Dogs*, which raises eyebrows with its provocative title. Goldman’s collection spans decades, with many albums hailing from the kitschy 1970s and 1980s, although contemporary artists have not shied away from creating covers that can only be described as dreadful. One such offender is Norway’s band Satanic Panic Attack, whose album *Handgemeng* features the members in an awkward, nude embrace on a rug.
While the exhibition is teeming with humorous content, some of the more risqué covers will be notably absent due to the family-friendly environment of Mansfield Museum. Titles like *Letzte Naach* by German folk singer Kingsize Dick will be omitted, ensuring a lighter atmosphere for younger visitors.
Engaging the Audience
Attendees are not just passive observers; they are invited to partake in the fun by voting for their favourite worst cover. Goldman hopes this interactive element will enhance the experience, creating a lively dialogue around the absurdity of these designs. One particularly divisive cover—Prince’s *Lovesexy*, featuring the artist reclining naked on a lily—has sparked debates on whether it is a work of artistic genius or simply a misstep.
As Goldman reflects on the reactions of visitors, he expresses the joy he derives from witnessing their laughter. He recalls a particular moment when a friend encountered an album titled *The Nimble Fingers of Jean Pierre Jumez*, which featured a guitarist in a dinner jacket but no trousers. “She laughed more than I’ve seen her laugh in her life,” Goldman said, underlining the emotional connection that these peculiar covers can evoke.
An Ode to Musical Misadventures
The *Worst Record Covers in the World* exhibition officially opened on Saturday, 6 June, at Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery. It stands as a testament to the creativity and sometimes questionable decisions of artists throughout the history of music.
Why it Matters
In an age where the visual representation of music is as crucial as the sound itself, this exhibition serves as a reminder that not all artistic endeavors land gracefully. By celebrating the hilarity of these artistic missteps, it encourages audiences to embrace imperfections in creativity, fostering a sense of community through shared laughter. In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Goldman’s collection is a refreshing and much-needed dose of levity.