Uncovered: On the Beach
Album covers that celebrate surf, sun, sand, and sharks.
Time for another installment of “Uncovered,” an occasional feature that investigates the similarities of album covers across genres and decades. It’s summertime, so to celebrate, we’re visiting album covers that depict salt life—laying out, getting burned (while trying to avoid skin cancer), and getting some sand in our shoes (and various other areas if we’re not careful)…
Well, you can’t have a segment called “On the Beach” without including albums actually named that.
You can apparently soak up the sun wherever you are…
…but after a while, you need to cool down…
…even if the water looks a little suspect.
Of course, the Beach Boys gave us plenty of beach-themed album covers, but I opted for their first.
Dick Dale didn’t look like he was too excited about goin’ surfin’.
Maybe he saw this album cover….
Ooooo, lucky Linda!
…OK, maybe not so lucky.
Of course, the West Coast wasn’t the only coast that had “beach music.” The Carolinas have long boasted their own sound and style…
Naturally, Jimmy Buffett had to make an appearance. I opted for A1A for its casual, laid-back nonchalance and a hint of melancholy.
There’s nothing like spending time at the beach with your friends….
…while shredding on the ukulele…
…or engaging in various watersports.
Sometimes, though, you need to sit alone with your thoughts.
Little Stevie Wonder spent his time by the sea blowing harp. I’m sure his fellow beach-goers appreciated that.
….while Lana went another route…
…as did Thundercat.
You’d be forgiven for thinking a bounty of yacht rock goodness awaits you inside this album cover…
While some opt for a more surreal vacation….
…others get minimal….
…but the Go-Go’s made the most of it.
However you spend the rest of your summer, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen … and stay out of the deep end. You never know what’s lurking beneath you.
