The Worst Album Covers Ever (2004 publication)

From page 4 of the book: Brief History of the Album Cover The album ruled the Earth, or at least the record store, for over 40 years. When the long-playing vinyl record, or LP as it is better known, was driven out by the compact disk in the late 19080s, much was said about the improved sound quality and portability of the new format; yet little was said about the loss of one of the most widespread forms of popular culture in the 20th century.