Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Singles, 45s, 7-inchers: they have many names, but they only come in one package (a square of folded cardboard with a miniature poster on either side). The gold standard of Top 40 playlists for decades, these small albums have long been favourites of DJs and collectors who prize them for their small-scale graphic design.Organized chronologically, 45 RPM brings together more than 200 albums from all genres of music, chosen for their innovative design. Included are albums by Paul Anka, The Beatles, Boston Pops, Clash, Donovan, Dizzy Gillespie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin and REM.Music historian Chuck Granada presents the history of the 45, its place in the music business and its designers. Each decade of design is introduced by a specialist of that period: Eric Kohler (1950s), Spencer Drake (1960s), Roger Dean (1970s), Bruce Licher (1980s) and Jeff Kleinsmith (1990s).

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

In this visual history of the seven-inch record-or the 45, as it is also known-Drate is out to prove that one can judge something by its cover. A graphic artist for the music industry, he divides his text by decade spanning the 1950s to the 1990s, reproducing in full color and actual size more than 200 sleeves to show the 45's evolution from Top 40 mainstay to indie rock accoutrement. Each era is introduced by a different graphic artist (e.g., Eric Kohler, Roger Dean), and the featured musicians and artists range from Sammy Davis Jr. to Stereolab and from Pablo Picasso to R. Crumb, respectively. Because pop music is part delivery and part package, record covers could be visual jams and outtakes. At best, the single scabbard reflected or complemented the music it encased. As Dean explains while kicking off the chapter on the 1970s, the single "was the natural venue for these experiments, a medium in which a designer could try things out, relax a bit, have fun." Even without an accompanying soundtrack, 45 RPM is indeed a fun look at rock'n'roll as art wearing its low-brow penchants on its sleeve. It's also the first book of its kind. Recommended for all libraries and for people who buy baseball cards for the bubblegum.-Eric Hahn, Fargo, ND (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Formatted exactly to the size of the 45 rpm record (i.e., a seven-inch square), this book offers a nostalgic look at a cultural phenomenon that began in the 1950s and spanned several decades. Drate provides more than 200 color covers, visuals that offer the reader a look at the early years of the recording industry and how it changed through time. The book reveals how record designers' use of type, color, and imagery in photography, collage, and illustration mirrored the times--from the prosperity and innocence of the 1950s through the turbulence of the Vietnam War years and beyond. Though the book includes comments by various artists and designers seeking to describe and define their intent, readers will do better to look at the color covers themselves. Designers will find the book a great resource; students will be able to compare their design ideas with classics from the past; and the general public will find the content curious. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Art and design collections at all levels. D. Ichiyama Purdue University

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Eric Kohler lives in New York City and specializes in the music and design of the 40s. He has created CD covers for Blue Note, Sony, and others.