Here's a 3rd Obi gallery; you can check out the first two here and here...



The Godfather Obi above is very cool-- unfortunately the cover had water damage. The Kate Bush LP above is a cool take on a more common design where the Obi blends in with cover. This Bad Company LP was just featured in my gambling post, but I though that the Obi was cool enough to include it anyhow...



The Throbbing Gristle LP above doesn't have the most exciting Obi, but it sure is a rare one. BTW, TG were quite stunning on the 21st @ the Ricardo Montalban theatre in Hollywood. I must say that the marquee was one of the most amazing absurdities I've seen since Paul Reisner discussed Black Flag @ the Grammys in 1995. Nike Sportswear presents Throbbing Gristle indeed...

OK, part 2 of our trip through Obiland begins with a Boston classic, along with its promo sticker sheet...



A trio of 80's classics. I'm sorry, but Pete Burns was always scary...


 
This Al Kooper Obi was used in a series of albums related to him via production and such...

The art of the Japanese Obi strip has always held a special spot in my heart.  I remember visiting a bandmate's house back in 1989 and getting a peek into his older, cooler brother's bedroom.  He was a musician who had reputedly jammed a bit with Caterwaul;  I was very impressed!  On his walls, in shiny import bags, were dozens of Japanese issue LPs with Obi strips, a sight I'd never seen before.  For me, the obi is like cool neon on a bar front.  It's an enticing advertisement- promising something exotic, cryptic and sexy.  Even if it is just an 80's Elton John record... something which, in reality, is none of the above.  The Obi is meant to be disposable, hence the flimsy design. That's why the people who covet Japanese issues pay so much more for certain LP's with intact Obis.  Older LP's are especially difficult to find with the Obis intact.  Anyhow, here's a two parter for you, all from a recently priced out collection- some of which are currently hanging on our walls or awaiting for you in our vinyl bins...



A popular Obi design uses a band photo or artist head shot. These are often used on later press runs when an artist has a body of work, all of which can be adorned with the same band/artist image.