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***MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!***
dVerse LIVE will be Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 AM to 11 AM EDT. The link to join us with audio and video will be embedded in the OLN prompt published on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Hello dear poets! Mish from mishunderstood at your service for snacks and some slightly unusual ekphrastic inspiration.

Source: Natalie Cardona, unsplash.com

Recently I was reminiscing about the first LPs I ever purchased as a teen in the 70’s. The music was always the main event, but often the album covers themselves left permanent imprints. For me, the covers were an extension of the artist’s offering, a visual bonus, so to speak. I remember sitting on our living room floor, album cover in hand, my head resting too close to the stereo cabinet speakers, making the association between the image and the lyrics. From simple geometric designs to elaborate, thought-provoking illustrations, they set the mood before the needle even touched the vinyl. Sometimes the artwork felt like a secret code for me to crack, to gain a deeper understanding of the music. Maybe you can relate.

Image: Christine Hume, unsplash.com

You might be familiar with some of the more iconic covers such as Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”, 1973 (design by Storm Thorgerson) or the Beatles, “Abbey Road”, 1969 (design by John Kosh) . Some other eye-catching packaging includes Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You”, 1976 (design by Ernie Barns), or Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, 1973 (design by Ian Beck). For some more recent album art, check out Riannah’s “Anti”, 2016 (design by Roy Nachum) and “Dirty Computer”, Janelle Monae, 2018 (design by Joe Perez). All of these and more can be found at:

www.billboard.com

udiscovermusic.com .

So what is your challenge? Yes, you guessed it.

Choose an album cover from one of the following sources and use it to pen a poem! There is no specific form required.

  1. Use the links above or other websites online to find an album cover that speaks to you. If you decide to include the image with your poem, be sure to note the source.
  2. If you have your own record collection, dust one off for inspiration. With our wonderfully diverse group we will vary in generations, genres and musical preferences.
  3. Use one of the images below (photos of my own limited compilation….yes, I like “Styx”). Click to enlarge. You don’t have to be familiar with the music at all. Today is about the visual and where it takes you in your poetry.
Kansas,”Leftoverture”-1976
Styx, “Styx !!” – 1973
David Bowie, “Let’s Dance” – 1983
Ozark Mountain Daredevils,Nuclear Fishin’ – 1980
Paul McCartney, “Give My Regards to Broadstreet” – 1984
Styx, “The Serpent is Rising” – 1973
Supertramp, “Even in the Quietest Moments” – 1977
Led Zeppelin, “In Through the Out Door” – 1979
Styx, “Equinox” – 1975
Asia, “Alpha” – 1983
Styx, “Man of Miracles” – 1974

Here’s how to join in:

  • Write a poem of any style in response to the prompt. Post it to your blog.
  • Click on Mr. Linky and add the direct URL and your name.
  • Add a link to dVerse so that others can find us.
  • Read and comment on the work of others.
  • Pop into the pub to comment or say hello! We are friendly folk.