The cover of an album is very important as it can give the potential buyer an insight into what type of music to expect inside.
Back in the days when LP records were the standard, covers were even more important because they were so big.
This led to the creation of some classic album covers that had almost as much to do with an album's success as the music contained on the disc inside.
Some examples that spring to mind include Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' and Rolling Stone's 'Sticky Fingers'.
However, the album covers I am about to show you are also classics in their own right, but for a very different reason.
This motley collection of 24 records from the heydey of the LP are my choice for the worst covers of all time.
Before you continue though, I must warn you that the images you are about to see are both disturbing and confronting and I take no responsibility for any lasting trauma they may cause.
Continue beyond this point at your own risk!
1 - Country Church
Wearing either a vest or a turtle-neck skivvy is usually quite daggy at the best of times. Wearing them AT THE SAME TIME is a crime in some parts of the world.
2 - Orion, Reborn
I don't know what Orion looked like before he was reborn but I can't imagine it being any worse than the way he looks now.
3 - Stryken, First Strike
These guys certainly do seem to be stricken by something, though I doubt it is any type of musical talent.
4 - Freddie Gage, All my friends are dead
I don't think his friends are dead, that is just a ploy to stop him hanging around with them.
5 - The Handsome Beasts, Beastiality
Looking at this one, I don't know if I should laugh or cry or call the police.
6 - Swamp Dogg, Rat On!
I think Swamp got the title mixed up. It should be 'Swamp Dogg On Rat'
7 - Heino, Leibe Mutter...
I never knew 'Brains' from the Thunderbirds was also a German singing sensation.
8 - Harry and Terry Live
I would like to know which one is the brains of the outfit.
9 - Knorkator, Hasen Chart Breaker
KISS have always had a lot to answer for. Now they have this as well.
10 - Mr Bat Sings
Now that's one live show I would really like to see.
11 - The Many Facets of Roger
I think he needs some more facets, these ones just don't do it for me.
12 - Swamp Dogg
Not only does Mr Swamp have a very high opinion of his kissing abilities he has absolutely no fear of gigantic flying mouths and tongues.
13 - Drifters, Polka 'N' Fun
Lucky they had the guy second from right or they would not have been able to fit their name on the cover.
14 - The Ministers Quartet, Let Me Touch Him
Not only can't you touch him, I don't want you within 300 metres of him.
15 - Joyce
'Noyce'
16 - Jonah Jones, I Dig Chicks
I hope his music is as subtle and sophisticated as his album cover.
17 - Norberto De Freitas
Be afraid, be very afraid.
18 - Mike Adkins, Thank You For The Dove
I do want it back when you have finished with it though.
19 - Chicken Coupe De Ville
Lucky he put that stick in his mouth, I would not have known he was a Southern redneck otherwise.
20 - Mike Terry Live
Q. What is wrong with this picture?
A. It's volume two!
21 - Johnny Janot, Expose Yourself to Cajun Music
And who ever said Cajun music was not sophisticated?
22 - Superman, Every Night and Every Day
This cover raises a lot more questions than it answers.
23 - The McKeithen's
That is one awesome hair bun.
24 - Tino
This cover says 'Sexy' in so many ways.
My vote for the worst of the worst goes to 'Knorkator' with 'Norberto De Freitas' a close second. What do you think?