Vinyl record albums become collectible for a variety of reasons, and collectibles become valuable because the demand exceeds the supply, in other words collectors like ‘em rare! And some are rare because the record company has recalled them shortly after they’re issued leaving few of the original versions “out there.”
Records have been recalled for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it has to do with the lyrics, but more often it’s the cover art. The majority of the controversial covers have had to do with nudity or lewd gestures. I don’t find any of that particularly interesting. Another large chunk is deemed insulting to religious groups. I’m glad when those are withdrawn with apologies because I don’t like to see anyone’s belief system insulted.
But then there are the ones that just seem nutty.
The Mamas & The Papas released If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears in 1966 on the Dunhill label. The photo on the cover had the four piled into an old-fashioned bathtub–all fully clothed, mind you, and smiling nicely. But just to the right you can see–Oh, scandal of scandals–a toilet.
This potty-portrait was found to be unforgivably gauche and the album was recalled. A sticker (a strange, ugly sticker) listing three of the songs on the album was placed over the offending throne on the jacket and the album went out again. But even this wasn’t enough. In the next reissuing the whole bathroom setting had to go and the photo was cropped tight around the group and put onto a black background. Apparently even bathTUBS were in bad taste.
What I’d like to know is why amidst all this redoing of album covers no one ever thought to address the issue of using the possessive Mama’s and Papa’s on the cover. Their what?
In any case, I’m glad the album was released, else we may never have gotten “Monday, Monday,” “California Dreamin;” or this glorious version of “I Call Your Name,” by Mama Cass Elliot (written by Lennon & McCartney).
By the way, if you happen to possess the offending cover in near mint condition it could be worth $75-100 right now.
