Welcome back! Those who have been following along know that I’ve already covered CDs on two other installments (Vol. 1 & Vol. 2) and apparel in the most recent publication (Vol. 3). I’m back with some more CDs that I hope you will find interesting/alluring; let me know what you think in the comments, and as always, feel free to share pictures of your own collections. Thanks for reading!

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(1) The Republic of Wolves – Shrine

Aside from being one of my favorite bands, The Republic of Wolves are also a group that I feel a sense of closeness to. I’ve been reviewing their material since their 2009 debut EP when they were virtually unknown, and have conversed on a semi-regular basis with both their lead singer and drummer. They always have the coolest themes and artwork, and the above captures their essence: mysterious & ominous, yet full of purpose.

While the cover art shows people marching and wielding torches, the CD shows a building burning to ruins.

Signed by every member of the band; this is definitely a favorite keepsake.

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(2) Ethereal Shroud – Trisagion

Another artist that I feel a sense of connection to. Ethereal Shroud is fronted by a fellow Sputnikmusic member, and his most recent 2021 LP, Trisagion, earned him critical accolades from several different publications. It’s also – and I can say this 100% honestly – my favorite black metal album of all time. It was awesome to be able to hold this record in my hands knowing that it’s an all-time favorite and also made by someone from the very website I help to oversee.

The album cover [bottom], lyrics/credits booklet [middle left], and logo/art stickers.

The CD and inside cover dedication.

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(3) Taylor Swift – 1989

This always comes to mind whenever I think of creative packaging. Swift’s 1989 is a jewel case that comes in a thick cardboard sleeve. Inside, not only are you presented with the standard fare (booklet with lyrics/pictures), but also an entire photo shoot, with each image featuring a lyrical excerpt. Despite Ms. Swift’s attempts to entice me, she will be saddened to hear that I am still happily married.

Far too many photos to include individually (these aren’t even all of them!), so this portion of the blog piece just gets one picture including everything. Swift’s best album is also her most enjoyable to page through.

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(4) Sturgill Simpson – A Sailor’s Guide to Earth

Aside from being one of my favorite country albums, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is also one of my favorite themes. The whole album is Sturgill talking to his newborn son and giving him advice on how to navigate life, using “A Sailor’s Guide” as a metaphor. The gorgeous artwork does said theme justice.

I love the different flags that represent each track. It goes along with the “navigating Earth” idea quite well.

More awesome artwork awaits when you open up the case.

The booklet is a map of a mythical land, and the CD contains a compass/coordinates for navigation.

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(5) The Antlers – Green to Gold

Initially I wasn’t sure if I wanted to include this, because the packaging isn’t overly unique, per se – but it’s just such a beautiful color scheme and it matches the album’s title (“Green to Gold”) and themes of summer turning to autumn; of life fading into death. It looks like something out of a dream. Simply breathtaking.

Let the field lie fallow…

More pictures inspired by the Earth, and a plain but classy looking CD featuring some very nice green accents within the primarily gold color scheme.