Clock Records 45RPM Label
This 45RPM vinyl was produced by Clock Records Inc. and features two tracks titled “Dave’s Special” and “Whispers” by American Soul and R&B artist, Dave “Baby” Cortez. The production of Clock Records was active from the mid 1950s-1960s in New York and was owned by Doug Moody.
The label itself has a clean, symmetrical layout. The name and location of the record label is located on the top and follows the circular path of the label, the vinyl matrix number and track length details are mirrored on either side of the picture plane, and the artist and track title are located at the bottom. In reflection of the company name, the designer incorporated a clock motif by having an illustration of a clock serve as the “o” in the record label name, and by lining the outer circumference of the label with roman numerals to imitate a clock layout. The black, sans-serif type atop the vibrant, yellow background establishes a stark, eye-catching contrast. Overall, this clean, symmetrical design is a testament to other R&B, soul, and jazz record labels of the 1950s and 60s such as Blue Note Records.
As music primarily operates on a digital sphere today, the cultural value of vinyl records have declined. Highlighting these clever designs is crucial as they reflect the aesthetic of vinyl records from their era and demonstrate the creative evolution of how graphic design is used within the music industry. It is also important for designers to be educated on where graphic styles are derived and pioneered from. Observing staple record label layouts such as these can help breed innovation when designing record labels contemporarily.
“The Best Soul Albums of the 1950s.” Album of The Year. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/genre/19-soul/1950s/.
“Clock Records (2) Label | Releases | Discogs.” Clock Records Inc. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.discogs.com/label/105709-Clock-Records-2.
Vox. “The Greatest Album Covers of Jazz.” YouTube, November 19, 2018. Accessed May 1, 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNgA7dDs90E.
Submission by Jenelle De Leon | @jenelledeleon
