On the Records

An intimate collection of essays by 80 widely acclaimed and esteemed artists, from Brian Eno to Erykah Badu to Angélique Kidjo to Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, each revealing an overlooked but beloved album that has resonated deeply with them and inspired their work.

Discover the music that shaped Dolly Parton’s earliest memories through her mother’s voice, the rare recording that Black Thought of The Roots discovered and continues to draw from, the album that changed the way Chris Stapleton heard and approached music, as well as selections from both Billie Eilish and Finneas.

On the Records gathers musical hidden gems and word-of-mouth albums, selected by 80 celebrated artists. Featuring essays by luminaries across genres and spanning generations, the book offers an intimate look at the music that has privately influenced and moved these artists. Each essay features an album, artist, or a set of songs that the artist feels should have been considered classics among the collective consciousness but have been underappreciated. Some reflect chapters in the work of widely recognized artists, while others are long out of print, self-released, or hard to find. Many of the essays were written by the artists themselves, while others grew out of exclusive new conversations, shaped into written stories that preserve the voice and spirit of those exchanges. Each artist’s reflection is paired with album art and imagery that bring these records to life. On the Records unfolds with the quiet pleasure of browsing a well-loved record collection—a book to linger with as much as to read.

This is the book for music-lovers who want to be inspired again, by the discovery of songs and sounds that they’ve never heard before. For listeners who value discovery and the deeper connections people form with great recordings, On the Records opens a path to extraordinary music, shared by the artists whose work has shaped the way we listen.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs