Graphics - 78 Albums vs. 10-Inch LP

When Columbia began issuing LPs in 1948, it repurposed existing material to fill out its catalog. We have already seen how this led to albums that had been rather elaborate presentations as 78s becoming much less imposing as LPs (see below under the Alice in Wonderland and Richard Rodgers posts). Recently I presented two Buddy Clark LPs that Columbia issued as LPs in its generic music-stand cover. Also in my collection are the same albums issued as 78 sets, both of which have much more colorful covers. Above is the 78 album that Clark made with Dinah Shore, below the For You Alone album. The download includes both these covers and the inside front covers of the 78 albums. Both of those include pictures of the artists, unlike the backs of the LPs. All this is reminiscent of what happened when CDs replaced LPs. The rich graphics of the LPs were replaced by the inferior presentation of the so-called jewel box. As for sound quality, I have friends who swear that 78s sound better than LPs, much the same as the vocal minority who prefer vinyl to CD sound. Things change; they do not necessarily progress.