Guest Post with Author Tracy Wolff and Giveaway

Meet Tracy Wolff, author of Crash Into Me.

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

Places to find Tracy:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | 

Some of the Most Iconic Album Covers Ever

Thanks so much for having me today.  I’m thrilled to be here.

First of all, I guess I need to establish that I’m a huge fan of rock, and have been for as long as I can remember.  I went to my first real concert when I was in fifth grade (Tina Turner) and have been hooked ever since.  Most of high school, college, and beyond has been about spending as much of my disposable income as I can possibly afford on music—albums, downloads, concerts, roadtrips to concerts.  I’m a HUGE fan.  Which is one of the many reasons I’ve been wanting to write a rock star series ever since my first book was published.  Timing never seemed to be right—at least not before now—so that’s why Crash Into Me, the first in my brand new Shaken Dirty series, is coming out six years after my first book was originally published.

I had great fun writing this book, and doing the research for it (much of which consisted of looking at photos and memorabilia from my many and varied rock concert experiences).  Anyway, as I was researching, it occurred to me how many album covers have made their way into the fabric of pop culture and every day life.  Which is why, when I started putting posts together for my blogtour, I knew I had to do a listing of some of the most iconic album covers ever.  And that’s exactly what I’ve done =)  So with no further ado …

Led Zeppelin I: This cover, which references the Hindenburg disaster as well as the origins of the band’s name, became huge.  The story goes that when they were first discussing their chances of succeeding as a band, Keith Moon supposedly said that their music, “Would probably go over like a lead balloon.”  John Entwistle followed the comment up with, “Like a lead zeppelin.”  A band title was born, which in turn lead to one of the most iconic covers ever.  And if you’ve ever heard the album, you know exactly why Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic bands ever.

Nevermind by Nirvana: This album disturbed me when it first came out.  I was just a kid and didn’t get the whole purpose behind it, I think, but looking at it now, no one can say it isn’t one of the most recognizable images in rock music ever.  Kurt Cobain first had the idea for the cover when he was watching a documentary on water births.  Of course, it was controversial at the time (as many great album covers are) because of its portrayal of a baby already corrupted by the pursuit of the almighty dollar.  Talk about a commentary on society, and on Nirvana’s music.

Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles: Most experts say this is the most iconic album cover ever, easily recognizable to most of Western Culture.  The band is surrounded by wax figures of themselves as well as paper cut outs of a bunch of other celebrities, all in front of a lush flower garden that spells out their name.  It’s an homage to the pop culture of the time (including a Shirley Temple doll in a Rolling Stones sweater) and a brilliant, world-famous one at that.

Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd: I don’t even think I need to say anything about this album.  This image is completely iconic.  It was huge when the album first came out and is even more huge today.  From tattoos to T-shirts, this is one of those images that you’d have to be living in a box (for generations) not to recognize.

London Calling by The Clash: Though this was originally done as an homage to another iconic cover, Elvis Presley’s first album , this image—of a rock guitarist smashing his guitar in concert—has become more than iconic.  It’s worked its way into the very fabric of rock concerts everywhere.  And while the photo is a little fuzzy, something that the photographer didn’t like, it’s an action shot whose impact can’t be denied.

Born in the U.S.A. by  Bruce Springsteen: Again, who hasn’t seen this cover a million times?  It sums up the album inside perfectly (one of my favorites, btw) and also gives an iconic visual to the struggle of the working man in America.  Whatever you feel about Springsteen’s message, it’s impossible to deny the impact of this cover—and his music.

War by U2: This is one of those covers that haunts you—as it’s supposed to.  This Ireland based band, which has experienced war firsthand, humanizes war with this very human look at the victims who suffer the most.  This image was everywhere for a lot of years, and even today is instantly recognizable by entire generations.

Well, that’s my commentary on iconic rock covers.  Of course, I know there are more out there, but I couldn’t list them all and these are ones whose photos, and music, have really spoken to me through the years.  How about you?  Any album art you think is particularly iconic?

She’s totally off limits, but this rocker wants a taste…
Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother’s band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she’s just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star’s bed post. Even if it’s Ryder’s.

Ryder doesn’t deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he’d never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he’s been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he’ll do anything to deny the sparks between them—even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he’s worthy of love—her love—and that she’s all grown up…and ready to play.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:

• 1 $50 Gift Card (Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes)

To Enter: 

• Please answer Tracy's question: How about you?  Any album art you think is particularly iconic?  
• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Tracy Wolff & Entangled Publishing for sponsoring this tour-wide giveaway.

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