Klaxons‘ unusual, but highly distinctive sleeve for their album ‘Surfing The Void‘ has won the Best Art Vinyl Prize for 2010.
The artwork, which features a cat dressed in an astronaut’s suit, beat 39 other shortlisted entries on a public vote. Canadian musician Caribou‘s album ‘Swim‘ was second in the poll, followed by German dance label Cadenza in third. More established artists such as Goldfrapp, Arcade Fire and The Chemical Brothers also received a mention on the new list.
The Art Vinyl organisation aims to promote album sleeves as art, and its awards director Andrew Heeps hopes the prize will help to shine a light on artwork, a medium which can still play a vital role in the identity of bands. “The Art Vinyl award is about celebrating the emotional resonance of the best sleeve designs from 2010,” he said, and added the award recognises “some of those unsung heroes of art and design who provide the visual identity for so many bands and artists.”
The three sleeves which received the most votes will now be showcased with an art exhibtion to be held at London’s O2 Arena.
Last year, indie band Fleet Foxes won the prize for their self-titled debut album.