Simon Halfon is a graphic designer and film producer most noted for his work with the Jam, the Style Council, and Paul Weller. He has also worked with Oasis, Nick Heyward and George Michael, among others. His work on the Style Council’s house music efforts was noticed by Michael, who had Halfon apply a similar approach to his Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 album in 1990.
“Working with George on Listen Without Prejudice – was a big moment for me,” Halfon said in an interview. “He was truly one of the good guys and a great friend. It’s still probably my personal favorite sleeve. Great record from a great artist.”
The album cover for Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 does not feature George Michael himself. Instead, it features a 1940 photograph of a crowded Coney Island beach by Arthur “Weegee” Fellig. The decision to omit his image was a deliberate one, reflecting his desire for the music to stand on its own and not be solely associated with his celebrity.
Here is Halfon’s description of how the album cover came about:
“George had in mind that, with this record, he wanted to be judged solely on the music, with no image of himself on the cover. His initial thought was a completely plain sleeve – his preferences were blue or white, with silver lettering. I’d been down that particular road with The Style Council, and the orange cover for The Cost of Loving, so I needed no further encouragement. Management on the other hand were not quite so convinced… explaining, in no uncertain terms, that no one would even stock this record with this cover. He could be quite convincing so it was, quite literally, back to the drawing board.
“I’d bought George a coffee table book for his birthday in June. It was an anthology of 20th Century photography, and we started flicking through it for some kind of inspiration, now that the blue cover had been nixed. Immediately, Weegee’s 1940 image of (what was estimated to be) over a million sunbathers jumped off the page. We both looked at each other and said, ‘That’s the cover.’ No typography on the front, just letting the image speak for itself. We were both fans of Peter Saville’s work and I think there was a little bit of that influence on this sleeve. Rolling Stone magazine in 1991 listed this as one of the LP covers of the year, which was pretty cool. Such a great LP; in my opinion it’s the definitive George Michael album.”
Familiar with personnel at Sony especially Donnie Ienner,Steve Greenberg and Merarity Diamondwitz. To hierarchy whom allowing chosen "Pop" artist dominate roaring 90's! George's decision not allow promotion of his efforts was his prerogative given independence upon. Publicity image during this era, introverted videos always George. Behind the scenes fans wanted, preview handsome allure which. George wanted deny regarding (Listen Without Prejudice I) 1990 slated release during summer postponed. Due song selections George given choice have T.V special in U.K and USA on CBS yeah.
ReplyDeleteAlong commercial endorsements not Pepsi food and clothing companies. Plenty of options of success different musical expression popularity among mid professionals. Oppose teen females why indifference music critics, assume title uneven with tempo's. Title didn't convey appropriate of social discrimination. Mixing somewhat bland due sonics of engineering low end sounds mono. Possible George idea of (sober sound field) rumors are true Volume 2 the concept recorded neve completed. Many factors Sony wanted signature sounding along video spectacle with involvement of label. George just
renewed his contract with plenty hidden stipulations, cause the demise for 6yrs. Eventually Older (1996) which Dreamwords records gotten only fragment of George talent! Essences George fully aware of pressure to retain his Pop" appeal considering. Alternant musical style critics depicted George inter struggles not with music business. His sexual preference which is irrelevant, George sold to teens in USA! Oppose EU,U.K and Australia personal privacy since contract rendered upon Sony USA was ordeal! Regarding the anniversary of Listen Without Prejudice Sony has repacked with. Photos of George which oppose listing to demos of Volume 2 nothing distinctive just club music. Sony considered duet with Mariah Carey and rival MJJ George declined due lack luster sales of Listen Without Prejudice. Era which artist making decision upon there careers.
Reason George probably didn't commit himself to release the titles. Been release presently to appease the fans Sony initial wanted George on the cover not historical photo of beach. Sales only minor could increase ill conceived (Cover to Cover) tour 1991 George seldom sung. Titles of Listen Without Prejudice a disappointment to fans, media didn't him attention. Sony wanted some of remixes by CC Music Factory even debut with label opponent "Luther Vandross"! George declined efforts simply prolific output of material rendered simply Geoge oppose felt. Wasn't his musical quality this when abrupt
agitation occurred between both parties! During rumors George never cruise NYC nor Boston LGBTQ scene lies! Attempting OUT George popularity never tarnished EU and U.K due presence of live performances. Can't await the biographical movie soon Freedom now! George initial didn't want to sign with Sony various "American labels wanted sign him? If possible could this influence his mannerism along his life only speculations!