My Favorite Record Covers 034

A project by David T. Hsia

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The Smiths, "Shoplifters of the World Unite" (1987, Rough Trade) / Sleeve by Morrissey, Layout by Caryn Gough, Art Co-ordination by Jo Slee
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This is a great example of Moz's subversive art direction for the snarky rebellion song that is "Shoplifters of the World Unite." The cover irreverently features a young Elvis which exemplifies the song's suggestions. Morrissey explains, "It's more or less spiritual shoplifting, cultural shoplifting, taking things and using them to your own advantage." Released during contentious political times in the UK, the title is a play on the communist slogan "Workers of the world, unite!" and musically it resembles T. Rex's "Children of the Revolution."