Paste’s Best of 2012 series continues through Dec. 31 and is made possible by our friends at Tretorn.
Once a year, we allow ourselves to judge a book—er, scratch that, record—by its cover and compile our list of the best album artwork of the past 12 months. This year’s picks are nearly as eclectic as the LPs they cover; some feature bold minimalism, while others are ornate, psychedelic designs. But they all managed to catch our eyes this year, so be sure to check them all out in the gallery below.
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50. PS I Love You, Death Dreams
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49. Sharon Van Etten, Tramp
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48. Neon Trees, Picture Show
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47. Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music
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46. Air, Le Voyage Dans La Lune
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45. Action Bronson, Rare Chandeliers
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44. Saint Etienne, Words and Music
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43. El-P, Cancer 4 Cure
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42. How To Dress Well, Total Loss
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41. Black Moth Super Rainbow, Cobra Juicy