Italian budget albums
Like most European countries, Italy had its own cover albums in the 1970s, some of which have striking similarities to Top of the Pops. They don't have any known connections other than the cover designs, and we outline the more intresting examples here.
Similar sleeve designs
The two imges above left are from the series, International Hit Parade, which contain soundalikes in the Top of the Pops style. The albums were released on the Variety label, and it is at once apparent where they found inspiration for the cover design.
Above right are two examples from a series called Top Hits on the Joker label. Note the Anglicised names for both labels and series. The typeface is extremely similar to that being used on Top of the Pops in the UK.
Above right are two examples from a series called Top Hits on the Joker label. Note the Anglicised names for both labels and series. The typeface is extremely similar to that being used on Top of the Pops in the UK.
Similar cover shots
To the left we see an installment of International Hit Parade which carries a photo from the same shoot as Top of the Pops volume 30. (You can just see the palm tree logo on the model's top.) The Italian LP probably preceded the Top of the Pops album, given the currency of the tracks named on the front.
Above right is an album in the Joker label's Hit Parade series, which ran to 30-plus albums. This one also has a familiar photo, taken from the same shoot as Top of the Pops Volume 65, which came out a copule of years afterwards.
Thanks to Shumov Konstantin for alerting us to these records.
Above right is an album in the Joker label's Hit Parade series, which ran to 30-plus albums. This one also has a familiar photo, taken from the same shoot as Top of the Pops Volume 65, which came out a copule of years afterwards.
Thanks to Shumov Konstantin for alerting us to these records.