SCORPIONS BLACKOUT (USA Release) INCL CUSTOM INNER SLEEVE 12" VINYL

the Visual Symphony: 'Blackout' USA Release! White Canvas, Black Lyrics

Scorpions' "Blackout" (USA Release, 1982) not only marked a zenith in the band's career but also showcased a visual twist with its custom inner sleeve – a white canvas with black lyrics. The album, overcoming challenges, resonated with hits like "No One Like You," becoming a symbol of Scorpions' resilience and artistic evolution.

 

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa

""Blackout" Album Description:

Scorpions, the iconic rock band, left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their 1982 album "Blackout." The USA release, adorned with a custom inner sleeve, added a distinctive touch to the album's visual and lyrical experience.

Genesis of "Blackout"

"Blackout" emerged during a pivotal period for Scorpions, both creatively and commercially. Released in 1982, the album showcased the band's evolution, fusing hard rock with melodic elements. The title track, "Blackout," became an anthem, symbolizing the energy and resilience of the era.

Custom Inner Sleeve: A Visual Contrast

What set the USA release apart was the custom inner sleeve. Unlike its European counterparts with a black background and white lyrics, the US version featured a striking white background with lyrics in black. This aesthetic contrast created a visual dynamic that mirrored the album's diverse musical range.

The Making of "Blackout"

The recording sessions for "Blackout" were not without challenges, notably Klaus Meine's vocal cord troubles. Despite these hurdles, the band persevered, crafting an album that explored themes of excess, freedom, and the turbulence of the times. Rudolf Schenker's distinctive guitar work and Matthias Jabs' solos added layers to the album's sonic landscape.

Release and Impact

The USA release of "Blackout" hit the shelves, capturing the essence of Scorpions' musical prowess. Tracks like "No One Like You" and "Dynamite" resonated with fans, propelling the album to commercial success. The custom inner sleeve became a talking point, emphasizing the album's global identity while acknowledging regional nuances.

Album Description & Collectors information:

Blackout is the eighth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1982 and this is the USA release on Mercury Records.

 

Blackout is the eighth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1982 on EMI Germany Records and Mercury Records.
After losing his voice during the writing of the album, lead vocalist Klaus Meine had to undergo surgery on his vocal cords and it was uncertain whether he would be able to record it.
Rudolf Schenker could not choose between his guitar solos on "China White", so the US and European releases differed in this small detail.
A self-portrait of artist Gottfried Helnwein is featured on the cover of the album. Rudolf Schenker portrays this character in the "No One Like You" music video. .

Music Genre:

German Heavy Metal / Hard Rock  
Album Production Information:

The album: "SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve" was produced by: Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music

Dieter Dierks: Producer behind the Scorpions, Accept, Rory Gallagher, Tangerine Dream and many, many others Discover his iconic work

 

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Gerd Rautenbach

This album was recorded at: Dierks recording Mobile

Album cover design: Gottfried Heinwein

Album cover photography: Robert Ellis

Robert Ellis is a highly accomplished British photographer renowned for his exceptional work in the field of music photography. With a career spanning several decades, Ellis has captured iconic moments and personalities in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the visual representation of music culture. His work has been prominently featured in esteemed publications such as NME (New Musical Express), Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim.

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Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Robert Ellis developed an early passion for photography and music. In the 1970s, he embarked on his professional journey as a photographer, immersing himself in the music scene of the era. Ellis quickly established himself as a talented and versatile photographer, capturing the energy, spirit, and raw emotion of live performances.

Ellis's keen eye and ability to capture the essence of musicians in their element soon caught the attention of leading music-related publications. His work became highly sought after, and he started receiving assignments from prestigious magazines, including NME, Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds. These publications were instrumental in shaping the music culture and disseminating information about emerging and established artists, making Ellis's photographs an integral part of the narrative.

Throughout his career, Robert Ellis had the opportunity to photograph numerous influential musicians, bands, and artists. From capturing intimate portraits of legendary figures such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Mick Jagger to documenting the explosive energy of performances by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash, Ellis consistently delivered stunning images that resonated with audiences worldwide.

One of Ellis's notable strengths as a photographer was his ability to establish a rapport with his subjects, putting them at ease and capturing their authentic selves. His photographs often reflected the deep connection he formed with the artists, revealing the vulnerability and passion behind their public personas. Whether in the chaos of a live concert or the stillness of a backstage moment, Ellis's images told stories that transcended the music itself, creating a visual legacy that would endure for years to come.

Record Label & Catalognr:

MERCURY SRM-1-4039 / 6337 218
Packaging: This album "SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1982 Made in USA
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve
Complete Track-listing of the album "SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom innrer Sleeve (DE)" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Blackout (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell/Kittelsen) 3:49
  2. Can't Live Without You (Schenker/Meine) 3:47
  3. No One Like You (Schenker/Meine) 3:57
  4. You Give Me All I Need (Schenker/Rarebell) 3:39
  5. Now! (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell) 2:35
  6. Dynamite (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell) 4:12
  7. Arizona (Schenker/Rarebell) 3:56
  8. China White (Schenker/Meine) 6:59
  9. When the Smoke Is Going Down (Schenker/Meine) 3:51

 

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve"

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa  

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa    

Inner Sleeve   of "SCORPIONS - Blackout (USA) incl custom Inner Sleeve" Album

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa  

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa  

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions blackout usa    

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of SCORPIONS - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism (Netherlands & French Release)
SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism album front cover

 

The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve.

Animal Magnetism (Netherlands Release) Animal Magnetism (France Fame Release)
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2  album front cover

  RCA Victor AFL1-5085 , 1984 , USA

SCORPIONS "Best Of SCORPIONS Vol 2" is a 12" LP vinyl album released in 1984, showcasing the German rock band's captivating music. This record, featuring tracks from various eras

Best Of Scorpions Vol 2 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Blackout (International Releases)
SCORPIONS - Blackout (Germany) album front cover

  

"Blackout" the 1982 masterpiece by Scorpions, remains a pivotal moment in rock history. Faced with challenges, the band crafted an album that blended hard rock and heavy metal, producing anthems like "No One Like You." The iconic cover art and European release's unique inner sleeve added to its allure, making "Blackout" a timeless classic.

Blackout (Germany) Blackout (France) Blackout (USA)
SCORPIONS - Crazy World
SCORPIONS - Crazy World album front cover

  Polygram Gong SLPXL 37497   , 1990 , Hungary

The Scorpions' "Crazy World" Hungarian release 12" Vinyl LP, born in the era of Eastern European upheaval, encapsulates the band's pivotal 1990 album. Reflecting the winds of change during the end of the Cold War, the vinyl's rarity, featuring limited edition nuances, elevates its significance as a sought-after collector's gem.

Crazy World 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow album front cover

- , 1974, -

"SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow" is a 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the German rock band's evolving sound and artistic vision. Released in 1974, this album captures the band's transition from their psychedelic rock roots to a more refined hard rock sound.

Fly to the Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (France & Spain Releases)
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (Spain) album front cover

 

Released in 1984, the SCORPIONS' "Gold Ballads" 12" Mini-LP Vinyl showcases the band's mastery in ballads. This Spanish release features five of their finest ballads, encapsulating the essence of their emotional and melodic prowess. A testament to the band's contribution to the music scene during that era, the album stands as a timeless collection of soul-stirring ballads, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Gold Ballads (France) 12" Mini-LP Gold Ballads (Spain) 12" Mini-LP
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored Releases
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored  album front cover

 

"In Trance" is the 1976 album by German hard rock band Scorpions. The album cover shows a woman smashing a guitar, with one of her breasts exposed. This album cover gained controversy and has since been changed so that the breast is covered up. This is the original version of the album cover clearly showed the cover model's bare breast hanging down towards the guitar. Later releases have the breast blacked out so that it is not visible. This is the first of many Scorpions album covers that have been censored.

In Trance (Uncensored, England) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Black Label) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting album front cover

  Harvest 2400071   , 1984 , France

This is the original album cover, an alternate cover showing a photo of the band members is used in several department store chains since they refused to carry the original album cover art.

Love at First Sting 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (International Releases)
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (UK) album front cover

 

The album cover of "Lovedrive" has often featured in 'worst album covers ever' lists, this bizarre sleeve was replaced in some countries with a more sensible black sleeve featuring a blue scorpion. The album's artwork was named "Best album sleeve of 1979″ by Playboy magazine.

Lovedrive (UK) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (Original Album Cover) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (FAME) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement album front cover

  EMI Electrola Harvest 064 7 47 794 / Breeze Music   , 1988 , EEC

"Scorpions - Savage Amusement" is a powerful 1988 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the band's ability to craft memorable hard rock anthems. With their European release, the Scorpions deliver a collection of energetic and melodic tracks that captivate listeners from start to finish.

Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - The Scorpion
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS The Scorpion / In Trance album front cover

  RCA Victor NL 70615 C , 1975 , France

SCORPIONS - The Scorpion" is a comprehensive 3LP box-set that combines three iconic albums from the German rock band's discography: "In Trance", "Virgin Killer", and "Fly to the Rainbow".

The Scorpion 12" 3LP Box-Set
SCORPIONS - Still Loving You (Multiple Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Still Loving You album front cover

 

"Still Loving You" is the song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100. In France, the single sold 1.7 million copies.

Still Loving You 7" Single Still Loving You 12" Maxi-Single
SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (German & Italian Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (Italy) album front cover

  

"Taken by Force," Scorpions' 1977 masterpiece, takes on new allure with a rare Italian pressing on 150 grams vinyl. This collector's dream features the iconic guitar solo in "He's a Woman She's a Man," showcasing Uli Jon Roth's brilliance. Beyond the music, it's a tactile journey, a sonic ritual for enthusiasts.

Taken by Force (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP Taken by Force (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes  album front cover

  RCA Extra CL 28331-1 , 1978 , Germany

"Tokyo Tapes" is the first "LIVE" album released by the German Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "SCORPIONS". It was recorded during concerts at Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo, Japan during their Japanese tour of 1978. It also marks the live performances with guitarist Uli Jon Roth's.

Tokyo Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer (German & Italian Releases
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing  album front cover

   

Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence, this is the original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy

Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Best Buy Series) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - World Wide Live (European Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - World Wide Live album front cover

  

Descri"World Wide Live," the 1985 live album by Scorpions, encapsulates the band's electrifying stage presence during the "Love at First Sting" tour. Recorded for European distribution, this gatefold 2LP 12" vinyl immortalizes iconic hits like "Rock You Like a Hurricane." A sonic journey through rock history, it remains a timeless testament to Scorpions' live prowess. ption

World Wide Live (Europe) 12" Vinyl LP World Wide Live (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP