This is the soundtrack LP to the 1976 Hindi movie, Laila Majnu.
As you can see, it's octagonal; a modification that is, as far as I can see, absolutely pointless.
Not only is the shape pointless, the eightsidedness means that the bit that hinges is considerably smaller than a normal gatefold and will, with use, start disintegrating.
The rational bit of me thinks that an innovation that does not improve upon its predecessor isn't an innovation at all. It's a stupid idea.
Despite this, I couldn't care less. Because the somewhat larger, pushier, irrational part of me absolutely loves it.
(Incidentally, if there's a narrative or cultural reason for the eight sides, please leave a comment. I'd love to know).
There is no 8 point mythology to whic this lp is linked to (as far as i know). The only reason that i can come up with as to why they would in the shape of an octagon is that it is and was something different. It set this lp apart from the rest, and was probably noticed (even though the film maker did not need to do that because the songs of this film where all hits). There where only a few pressing made this way of the lp after that they came out will the normal 4 sided lp. I have normal one but im really on the hunt for this octagon one!
Posted by: karen | December 02, 2010 at 01:36 AM