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Band: Three Dog Night Album: Hard Labor Company: Dunhill Catalog #: DS-50168 Producer: Jimmy Ienner Designer: David Larkham Photo: Ed Caraeff Release: 1974
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As far as I know, Three Dog Night stands as
one of the few groups out there to have had two separate album covers withdrawn
(a distinction that was certain to have pleased ABC/Dunhill executives).
Like 1972's "It Ain't Easy", the release of 1975's "Hard Labor" provoked howls of dismay from ever-sensitive retailers and consumers. While buyers were spared another au-natural shot of the band (see separate entry), this time the LP cover featured a photo of several surgical garb clad doctors and nurses standing in a maternity delivery room. That probably wouldn't have been too bad were it not for the fact they were surrounding a bizarre female "creature" who had just given birth to a blood cover album which one of the doctors was holding out with a pair of tongs. Not to sound sexist, but it's doubtful the cover bothered many guys, though it was probably a different story for many females; particularly those who had gone through the birthing process ... Confronted with public dismay, Dunhill quickly ordered a design change, slapping an oversize bandage across the offensive part of the cover (which enthusiastic purchasers couldn't wait to tear off). Latter pressings had the bandage embossed on the cover. In hindsight designer David Larkham was to be commended for having come up with a concept that was actually somewhat clever. Certainly tasteless, but different and eye catching ...
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