JW's NOTES

A real story about new podcast cameras, technical issues, and pushing through a failed recording... You ever invest in something you’re convinced is going to take your content to the next level… and then it completely falls apart the very first time you use it? Yeah… that was me recently. For the Judged by the Cover podcast, I decided it was finally time to level up our video setup. Up to this point, I had been running a single DSLR-style camera, which got the job done, but I

Explore the iconic cover of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and how its timeless pose, design, and visual identity helped shape one of the most influential albums in music history.

Welcome back to another episode of the Judged by the Cover podcast! In this episode Phil and I are going back to the roots of why this show started in the first place — talking about iconic album cover design. Sometimes we explore classic records, and other times we dig into albums that one of us simply loves.

On our most recent episode of the Judged by the Cover podcast, Phil and I sat down and walked through the nominees. We already knew who won but we were interested in the bigger question: What does this first class of nominees tell us about where cover art is headed...?

Every year on Judged by the Cover, we take an episode to look back at the music, design, and physical releases that stood out most. The Best of 2025 episode was all about reflection — not just on great albums, but on the artwork, packaging, and cultural shifts that shaped the year in music.

What makes a Christmas movie truly unforgettable? Is it the sparkling lights, the heartfelt stories — or is it the music that follows us from living room speakers to local shopping malls, and straight into our collective cultural memory?

In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Phil Hyland takes us on a nostalgic journey through his musical past. He shares the story behind "Reel to Real," a collection of 90s demo recordings recently brought back to life. Josh from JW Creates details the creative process behind the album artwork, incorporating weathered textures and Phil's handwriting to capture the essence of the era.

Have you ever stumbled upon a musical treasure that completely caught you off guard? That's exactly what happened on the latest episode of the Judged by the Cover podcast. Hosts Josh and Phil embarked on an exciting journey of music discovery, proving that sometimes the best finds come from the most unexpected places.

"From Zero" is more than just a catchy title - it represents Linkin Park's courageous decision to rebuild after the tragic loss of Chester..

Ever wondered how a simple black square became one of rock's most iconic album covers? In the latest episode of the Judged by the Cover podc

Art is incredibly subjective—what resonates with one person might not land the same way with another. That’s part of what makes cover art...

On this episode of Judged by the Cover podcast, Josh and Phil take a deep dive into the standout album covers, physical packaging, and unfor

In this festive episode of Judged by the Cover, we’re diving into a few unexpected Christmas albums—the ones you didn’t see coming!

Since January 2024, I've had the pleasure of welcoming my good friend Phil Hyland as the co-host of the Judged by the Cover podcast....

In this episode, we explore Crashing Dream by Rain Parade, a lesser-known band that holds a special place in Phil's heart.

Panelists are presented with and judge 4 different album covers, each with its unique story and artistic elements.

In the world of podcasts, a couple of small things can make a huge impact for a show....

Dark Side of the Moon is instantly recognizable. It's a testament to the power of great design and its ability to transcend time.

Come hang out with Josh and Phil as we celebrate Record Store Day 2024.

Unfortunately this is not an episode on your favorite Nickelback album, but we are looking at photographs on album covers.