Aladdin (U.S.A.) / c. 1953
Corporate background:
Beginning in 1946 as Philo Records, the
label later underwent a name change.
It was known for launching early rhythm
‘n’ blues, rock and jazz recordings.
The Five Keys, formed in the late 1940s,
signed with Aladdin in 1951, staying with them until 1954.
The label was sold to Imperial Records in
1960 and continues today as part of EMI.
Design: The
label name is lettered in a loose, wobbly style which is
perhaps meant to suggest it was created by smoke issuing from
the tiny magic lantern.
If so, the design idea might have been
taken much further by emphasizing the decorative, curving
quality inherent in Arabic art without incurring too much loss
in the way of legibility.
Otherwise, the design is well laid-out and
well-balanced.