Ghost on Ghost, Iron and Wine
I love how quirky Ghost on Ghost is. And I'm not talking about the sometimes awkward syncopation of Sam Beam's more recent music. The artwork riffs a bit on the weird relationship between frame and art. I can't help but see this as a fully realized illustration of the notion that sometimes the box really is better than its contents. Take that as you will, and proceed.
A.M., Wilco
A classic record with a classic design. Its no secret I am a fan of strong, bold colors and simple composition. This Wilco record is a prime example of not trying too hard. This sort of thing is easy to over-complicate, or over-glamorize. Yet it is perfectly spot on.
Discovery, Daft Punk
As iconic as it gets. Though quite visually similar to its predecessor, Homework, this one completely defines Daft Punk. It sets a precedence for all their future work. And on top of its strong graphic presence, its rendered impeccably well. Not only does it look like you can reach out and touch those beveled, metallic letterforms, it looks like they're going to make "bleepity-bloop" noises were you to press on them. Human robots, both in musicianship and visual execution.
Now please, go forth and judge books by their covers. Its how people like me make a living.