The Los Angeles Times takes note of an out-of-the-ordinary religious albums exhibit. These particular albums are from the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s in the “post-World War II era of hula hoops and Cold War anxiety, when men still wore starched white shirts to church.”

Moneyquote: “We’re not trying to embarrass Christians or anyone else, but judging from these album covers, their quest to save souls was often stronger than their proficiency in visual arts,” said exhibit curator Kieran Sala.

One of these albums is called “Capt. Hook and his Christian Pirate Puppets.” Its cover features characters dressed up as pirates and sitting on barrels.

Another album’s intends to be an anti-abortion tract. It features the singer taking on a child’s voice who talks to his mother, asking “Why did you kill me, Mommy, when God made me special for you?”

For those curious about the supernatural, there is an album which claims to have an actual recording of a demon spirit.

Some of the albums were vanity projects. Most were produced by a handful of companies based in Los Angeles, Waco, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Mich., home of Zondervan, a 75-year-old international Christian communications company, according to the LA Times..

Photo Credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times