Wednesday 7th December 2011 by Edward Keeble

Album covers are a funny factor that often falls into the grey area that can be the deciding factor as to whether or not the records impression achieves cult status - or is held back by its grievous visual misgivings.

Last month Gigwise opened up the poll to decide the best and worst album covers of 2011 with regard to some great offerings this year from Friendly Fires, Radiohead and M83 alongside more independent efforts.

The results are fairly conclusive, although you'll have to flick through the gallery to see who the readers have decided is worthy of the top spot.

Love them of hate them these are the Gigwise top 50 album covers of 2011...