The Liner Notes
Issue №9 · June 12, 2026 · a new edition every week
Special Issue · The Family Station Wagon Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Kool & the Gang
rhythm and blues · 1973–1987
Windows Down: The Road-Trip Issue
- The Countdown · Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
- Mixtape Map · Inside Family Station Wagon
- Needle Drop · “Listen to the Music” by The Doobie Brothers
- In Memoriam · Lou Christie
Issue №9
June 12, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Shotgun's got the map, the tape deck's loaded — let's drive.
We built the whole issue around Family Station Wagon: Kool & the Gang headlines, plus the '60s deep cuts you forgot you memorized.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Family Station Wagon
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Kool & the Gang
rhythm and blues · 1973–1987
Picture yourself grooving to the infectious beat of "Jungle Boogie" or swaying at a party with "Celebration" blasting in the background—this is the vibrant world of Kool & the Gang. Hailing from the heart of Jersey City, this talented ensemble has been serving up a delectable mix of rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and funk since 1964. With a lineup featuring Dennis Thomas, Ronald Bell, George Brown, and the smooth vocals of James "J.T." Taylor, their sound transcends generations. Whether it’s the lively vibes of "Ladies' Night" or the romantic allure of "Joanna," Kool & the Gang’s music invites everyone to dance and sing along. Their legacy is a timeless reminder that good times and great tunes are always just a record spin away.
Artist Spotlight
Kool & the Gang · cont.
“Formed 1964”
The facts
Kool & the Gang in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Freedom
When the open road calls, music answers.
In the late '60s through the '90s, a distinct soundscape emerged that defined the American road trip. Artists like the Eagles and America captured the essence of freedom, embracing the spirit of adventure that came with hitting the highway. This was a time when rock harmonies mingled with folk sensibilities, creating a musical tapestry that resonated deeply with families crammed into station wagons. It pushed against the heavier sounds of the era, offering a lighter, more optimistic alternative that beckoned listeners to roll down the windows and leave their worries behind.
For kids growing up in this era, songs like “Holiday Road” and “Take It Easy” became anthems of exploration. They encapsulated the thrill of escape, the joy of discovery, and the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies every family vacation. Each tune was a promise of adventure, whether driving to Grandma’s house or a beachside bonanza. These melodies mattered because they transformed mundane hours of travel into treasured memories, forever linking the songs to laughter, sibling squabbles, and the simple joy of being together on the road.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Listen to the Music
The Doobie Brothers · 1972 · Rock
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
Listen to the Music
The Doobie Brothers · 1972 · Rock
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
Buckle up for a nostalgic ride as we countdown the ultimate road trip anthems that made our family vacations unforgettable. Each song is a mile marker on the journey of our youth.
- 1
- 2
VacationThe Go-Go's · 1982
An escape anthem that captures the thrill of spontaneous trips and endless summer fun.
- 3
- 4
Ventura HighwayAmerica · 1972
Cruising down sunlit roads, chasing dreams and endless summer vibes with every chord.
- 5Peaceful Easy Feeling
Eagles · 1972
A soothing serenade that makes you want to kick back and enjoy the ride.
The Countdown
Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs · 6–10
- 6
Sister Golden HairAmerica · 1975
A wistful ballad that captures the essence of longing and youthful freedom.
- 7
- 8
Summer BreezeSeals & Crofts · 1972
The gentle whisper of summer, inviting you to savor life's simple pleasures.
- 9
- 10
American PieDon McLean · 1971
An epic saga of dreams and nostalgia, echoing through time like a cherished memory.
Scene Report
Family Station Wagon
The Sound
The airwaves crackle with harmonies, jangly guitars, and the warm embrace of analog sound. Songs blend seamlessly with the chatter of family and the occasional static, evoking a sense of spontaneity and joy that only road trips can bring.
The Look
Picture a vibrant tapestry of bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts, and aviator sunglasses, all set against the backdrop of sun-kissed landscapes. Cars packed to the brim with luggage, picnic baskets, and kids, ready for adventure—each rest stop a snapshot of Americana.
The Artists
Eagles · America · John Denver · Steve Miller Band · Bob Seger · Tom Petty
Scene Report
Family Station Wagon · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Cruisin' Main Street · Friday Night Lights · First Car Radio
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Allman Brothers Band vs. Everclear
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Road-Trip Song | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Everclear takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon · 📼 1/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Packing the Car
Not started yet and already running late.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon · 📼 2/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 60s & 70s Road Trips
Map folded wrong, nobody knew where they were.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon · 📼 3/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Gas Station Stop
Everybody needs a bathroom break.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon · 📼 4/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 80s Family Vacation
The wagon is packed to the roof.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon · 📼 5/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Vacation Destination
You've finally arrived.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1990…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Hold On
Wilson Phillips
At the movies
- Home Alone
- Goodfellas
- Pretty Woman
On TV
- Beverly Hills, 90210
- Twin Peaks
- In Living Color
In the headlines
- Hubble Space Telescope launches
- The Simpsons becomes a primetime hit
- Photoshop 1.0 ships
From the Zine
Pack the Tunes, Hit the Road
Every road trip was a ritual in rhythm.
You’re in the backseat, the smell of snack wrappers mingling with the faint scent of sunscreen, and the inevitable “Are we there yet?” echoes from the front. The cooler is filled with sodas and sandwiches, and the paper map is spread across Mom's lap, a colorful puzzle of highways and byways. You rummage through a visor packed with CDs, each one a gateway to adventure. The moment you hit the road, the music begins to play. “Ventura Highway” wafts through the speakers, pulling you into a daydream of sun-soaked memories.
As you pass roadside diners and quirky attractions, the soundtrack morphs into a collection of your family’s own highlights—“Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” plays as you stop for gas, while “Listen to the Music” fills the air during a picnic at a rest stop. Each song adds a layer to the journey, creating a time capsule of laughter, fights over the best window views, and the thrill of the unknown. These rituals of travel—snacks, songs, and sibling squabbles—crafted a narrative of joy, forever etched in the rhythm of your upbringing.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 19Chart Flashback
1971 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1971 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night sat at #1, and Carpenters racked up 3 charting hits.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“love this one. Was just enjoying life without responsibilities and riding my bike.”
“First high school girlfriend, my freshman year. She could drive — a couple years older — and Journey's Greatest Hits was always playing in the car.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“This was everywhere the summer I was falling in and out of love with about three different people. Porch parties, somebody's brother's keg, that harmonica solo.”
“Oh the good ole days before all the controversy. At least Michael is making a comeback!”
The Back Page
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hit me with your pet shark”
…is actually “Hit me with your best shot” — Pat Benatar — Hit Me with Your Best Shot.
Classifieds
- FOR SALE: Phone with a cord long enough to reach the hallway. Privacy not included.
- SEEKING: Pen pal. Must like gel pens and sticker trades. No weirdos.
- WANTED: The other half of my BEST/FRIENDS necklace. It's been long enough.
Next week: Crooners & Standards
That’s the issue.
A fresh edition of The Liner Notes drops every week, composed from the crate — the artists, the years, the charts, and the stories behind them.
The Liner Notes · Issue №9
FinSpecial Issue · The Family Station Wagon Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Kool & the Gang
rhythm and blues · 1973–1987
Windows Down: The Road-Trip Issue
- The Countdown · Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
- Mixtape Map · Inside Family Station Wagon
- Needle Drop · “Listen to the Music” by The Doobie Brothers
- In Memoriam · Lou Christie
Issue №9
June 12, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Shotgun's got the map, the tape deck's loaded — let's drive.
We built the whole issue around Family Station Wagon: Kool & the Gang headlines, plus the '60s deep cuts you forgot you memorized.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Family Station Wagon
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Kool & the Gang
rhythm and blues · 1973–1987
Picture yourself grooving to the infectious beat of "Jungle Boogie" or swaying at a party with "Celebration" blasting in the background—this is the vibrant world of Kool & the Gang. Hailing from the heart of Jersey City, this talented ensemble has been serving up a delectable mix of rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and funk since 1964. With a lineup featuring Dennis Thomas, Ronald Bell, George Brown, and the smooth vocals of James "J.T." Taylor, their sound transcends generations. Whether it’s the lively vibes of "Ladies' Night" or the romantic allure of "Joanna," Kool & the Gang’s music invites everyone to dance and sing along. Their legacy is a timeless reminder that good times and great tunes are always just a record spin away.
“Formed 1964”
The facts
Kool & the Gang in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Freedom
When the open road calls, music answers.
In the late '60s through the '90s, a distinct soundscape emerged that defined the American road trip. Artists like the Eagles and America captured the essence of freedom, embracing the spirit of adventure that came with hitting the highway. This was a time when rock harmonies mingled with folk sensibilities, creating a musical tapestry that resonated deeply with families crammed into station wagons. It pushed against the heavier sounds of the era, offering a lighter, more optimistic alternative that beckoned listeners to roll down the windows and leave their worries behind.
For kids growing up in this era, songs like “Holiday Road” and “Take It Easy” became anthems of exploration. They encapsulated the thrill of escape, the joy of discovery, and the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies every family vacation. Each tune was a promise of adventure, whether driving to Grandma’s house or a beachside bonanza. These melodies mattered because they transformed mundane hours of travel into treasured memories, forever linking the songs to laughter, sibling squabbles, and the simple joy of being together on the road.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Listen to the Music
The Doobie Brothers · 1972 · Rock
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
Buckle up for a nostalgic ride as we countdown the ultimate road trip anthems that made our family vacations unforgettable. Each song is a mile marker on the journey of our youth.
- 1
- 2Vacation
The Go-Go's · 1982
An escape anthem that captures the thrill of spontaneous trips and endless summer fun.
- 3
- 4Ventura Highway
America · 1972
Cruising down sunlit roads, chasing dreams and endless summer vibes with every chord.
- 5Peaceful Easy Feeling
Eagles · 1972
A soothing serenade that makes you want to kick back and enjoy the ride.
- 6Sister Golden Hair
America · 1975
A wistful ballad that captures the essence of longing and youthful freedom.
- 7
- 8Summer Breeze
Seals & Crofts · 1972
The gentle whisper of summer, inviting you to savor life's simple pleasures.
- 9
- 10American Pie
Don McLean · 1971
An epic saga of dreams and nostalgia, echoing through time like a cherished memory.
Scene Report
Family Station Wagon
The Sound
The airwaves crackle with harmonies, jangly guitars, and the warm embrace of analog sound. Songs blend seamlessly with the chatter of family and the occasional static, evoking a sense of spontaneity and joy that only road trips can bring.
The Look
Picture a vibrant tapestry of bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts, and aviator sunglasses, all set against the backdrop of sun-kissed landscapes. Cars packed to the brim with luggage, picnic baskets, and kids, ready for adventure—each rest stop a snapshot of Americana.
The Artists
Eagles · America · John Denver · Steve Miller Band · Bob Seger · Tom Petty
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Cruisin' Main Street · Friday Night Lights · First Car Radio
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Allman Brothers Band vs. Everclear
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Road-Trip Song | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Everclear takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Family Station Wagon
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Packing the Car
Not started yet and already running late.
📼 60s & 70s Road Trips
Map folded wrong, nobody knew where they were.
📼 Gas Station Stop
Everybody needs a bathroom break.
📼 80s Family Vacation
The wagon is packed to the roof.
📼 Vacation Destination
You've finally arrived.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1990…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Hold On
Wilson Phillips
At the movies
- Home Alone
- Goodfellas
- Pretty Woman
On TV
- Beverly Hills, 90210
- Twin Peaks
- In Living Color
In the headlines
- Hubble Space Telescope launches
- The Simpsons becomes a primetime hit
- Photoshop 1.0 ships
From the Zine
Pack the Tunes, Hit the Road
Every road trip was a ritual in rhythm.
You’re in the backseat, the smell of snack wrappers mingling with the faint scent of sunscreen, and the inevitable “Are we there yet?” echoes from the front. The cooler is filled with sodas and sandwiches, and the paper map is spread across Mom's lap, a colorful puzzle of highways and byways. You rummage through a visor packed with CDs, each one a gateway to adventure. The moment you hit the road, the music begins to play. “Ventura Highway” wafts through the speakers, pulling you into a daydream of sun-soaked memories.
As you pass roadside diners and quirky attractions, the soundtrack morphs into a collection of your family’s own highlights—“Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” plays as you stop for gas, while “Listen to the Music” fills the air during a picnic at a rest stop. Each song adds a layer to the journey, creating a time capsule of laughter, fights over the best window views, and the thrill of the unknown. These rituals of travel—snacks, songs, and sibling squabbles—crafted a narrative of joy, forever etched in the rhythm of your upbringing.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1971 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1971 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night sat at #1, and Carpenters racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1971 Top 10
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“love this one. Was just enjoying life without responsibilities and riding my bike.”
“First high school girlfriend, my freshman year. She could drive — a couple years older — and Journey's Greatest Hits was always playing in the car.”
“This was everywhere the summer I was falling in and out of love with about three different people. Porch parties, somebody's brother's keg, that harmonica solo.”
“Oh the good ole days before all the controversy. At least Michael is making a comeback!”
The Back Page
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hit me with your pet shark”
…is actually “Hit me with your best shot” — Pat Benatar — Hit Me with Your Best Shot.
Classifieds
- FOR SALE: Phone with a cord long enough to reach the hallway. Privacy not included.
- SEEKING: Pen pal. Must like gel pens and sticker trades. No weirdos.
- WANTED: The other half of my BEST/FRIENDS necklace. It's been long enough.
Next week: Crooners & Standards
That’s the issue.
A fresh edition of The Liner Notes drops every week, composed from the crate — the artists, the years, the charts, and the stories behind them.
The Liner Notes · Issue №9
Fin