The Liner Notes
Issue №29 · October 30, 2026 · a new edition every week
Special Issue · The Motown Soul Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Mary Wells
soul · 1962–1964
Turn the Beat Around
- The Countdown · Top 10 Bass-in-Your-Chest Groove Machines
- Mixtape Map · Inside Motown Soul
- Needle Drop · “My Girl” by The Temptations
- In Memoriam · Donna Jean Godchaux
Issue №29
October 30, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Get up offa that thing — the groove's in the heart this week.
Consider this your Motown Soul field guide — Mary Wells up front, a Top 10 you'll argue with, and a tape map to get lost in.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
See you on the flip side, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Motown Soul
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Mary Wells
soul · 1962–1964
Mary Wells was an American singer known for her contributions to soul, rhythm and blues, pop music, and disco, primarily through her work with Motown. With a voice that seamlessly blended emotion and energy, she crafted hits like "The One Who Really Loves You," "You Beat Me To the Punch," and "My Guy," which showcased her knack for relatable storytelling and catchy melodies. Her early work helped shape Motown's distinctive sound, setting the stage for a wave of artists that followed. Although her career spanned various labels, including Atlantic and Epic Records, her roots in the Motown movement remain a significant part of her legacy.
Artist Spotlight
Mary Wells · cont.
“United States”
The facts
Mary Wells in the crate
From the Zine
THE MOVEMENT
Motown's irresistible sound reshaped youth culture.
In the heart of Detroit, a little house known as Hitsville U.S.A. became the birthplace of a sound that would electrify young America. Motown Soul emerged in an era marked by social upheaval, pushing against the grain of conformity and channeling the hopes and dreams of a generation. With infectious melodies and smooth harmonies, artists like The Supremes and The Temptations crafted songs that spoke to the very essence of youth—love, heartache, and the unyielding spirit of change.
For kids growing up in this time, Motown wasn't just music; it was a movement. With songs like "My Girl" and "I Want You Back" blasting from radios, it became the soundtrack of first crushes and late-night dances. The soulful rhythms and irresistible beats offered a refuge, a way to escape the noise of the world outside. More than just a collection of hits, Motown Soul united diverse audiences, breaking down barriers and proving that music could indeed change lives.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
My Girl
The Temptations · 1965 · Soul
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
driving nowhere in particular with the windows down.
It plays and a whole year comes flooding back.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
My Girl
The Temptations · 1965 · Soul
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Bass-in-Your-Chest Groove Machines
Get ready to groove as we count down the top tracks that defined an era! From dance anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, these Motown classics are sure to ignite your soul.
- 1My Girl
The Temptations · 1965
A warm breeze and sweet memories, this song wraps you in sunshine and love.
- 2
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5 · 1969
With every note, it’s a joyful time machine to youthful crushes and carefree days.
- 3
I Heard It Through the GrapevineMarvin Gaye · 1968
A heart-wrenching tale that echoes the bittersweet sting of love lost and found.
- 4
You Can't Hurry LoveThe Supremes · 1966
A playful reminder that love’s timing is as perfect as a classic Motown groove.
- 5
Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell · 1967
An anthem of unwavering support, lifting spirits like a wave of pure joy.
The Countdown
Top 10 Bass-in-Your-Chest Groove Machines · 6–10
- 6
ABCThe Jackson 5 · 1970
Childhood innocence and catchy rhythms collide, making you feel young and alive again.
- 7I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Four Tops · 1965
This sweet declaration of love dances through the air, stirring up joyous nostalgia.
- 8
SuperstitionStevie Wonder · 1972
With its infectious beat, it pulls you into a funky groove that makes you move.
- 9
Dancing in the StreetMartha and the Vandellas · 1964
A rallying cry for joy, it paints vivid images of summer nights and street parties.
- 10
What's Going OnMarvin Gaye · 1971
A soulful call for understanding, it resonates with the heart's deepest questions.
Scene Report
Motown Soul
The Sound
The Motown sound is a rich tapestry woven with lush strings, punchy brass, and infectious rhythms. Each track bursts with energy, as smooth vocal harmonies glide over a foundation of funky basslines and crisp percussion, inviting everyone to sing along.
The Look
Picture the vibrant fashion of the era: sharply tailored suits, dazzling dresses, and bold hairstyles. The streets of Detroit buzzed with life, where the glow of neon lights illuminated dance floors packed with fans, all swaying to the irresistible grooves of their favorite artists.
The Artists
The Temptations · Marvin Gaye · The Supremes · Stevie Wonder · The Jackson 5
Scene Report
Motown Soul · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Funk Machine · R&B & Soul
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Wilson Pickett vs. Diana Ross
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Diana Ross takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Motown Soul · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Hitsville U.S.A.
The hits that built the house.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Motown Soul · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Sweet Soul
Slow it down and sway.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Motown Soul · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Dance Party
Calling out around the world.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1971…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Joy to the World
Three Dog Night
At the movies
- A Clockwork Orange
- Willy Wonka
- Dirty Harry
On TV
- All in the Family
- Columbo
- Soul Train premieres
In the headlines
- Disney World opens
- Intel ships the first microprocessor
- Voting age lowered to 18
From the Zine
THE RITUAL
Revisiting the cherished customs of Motown enthusiasts.
Picture yourself on a Saturday afternoon, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air as you gather with friends in your living room. The record player crackles to life, and the opening notes of “Dancing in the Street” fill the space, igniting an irresistible urge to dance. You’ve got your favorite records lined up, each one a ticket to a world where worries fade and rhythm reigns. The tambourines and hand claps become your heartbeat, echoing the joy of the Motown experience.
As you flip through vinyl, you feel the thrill of anticipation, each cover a portal to memories shared. You practice the latest dance moves to “ABC” and belt out the lyrics to “You Can’t Hurry Love” with your friends, laughter and harmony blending as you create your own little ceremonies around the music. These rituals—listening, dancing, singing—were more than just pastimes; they were moments of connection, binding you to the magic of the era and each other, forever etched in your heart.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart Flashback
1968 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1968 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Hey Jude” by The Beatles sat at #1, and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap racked up 4 charting hits.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Montgomery Ward
1872–2001
The catalog and the department-store trip.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“beautiful sound reminds me of the summer oh what a time”
“Don’t forget, Eddie Murphy said it in Delirious. “I have some ice creeeeam. Want a lick? Psych!” To me, that’s the most famous use of the line and makes it relevant for all time.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“I just said it today and I’m sure most of the people in that chat thread won’t understand it”
“Going to Crazy Mama's with my best friend and roommate Damon Zex was an adventure! Legendary was the after hours parties at the Batcave, Bruce and Charlie Nutt's house. Bruce was a little older than Charlie,band he loves 50s rockabilly. Charlie loved Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Oh the turntable fights they would get into! And who controlled the turntable, controlled the night.”
🕯️ In Memoriam
Artists we lost this week — across the years. Revisit their music, and pay tribute with a memory.
The Back Page
Puttin' on the Ritz
Taco · 1983
The Tracks of My Tears
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles · 1965
Misheard for 30 Years
“Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine”
…is actually “...feel the beat from the tambourine” — ABBA — Dancing Queen.
Classifieds
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
Next week: Basement Show
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 №29
FinSpecial Issue · The Motown Soul Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Mary Wells
soul · 1962–1964
Turn the Beat Around
- The Countdown · Top 10 Bass-in-Your-Chest Groove Machines
- Mixtape Map · Inside Motown Soul
- Needle Drop · “My Girl” by The Temptations
- In Memoriam · Donna Jean Godchaux
Issue №29
October 30, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Get up offa that thing — the groove's in the heart this week.
Consider this your Motown Soul field guide — Mary Wells up front, a Top 10 you'll argue with, and a tape map to get lost in.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
See you on the flip side, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Motown Soul
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Mary Wells
soul · 1962–1964
Mary Wells was an American singer known for her contributions to soul, rhythm and blues, pop music, and disco, primarily through her work with Motown. With a voice that seamlessly blended emotion and energy, she crafted hits like "The One Who Really Loves You," "You Beat Me To the Punch," and "My Guy," which showcased her knack for relatable storytelling and catchy melodies. Her early work helped shape Motown's distinctive sound, setting the stage for a wave of artists that followed. Although her career spanned various labels, including Atlantic and Epic Records, her roots in the Motown movement remain a significant part of her legacy.
“United States”
The facts
Mary Wells in the crate
From the Zine
THE MOVEMENT
Motown's irresistible sound reshaped youth culture.
In the heart of Detroit, a little house known as Hitsville U.S.A. became the birthplace of a sound that would electrify young America. Motown Soul emerged in an era marked by social upheaval, pushing against the grain of conformity and channeling the hopes and dreams of a generation. With infectious melodies and smooth harmonies, artists like The Supremes and The Temptations crafted songs that spoke to the very essence of youth—love, heartache, and the unyielding spirit of change.
For kids growing up in this time, Motown wasn't just music; it was a movement. With songs like "My Girl" and "I Want You Back" blasting from radios, it became the soundtrack of first crushes and late-night dances. The soulful rhythms and irresistible beats offered a refuge, a way to escape the noise of the world outside. More than just a collection of hits, Motown Soul united diverse audiences, breaking down barriers and proving that music could indeed change lives.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
My Girl
The Temptations · 1965 · Soul
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
driving nowhere in particular with the windows down.
It plays and a whole year comes flooding back.
▸ 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 Bass-in-Your-Chest Groove Machines
Get ready to groove as we count down the top tracks that defined an era! From dance anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, these Motown classics are sure to ignite your soul.
- 1My Girl
The Temptations · 1965
A warm breeze and sweet memories, this song wraps you in sunshine and love.
- 2I Want You Back
The Jackson 5 · 1969
With every note, it’s a joyful time machine to youthful crushes and carefree days.
- 3I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye · 1968
A heart-wrenching tale that echoes the bittersweet sting of love lost and found.
- 4You Can't Hurry Love
The Supremes · 1966
A playful reminder that love’s timing is as perfect as a classic Motown groove.
- 5Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell · 1967
An anthem of unwavering support, lifting spirits like a wave of pure joy.
- 6ABC
The Jackson 5 · 1970
Childhood innocence and catchy rhythms collide, making you feel young and alive again.
- 7I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Four Tops · 1965
This sweet declaration of love dances through the air, stirring up joyous nostalgia.
- 8Superstition
Stevie Wonder · 1972
With its infectious beat, it pulls you into a funky groove that makes you move.
- 9Dancing in the Street
Martha and the Vandellas · 1964
A rallying cry for joy, it paints vivid images of summer nights and street parties.
- 10What's Going On
Marvin Gaye · 1971
A soulful call for understanding, it resonates with the heart's deepest questions.
Scene Report
Motown Soul
The Sound
The Motown sound is a rich tapestry woven with lush strings, punchy brass, and infectious rhythms. Each track bursts with energy, as smooth vocal harmonies glide over a foundation of funky basslines and crisp percussion, inviting everyone to sing along.
The Look
Picture the vibrant fashion of the era: sharply tailored suits, dazzling dresses, and bold hairstyles. The streets of Detroit buzzed with life, where the glow of neon lights illuminated dance floors packed with fans, all swaying to the irresistible grooves of their favorite artists.
The Artists
The Temptations · Marvin Gaye · The Supremes · Stevie Wonder · The Jackson 5
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Funk Machine · R&B & Soul
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Wilson Pickett vs. Diana Ross
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Diana Ross takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Motown Soul
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Hitsville U.S.A.
The hits that built the house.
📼 Sweet Soul
Slow it down and sway.
📼 Dance Party
Calling out around the world.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1971…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Joy to the World
Three Dog Night
At the movies
- A Clockwork Orange
- Willy Wonka
- Dirty Harry
On TV
- All in the Family
- Columbo
- Soul Train premieres
In the headlines
- Disney World opens
- Intel ships the first microprocessor
- Voting age lowered to 18
From the Zine
THE RITUAL
Revisiting the cherished customs of Motown enthusiasts.
Picture yourself on a Saturday afternoon, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air as you gather with friends in your living room. The record player crackles to life, and the opening notes of “Dancing in the Street” fill the space, igniting an irresistible urge to dance. You’ve got your favorite records lined up, each one a ticket to a world where worries fade and rhythm reigns. The tambourines and hand claps become your heartbeat, echoing the joy of the Motown experience.
As you flip through vinyl, you feel the thrill of anticipation, each cover a portal to memories shared. You practice the latest dance moves to “ABC” and belt out the lyrics to “You Can’t Hurry Love” with your friends, laughter and harmony blending as you create your own little ceremonies around the music. These rituals—listening, dancing, singing—were more than just pastimes; they were moments of connection, binding you to the magic of the era and each other, forever etched in your heart.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1968 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1968 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Hey Jude” by The Beatles sat at #1, and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap racked up 4 charting hits.
The 1968 Top 10
Gone But Not Forgotten
Montgomery Ward
1872–2001
The catalog and the department-store trip.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1872”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“beautiful sound reminds me of the summer oh what a time”
“Don’t forget, Eddie Murphy said it in Delirious. “I have some ice creeeeam. Want a lick? Psych!” To me, that’s the most famous use of the line and makes it relevant for all time.”
“I just said it today and I’m sure most of the people in that chat thread won’t understand it”
“Going to Crazy Mama's with my best friend and roommate Damon Zex was an adventure! Legendary was the after hours parties at the Batcave, Bruce and Charlie Nutt's house. Bruce was a little older than Charlie,band he loves 50s rockabilly. Charlie loved Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Oh the turntable fights they would get into! And who controlled the turntable, controlled the night.”
🕯️ In Memoriam
Artists we lost this week — across the years. Revisit their music, and pay tribute with a memory.
The Back Page
Puttin' on the Ritz
Taco · 1983
The Tracks of My Tears
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles · 1965
Misheard for 30 Years
“Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine”
…is actually “...feel the beat from the tambourine” — ABBA — Dancing Queen.
Classifieds
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
Next week: Basement Show
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 №29
Fin📰 Off the Wire
This week in the world we came from — real headlines, straight to the source.
- Watch This Is Lorelei Play The Singer in My Band Songs on KCRWPitchfork News
- Pearl Jam Still Auditioning Drummers Following Matt Cameron SplitUltimate Classic Rock
- Desert Age Documentary 10th Anniversary Re-Release: See Photos of Kyuss, Black Flag, and MoreConsequence
- Cynthia Erivo to Play Tupac s Mom in Snoop Dogg BiopicConsequence
- Bob Dylan Meets Pope LeoConsequence
- Bob Dylan, Wearing Hoodie, Meets PopePitchfork News
Headlines are curated from public feeds and link to their source — read the full story there. The full Gazette →