The Liner Notes
Issue №1 · April 17, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Pool Days Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Village People
disco · 1978–1979
The Endless-Summer Survival Guide
- The Countdown · Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
- Mixtape Map · Inside Pool Days
- Needle Drop · “Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp
- In Memoriam · Alan Osmond
Issue №1
April 17, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Cannonball into this one — towel on the hot concrete, boombox by the lifeguard chair.
We built the whole issue around Pool Days: Village People headlines, plus the '80s 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.
Don't touch that dial, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Pool Days
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Village People
disco · 1978–1979
Picture a vibrant dance floor pulsing with the disco beat, where the air is thick with glitter and the scent of freedom. Enter Village People, an iconic American disco group that brought flamboyant costumes and playful, suggestive lyrics to the forefront of the music scene. With roots anchored in the vibrant energy of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, the ensemble—Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, Felipé Rose, Victor Willis, David Hodo, and Alex Briley—embodied a celebration of masculinity and gay culture through their unforgettable characters. Belting out classics like "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Macho Man," they carved out a niche that resonated with fans across the spectrum. Their music remains a timeless anthem for inclusivity and joy, inviting everyone to dance like nobody’s watching.
Artist Spotlight
Village People · cont.
“Formed 1977”
The facts
Village People in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Freedom
How summer anthems shaped a generation.
The music of the '80s and '90s became the soundtrack for a generation of kids diving into freedom. This corner of pop and rock was more than catchy hooks; it was a rebellion against the serious tones of the past. Artists like Kool & The Gang and Cyndi Lauper infused joy into everyday life, creating songs that mirrored the carefree spirit of summer. With each anthem, from “Celebration” to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” kids found a voice that echoed their dreams and aspirations, pushing back against a world that often felt too heavy.
Public pools became the epicenters of this musical revolution. The sound of splashing water intertwined with the infectious beats of “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Footloose,” transforming ordinary afternoons into vibrant gatherings. The lifeguard chair served as the DJ booth, spinning these timeless tracks that spoke to the unfiltered joy of youth. In this sun-soaked paradise, music mattered—it was the pulse of summer, an invitation to dance, laugh, and live wildly.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Jack & Diane
John Mellencamp · 1982 · Heartland Rock
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
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
Jack & Diane
John Mellencamp · 1982 · Heartland Rock
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
Get ready for a splashy ride through the greatest poolside anthems! From sun-drenched classics to dance-ready hits, we’ve got ten songs that defined our summer days and kept the good vibes rolling.
- 1
Celebration (Single Version)Kool & The Gang · 1980
Nothing lifts the spirit like a party anthem that screams joy and togetherness.
- 2
Walking On SunshineKatrina and the Waves · 1985
This song transports you to sun-drenched days filled with carefree laughter and vibrant energy.
- 3
FootlooseKenny Loggins · 1984
A call to dance and break free, igniting a rebellious spirit in every listener.
- 4
VacationThe Go-Go's · 1982
An escape anthem that captures the thrill of spontaneous trips and endless summer fun.
- 5
Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham! · 1984
Pure pop perfection that makes you want to jump up and dance like no one's watching.
The Countdown
Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems · 6–10
- 6
Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper · 1983
An anthem of freedom, reminding us that life's too short not to enjoy every moment.
- 7Let's Hear It for the Boy
Deniece Williams · 1984
Celebrating the underdog, this track makes you cheer for the everyday heroes in life.
- 8
Down UnderMen At Work · 1983
A playful journey through exotic landscapes, making you dream of adventure and travel.
- 9
KokomoThe Beach Boys · 1988
A tropical escape that wraps you in warm breezes and sun-soaked paradise vibes.
- 10
Summer of '69Bryan Adams · 1985
Nostalgia drips from every note, reminding us of youthful summers and unforgettable memories.
Scene Report
Pool Days
The Sound
The sound of summer was a kaleidoscope of upbeat synths, catchy hooks, and infectious choruses, all wrapped in a warm, sun-kissed production. It was a mix of pop and rock that made you want to dance, sing, and cannonball into the deep end.
The Look
Bright swimsuits, oversized sunglasses, and colorful flip-flops ruled the scene, while families sprawled out on beach towels, surrounded by inflatable pool toys. Snack bars buzzed with chatter, and lifeguards proudly donned their red swimsuits, keeping watch over the splashing chaos.
The Artists
Kool & The Gang · Cyndi Lauper · Prince · Smash Mouth · Sugar Ray · Village People
Scene Report
Pool Days · The Records
Celebration (Single Version)
Kool & The Gang · 1980
Closing Time
Semisonic · 1998
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Fourth of July Cookout · Summer Camp · Summer of '89
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Don Henley vs. Montell Jordan
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Road-Trip Song | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Montell Jordan takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days · 📼 1/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Pool Opens
Gates up, towels down — the morning soundtrack.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days · 📼 2/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Mid-Morning Family Pool Vibes
Floaties, sunscreen, and easy radio gold.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days · 📼 3/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Diving Board & Water Slide Energy
Cannonball anthems for the deep end.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days · 📼 4/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Pool Party Transition (Early '90s)
When the boombox went all-dance.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days · 📼 5/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Lifeguard Boombox Favorites
What the lifeguard actually had on repeat.
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
Poolside Rituals
Your summer traditions by the water.
Picture this: you, barefoot on hot concrete, the sun warming your skin as the unmistakable sound of a boombox fills the air. It’s your personal soundtrack, featuring everything from “Kokomo” to “Summer of '69,” and each note transports you to a place of pure bliss. The lifeguard’s whistle punctuates the summer haze, but it’s the music that truly makes the moment. You grab a snack bar hot dog, the taste of summer, and head back to the water, your heart racing with excitement.
The rituals are as familiar as the songs themselves. You and your friends gather by the diving board, daring each other to jump higher and splash harder, all while belting out the lyrics to “Jessie’s Girl.” After each leap, laughter fills the air, blending seamlessly with the infectious rhythm of the music. Every afternoon is a celebration, a chance to embrace the freedom of youth, where the only thing that matters is the sun, the water, and the perfect summer soundtrack.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 19Chart Flashback
1991 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1991 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams sat at #1, and Mariah Carey racked up 4 charting hits.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
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!”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“I skateboarded all over Ohio State's campus — I sucked, though. This is what was in my head while I did it. Felt like the whole city was my park for a couple of years there.”
“love this one. Was just enjoying life without responsibilities and riding my bike.”
🕯️ In Memoriam
Artists we lost this week — across the years. Revisit their music, and pay tribute with a memory.
The Back Page
Genius of Love
Tom Tom Club · 1981
Whoomp! There It Is
Tag Team · 1993
Misheard for 30 Years
“'Scuse me while I kiss this guy”
…is actually “'Scuse me while I kiss the sky” — Jimi Hendrix — Purple Haze.
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: Mall Radio
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 №1
FinSpecial Issue · The Pool Days Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Village People
disco · 1978–1979
The Endless-Summer Survival Guide
- The Countdown · Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
- Mixtape Map · Inside Pool Days
- Needle Drop · “Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp
- In Memoriam · Alan Osmond
Issue №1
April 17, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Cannonball into this one — towel on the hot concrete, boombox by the lifeguard chair.
We built the whole issue around Pool Days: Village People headlines, plus the '80s 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.
Don't touch that dial, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Pool Days
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Village People
disco · 1978–1979
Picture a vibrant dance floor pulsing with the disco beat, where the air is thick with glitter and the scent of freedom. Enter Village People, an iconic American disco group that brought flamboyant costumes and playful, suggestive lyrics to the forefront of the music scene. With roots anchored in the vibrant energy of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, the ensemble—Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, Felipé Rose, Victor Willis, David Hodo, and Alex Briley—embodied a celebration of masculinity and gay culture through their unforgettable characters. Belting out classics like "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Macho Man," they carved out a niche that resonated with fans across the spectrum. Their music remains a timeless anthem for inclusivity and joy, inviting everyone to dance like nobody’s watching.
“Formed 1977”
The facts
Village People in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Freedom
How summer anthems shaped a generation.
The music of the '80s and '90s became the soundtrack for a generation of kids diving into freedom. This corner of pop and rock was more than catchy hooks; it was a rebellion against the serious tones of the past. Artists like Kool & The Gang and Cyndi Lauper infused joy into everyday life, creating songs that mirrored the carefree spirit of summer. With each anthem, from “Celebration” to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” kids found a voice that echoed their dreams and aspirations, pushing back against a world that often felt too heavy.
Public pools became the epicenters of this musical revolution. The sound of splashing water intertwined with the infectious beats of “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Footloose,” transforming ordinary afternoons into vibrant gatherings. The lifeguard chair served as the DJ booth, spinning these timeless tracks that spoke to the unfiltered joy of youth. In this sun-soaked paradise, music mattered—it was the pulse of summer, an invitation to dance, laugh, and live wildly.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Jack & Diane
John Mellencamp · 1982 · Heartland Rock
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
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 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
Get ready for a splashy ride through the greatest poolside anthems! From sun-drenched classics to dance-ready hits, we’ve got ten songs that defined our summer days and kept the good vibes rolling.
- 1Celebration (Single Version)
Kool & The Gang · 1980
Nothing lifts the spirit like a party anthem that screams joy and togetherness.
- 2Walking On Sunshine
Katrina and the Waves · 1985
This song transports you to sun-drenched days filled with carefree laughter and vibrant energy.
- 3Footloose
Kenny Loggins · 1984
A call to dance and break free, igniting a rebellious spirit in every listener.
- 4Vacation
The Go-Go's · 1982
An escape anthem that captures the thrill of spontaneous trips and endless summer fun.
- 5Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Wham! · 1984
Pure pop perfection that makes you want to jump up and dance like no one's watching.
- 6Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Cyndi Lauper · 1983
An anthem of freedom, reminding us that life's too short not to enjoy every moment.
- 7Let's Hear It for the Boy
Deniece Williams · 1984
Celebrating the underdog, this track makes you cheer for the everyday heroes in life.
- 8Down Under
Men At Work · 1983
A playful journey through exotic landscapes, making you dream of adventure and travel.
- 9Kokomo
The Beach Boys · 1988
A tropical escape that wraps you in warm breezes and sun-soaked paradise vibes.
- 10Summer of '69
Bryan Adams · 1985
Nostalgia drips from every note, reminding us of youthful summers and unforgettable memories.
Scene Report
Pool Days
The Sound
The sound of summer was a kaleidoscope of upbeat synths, catchy hooks, and infectious choruses, all wrapped in a warm, sun-kissed production. It was a mix of pop and rock that made you want to dance, sing, and cannonball into the deep end.
The Look
Bright swimsuits, oversized sunglasses, and colorful flip-flops ruled the scene, while families sprawled out on beach towels, surrounded by inflatable pool toys. Snack bars buzzed with chatter, and lifeguards proudly donned their red swimsuits, keeping watch over the splashing chaos.
The Artists
Kool & The Gang · Cyndi Lauper · Prince · Smash Mouth · Sugar Ray · Village People
Celebration (Single Version)
Kool & The Gang · 1980
Closing Time
Semisonic · 1998
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Fourth of July Cookout · Summer Camp · Summer of '89
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Don Henley vs. Montell Jordan
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Road-Trip Song | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Montell Jordan takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Pool Days
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Pool Opens
Gates up, towels down — the morning soundtrack.
📼 Mid-Morning Family Pool Vibes
Floaties, sunscreen, and easy radio gold.
📼 Diving Board & Water Slide Energy
Cannonball anthems for the deep end.
📼 Pool Party Transition (Early '90s)
When the boombox went all-dance.
📼 Lifeguard Boombox Favorites
What the lifeguard actually had on repeat.
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
Poolside Rituals
Your summer traditions by the water.
Picture this: you, barefoot on hot concrete, the sun warming your skin as the unmistakable sound of a boombox fills the air. It’s your personal soundtrack, featuring everything from “Kokomo” to “Summer of '69,” and each note transports you to a place of pure bliss. The lifeguard’s whistle punctuates the summer haze, but it’s the music that truly makes the moment. You grab a snack bar hot dog, the taste of summer, and head back to the water, your heart racing with excitement.
The rituals are as familiar as the songs themselves. You and your friends gather by the diving board, daring each other to jump higher and splash harder, all while belting out the lyrics to “Jessie’s Girl.” After each leap, laughter fills the air, blending seamlessly with the infectious rhythm of the music. Every afternoon is a celebration, a chance to embrace the freedom of youth, where the only thing that matters is the sun, the water, and the perfect summer soundtrack.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1991 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1991 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams sat at #1, and Mariah Carey racked up 4 charting hits.
The 1991 Top 10
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
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!”
“I skateboarded all over Ohio State's campus — I sucked, though. This is what was in my head while I did it. Felt like the whole city was my park for a couple of years there.”
“love this one. Was just enjoying life without responsibilities and riding my bike.”
🕯️ In Memoriam
Artists we lost this week — across the years. Revisit their music, and pay tribute with a memory.
The Back Page
Genius of Love
Tom Tom Club · 1981
Whoomp! There It Is
Tag Team · 1993
Misheard for 30 Years
“'Scuse me while I kiss this guy”
…is actually “'Scuse me while I kiss the sky” — Jimi Hendrix — Purple Haze.
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: Mall Radio
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 №1
Fin