The Liner Notes
Issue №10 · June 19, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Crooners & Standards Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Neil Sedaka
pop music · 1960–1975
Smoke, Brass & Midnight
- The Countdown · Top 10 After-Hours Cellar Cuts
- Mixtape Map · Inside Crooners & Standards
- Needle Drop · “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin
- In Memoriam · Bobby Sherman
Issue №10
June 19, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Down a flight of stairs, after hours — let the players stretch out.
Consider this your Crooners & Standards field guide — Neil Sedaka 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: Crooners & Standards
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Neil Sedaka
pop music · 1960–1975
Picture a sun-drenched summer afternoon, a distant jukebox crooning “Calendar Girl” as you sip a cold drink, and suddenly, you’re transported to the world of Neil Sedaka. This American singer, songwriter, and pianist crafted the soundtrack of countless lives with his catchy pop tunes and soft rock ballads. A maestro of melody, Sedaka penned over 500 songs, teaming up with the likes of Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody to create timeless hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter In the Rain.” His smooth voice and irresistible charm made him a staple in the music scene, bridging genres from doo-wop to rock and roll. With tracks like “Bad Blood” and the iconic “Stairway to Heaven,” Sedaka left an indelible mark on pop culture, reminding us all to cherish the moments that make life worth singing about.
Artist Spotlight
Neil Sedaka · cont.
“United States”
The facts
Neil Sedaka in the crate
From the Zine
The Velvet Revolution
Crooners ruled the airwaves, redefining romance.
In a world teetering on the brink of rock 'n' roll revolution, crooners emerged like smooth silk ties against the denim of youth culture. Artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole offered a delightful counterpoint to the raucous energy of early rock, serenading listeners with a blend of sophistication and heartfelt emotion. Amid the social upheavals and changing mores of the era, these velvet voices provided a sense of comfort, making the intimate moments of life feel monumental. Songs like “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles and “Hello, Dolly!” by Louis Armstrong wrapped listeners in warm nostalgia, pushing against the chaos of the times.
These crooners and their standards were more than just tunes; they were a soundtrack for slow dances in dimly lit living rooms and late-night drives under starry skies. The Great American Songbook became a treasure chest of love and longing, where each note whispered promises of romance. As the world outside grew louder, crooners gave people a moment to pause, to sway, and to feel deeply, affirming that even in tumultuous times, love still reigned supreme.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Everybody Loves Somebody
Dean Martin · 1964 · Vocal
On a boombox at the bus stop.
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
Everybody Loves Somebody
Dean Martin · 1964 · Vocal
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 After-Hours Cellar Cuts
Get ready to lose yourself in the silky sounds of yesteryear. Our Top-10 countdown will take you on a romantic journey through the ballads that defined an era. Let the nostalgia wash over you!
- 1
Theme from "A Summer Place"Percy Faith · 1960
This lush melody whisks me away to sun-soaked summer days by the shore.
- 2
Stranger On the ShoreAcker Bilk · 1961
A gentle saxophone serenade that paints picture-perfect evenings by the water's edge.
- 3
I Can't Stop Loving YouRay Charles · 2006
A soulful embrace, pulling you back to love's sweetest ache and longing.
- 4
MichaelThe Highwaymen · 1960
A tender whisper of youthful adventures and the bittersweet nostalgia of lost friends.
- 5Hello, Dolly!
Louis Armstrong · 1964
A joyful invitation that echoes laughter and warmth in every corner of a bustling room.
The Countdown
Top 10 After-Hours Cellar Cuts · 6–10
- 6
The StripperDavid Rose · 2010
An iconic tease that spins you back to the glitzy charm of smoky jazz clubs.
- 7
The Candy ManSammy Davis, Jr. · 1972
A sugary serenade that transforms any day into a whimsical adventure of joy.
- 8
Hey PaulaPaul & Paula · 1963
A duet of young love, echoing sweet promises and the thrill of first crushes.
- 9Everybody Loves Somebody
Dean Martin · 1964
A timeless charm that wraps around you like a cozy evening with good friends.
- 10
Somethin' StupidFrank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra · 1967
A duet of endearing vulnerability, capturing the essence of love's delightful absurdities.
Scene Report
Crooners & Standards
The Sound
The scene is a warm embrace of smooth jazz, with rich orchestration featuring strings and brass that create a lush soundscape. Voices glide effortlessly over soft piano melodies, crafting an atmosphere perfect for intimate gatherings and candlelit evenings.
The Look
Imagine elegant supper clubs adorned with plush red velvet, where couples dressed in their finest attire swayed under dim chandeliers. The air is thick with the scent of fine cigars and cocktails, as waiters glide through the room, serving drinks that sparkle like the stars above.
The Artists
Frank Sinatra · Nat King Cole · Dean Martin · Andy Williams · Connie Francis
Scene Report
Crooners & Standards · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Jazz Cellar
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Lettermen vs. Bobby Darin
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Bobby Darin takes the round.
Both legends. Only one trophy.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Crooners & Standards · 📼 1/2
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Supper Club
Strings, brass, and a velvet baritone.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Crooners & Standards · 📼 2/2
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Last Dance of the Night
Cheek to cheek, lights low.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1969…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Sugar, Sugar
The Archies
At the movies
- Easy Rider
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Midnight Cowboy
On TV
- The Brady Bunch
- Scooby-Doo
- Sesame Street premieres
In the headlines
- Apollo 11 — Moon landing
- Woodstock
- ARPANET (the early internet) goes live
From the Zine
Rituals of Romance
Dim lights, smooth tunes, and cherished moments.
You dim the lights, pour a drink, and let the warm glow of the record player fill the room. The needle drops, and suddenly, the smooth strains of “Theme from 'A Summer Place'” by Percy Faith weave through the air, enveloping you in a cocoon of nostalgia. This is your ritual, a cherished escape into the world of crooners and their heartfelt standards, where every note feels like a gentle embrace. You can almost feel the influence of Dean Martin's easy charm or the elegance of Connie Francis as you sway to the music, lost in the moment.
As you gather with friends or curl up solo, the plush sounds of this era create a backdrop for laughter, tears, and long conversations. The world outside fades, and it’s just you and the music. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a cozy night in, each song is a reminder of love’s complexities, from the sweetness of “Hey Paula” to the bittersweet tones of “Somethin' Stupid.” This is more than a playlist; it’s a celebration of connection, an invitation to pause life’s rush and savor every note, every memory, and every shared moment.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 16Chart Flashback
1970 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1970 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel sat at #1, and Creedence Clearwater Revival racked up 3 charting hits.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Summer days at the pool!”
“You weren't a drummer until you could play this!”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“My first tape. Remember the original cover? My parents "loved" that 😬”
“one of my faves! takes me way back and I saw them in concert when they were all alive. RIP Dimebag and Vinnie!”
The Back Page
Seasons in the Sun
Terry Jacks · 1974
Calendar Girl
Neil Sedaka · 1961
Misheard for 30 Years
“Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine”
…is actually “...feel the beat from the tambourine” — ABBA — Dancing Queen.
Classifieds
- WANTED: The other half of my BEST/FRIENDS necklace. It's been long enough.
- WANTED: Missing mixtape labeled 'SUMMER '89.' Sentimental value. No questions asked.
- FOR SALE: Phone with a cord long enough to reach the hallway. Privacy not included.
Next week: Summer Camp
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 №10
FinSpecial Issue · The Crooners & Standards Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Neil Sedaka
pop music · 1960–1975
Smoke, Brass & Midnight
- The Countdown · Top 10 After-Hours Cellar Cuts
- Mixtape Map · Inside Crooners & Standards
- Needle Drop · “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin
- In Memoriam · Bobby Sherman
Issue №10
June 19, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Down a flight of stairs, after hours — let the players stretch out.
Consider this your Crooners & Standards field guide — Neil Sedaka 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: Crooners & Standards
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Neil Sedaka
pop music · 1960–1975
Picture a sun-drenched summer afternoon, a distant jukebox crooning “Calendar Girl” as you sip a cold drink, and suddenly, you’re transported to the world of Neil Sedaka. This American singer, songwriter, and pianist crafted the soundtrack of countless lives with his catchy pop tunes and soft rock ballads. A maestro of melody, Sedaka penned over 500 songs, teaming up with the likes of Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody to create timeless hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter In the Rain.” His smooth voice and irresistible charm made him a staple in the music scene, bridging genres from doo-wop to rock and roll. With tracks like “Bad Blood” and the iconic “Stairway to Heaven,” Sedaka left an indelible mark on pop culture, reminding us all to cherish the moments that make life worth singing about.
“United States”
The facts
Neil Sedaka in the crate
From the Zine
The Velvet Revolution
Crooners ruled the airwaves, redefining romance.
In a world teetering on the brink of rock 'n' roll revolution, crooners emerged like smooth silk ties against the denim of youth culture. Artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole offered a delightful counterpoint to the raucous energy of early rock, serenading listeners with a blend of sophistication and heartfelt emotion. Amid the social upheavals and changing mores of the era, these velvet voices provided a sense of comfort, making the intimate moments of life feel monumental. Songs like “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles and “Hello, Dolly!” by Louis Armstrong wrapped listeners in warm nostalgia, pushing against the chaos of the times.
These crooners and their standards were more than just tunes; they were a soundtrack for slow dances in dimly lit living rooms and late-night drives under starry skies. The Great American Songbook became a treasure chest of love and longing, where each note whispered promises of romance. As the world outside grew louder, crooners gave people a moment to pause, to sway, and to feel deeply, affirming that even in tumultuous times, love still reigned supreme.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Everybody Loves Somebody
Dean Martin · 1964 · Vocal
On a boombox at the bus stop.
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 After-Hours Cellar Cuts
Get ready to lose yourself in the silky sounds of yesteryear. Our Top-10 countdown will take you on a romantic journey through the ballads that defined an era. Let the nostalgia wash over you!
- 1Theme from "A Summer Place"
Percy Faith · 1960
This lush melody whisks me away to sun-soaked summer days by the shore.
- 2Stranger On the Shore
Acker Bilk · 1961
A gentle saxophone serenade that paints picture-perfect evenings by the water's edge.
- 3I Can't Stop Loving You
Ray Charles · 2006
A soulful embrace, pulling you back to love's sweetest ache and longing.
- 4Michael
The Highwaymen · 1960
A tender whisper of youthful adventures and the bittersweet nostalgia of lost friends.
- 5Hello, Dolly!
Louis Armstrong · 1964
A joyful invitation that echoes laughter and warmth in every corner of a bustling room.
- 6The Stripper
David Rose · 2010
An iconic tease that spins you back to the glitzy charm of smoky jazz clubs.
- 7The Candy Man
Sammy Davis, Jr. · 1972
A sugary serenade that transforms any day into a whimsical adventure of joy.
- 8Hey Paula
Paul & Paula · 1963
A duet of young love, echoing sweet promises and the thrill of first crushes.
- 9Everybody Loves Somebody
Dean Martin · 1964
A timeless charm that wraps around you like a cozy evening with good friends.
- 10Somethin' Stupid
Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra · 1967
A duet of endearing vulnerability, capturing the essence of love's delightful absurdities.
Scene Report
Crooners & Standards
The Sound
The scene is a warm embrace of smooth jazz, with rich orchestration featuring strings and brass that create a lush soundscape. Voices glide effortlessly over soft piano melodies, crafting an atmosphere perfect for intimate gatherings and candlelit evenings.
The Look
Imagine elegant supper clubs adorned with plush red velvet, where couples dressed in their finest attire swayed under dim chandeliers. The air is thick with the scent of fine cigars and cocktails, as waiters glide through the room, serving drinks that sparkle like the stars above.
The Artists
Frank Sinatra · Nat King Cole · Dean Martin · Andy Williams · Connie Francis
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Jazz Cellar
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Lettermen vs. Bobby Darin
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
Bobby Darin takes the round.
Both legends. Only one trophy.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Crooners & Standards
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Supper Club
Strings, brass, and a velvet baritone.
📼 Last Dance of the Night
Cheek to cheek, lights low.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1969…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Sugar, Sugar
The Archies
At the movies
- Easy Rider
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Midnight Cowboy
On TV
- The Brady Bunch
- Scooby-Doo
- Sesame Street premieres
In the headlines
- Apollo 11 — Moon landing
- Woodstock
- ARPANET (the early internet) goes live
From the Zine
Rituals of Romance
Dim lights, smooth tunes, and cherished moments.
You dim the lights, pour a drink, and let the warm glow of the record player fill the room. The needle drops, and suddenly, the smooth strains of “Theme from 'A Summer Place'” by Percy Faith weave through the air, enveloping you in a cocoon of nostalgia. This is your ritual, a cherished escape into the world of crooners and their heartfelt standards, where every note feels like a gentle embrace. You can almost feel the influence of Dean Martin's easy charm or the elegance of Connie Francis as you sway to the music, lost in the moment.
As you gather with friends or curl up solo, the plush sounds of this era create a backdrop for laughter, tears, and long conversations. The world outside fades, and it’s just you and the music. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a cozy night in, each song is a reminder of love’s complexities, from the sweetness of “Hey Paula” to the bittersweet tones of “Somethin' Stupid.” This is more than a playlist; it’s a celebration of connection, an invitation to pause life’s rush and savor every note, every memory, and every shared moment.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1970 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1970 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel sat at #1, and Creedence Clearwater Revival racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1970 Top 10
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Summer days at the pool!”
“You weren't a drummer until you could play this!”
“My first tape. Remember the original cover? My parents "loved" that 😬”
“one of my faves! takes me way back and I saw them in concert when they were all alive. RIP Dimebag and Vinnie!”
The Back Page
Seasons in the Sun
Terry Jacks · 1974
Calendar Girl
Neil Sedaka · 1961
Misheard for 30 Years
“Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine”
…is actually “...feel the beat from the tambourine” — ABBA — Dancing Queen.
Classifieds
- WANTED: The other half of my BEST/FRIENDS necklace. It's been long enough.
- WANTED: Missing mixtape labeled 'SUMMER '89.' Sentimental value. No questions asked.
- FOR SALE: Phone with a cord long enough to reach the hallway. Privacy not included.
Next week: Summer Camp
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 №10
Fin