The Liner Notes
Issue №18 · August 14, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Left of the Dial Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
The Smiths
post-punk · 1983–1986
Synths, Eyeliner & Last Call
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside Left of the Dial
- Needle Drop · “Left of the Dial” by The Replacements
- In Memoriam · Luther Kent
Issue №18
August 14, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Lights low, synths high — slip into the after-dark set.
Consider this your Left of the Dial field guide — The Smiths 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.
Don't touch that dial, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Left of the Dial
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
The Smiths
post-punk · 1983–1986
Imagine the gentle jangle of guitars combined with Morrissey's distinctive voice, wrapping listeners in a bittersweet embrace. Hailing from the UK, The Smiths emerged as a defining force in the post-punk and indie rock scenes. With Morrissey and Johnny Marr at the helm, their songwriting captured the essence of youthful angst and romantic longing. Tracks like "How Soon Is Now?" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Their catalog, including gems such as "This Charming Man" and "The Queen Is Dead," showcases a blend of new wave charm and lyrical depth. With a legacy that lingers like a favorite mixtape, The Smiths remind us that sometimes, it's the melancholy that makes life beautifully unforgettable.
Artist Spotlight
The Smiths · cont.
“Formed 1984”
The facts
The Smiths in the crate
From the Zine
The Sound of Rebellion
How a movement flourished in the margins.
In a world dominated by shiny pop stars and synthesizers, a gritty undercurrent emerged, a sonic rebellion that thrived just left of the dial. Bands like R.E.M., The Replacements, and Hüsker Dü carved out a space for the disenchanted youth, those who found solace in jangly guitars and raw, unfiltered emotion. This wasn’t music for the masses; it was the soundtrack for the misfits and dreamers, the kids who searched the airwaves for something real, something that resonated in the depths of their restless hearts.
Spinning the dial past the static, you’d stumble upon gems like “Radio Free Europe” and “Bastards of Young,” each track a rallying cry against the mainstream’s glossy facade. This music pushed back, challenging societal norms and expressing the angst of a generation. It mattered because it felt authentic, capturing the complexities of youth—alienation, hope, and the search for identity. This was more than just sound; it was a lifeline, a way to connect with others who felt like they were on the fringes, riding the waves of noise into the night.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Left of the Dial
The Replacements · 1985 · Rock
At a roller rink, during the couples skate.
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
Left of the Dial
The Replacements · 1985 · Rock
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
Get ready to dive into the underground sounds that defined a generation. From jangle-pop to noise, these are the tracks that shaped our late-night reveries and fueled our youthful rebellion.
- 1
Radio Free EuropeR.E.M. · 1981
A rush of freedom, like discovering a hidden radio station in your small town.
- 2
So. Central RainR.E.M. · 1984
A bittersweet confession, echoing the loneliness of a rainy afternoon in your bedroom.
- 3
Driver 8R.E.M. · 1985
Riding the train of life, where every stop feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.
- 4
Fall on MeR.E.M. · 1986
An invitation to lean on a friend, wrapped in the warmth of shared vulnerability.
- 5Left of the Dial
The Replacements · 1985
A rebellious anthem, capturing the thrill of sneaking out to see your favorite band.
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials · 6–10
- 6Bastards of Young
The Replacements · 1985
A defiant shout against conformity, perfect for teenage angst and late-night drives.
- 7I Will Dare
The Replacements · 1984
The thrill of yearning and risk, like a first crush that makes your heart race.
- 8
Alex ChiltonThe Replacements · 1987
A nostalgic tribute, channeling the spirit of youth and rock 'n' roll dreams.
- 9Can't Hardly Wait
The Replacements · 1985
A raw, electric vibe that captures the anticipation of youth and late-night escapades.
- 10
Blister In The SunViolent Femmes · 1983
The ultimate burst of energy, igniting memories of carefree summer days and wild nights.
Scene Report
Left of the Dial
The Sound
This scene crackled with the energy of jangly guitars, layered harmonies, and the lo-fi charm of tape hiss. It was a blend of punk rock urgency and melodic introspection, with every track a hypnotic reverie echoing from the depths of the radio.
The Look
Picture faded denim jackets, thrift-store band tees, and an abundance of flannel. The venues were intimate, adorned with hand-painted posters, while the glow of neon signs flickered against the night sky, hinting at the magic that lay within.
The Artists
R.E.M. · The Replacements · Hüsker Dü · Echo & the Bunnymen · Violent Femmes
Scene Report
Left of the Dial · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Mean Mr. Mustard's · New Wave Nights · After Dark
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Hüsker Dü vs. R.E.M.
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
R.E.M. takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Left of the Dial · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Jangle and Chime
Rickenbackers, reverb, and that 12-string shimmer.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Left of the Dial · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 After Midnight Rotation
The deep cuts the day-shift DJ never dared.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Left of the Dial · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 120 Minutes
Sunday night, the TV down low, the future arriving.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1986…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
That's What Friends Are For
Dionne Warwick
At the movies
- Top Gun
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Aliens
On TV
- ALF
- Pee-wee's Playhouse
- L.A. Law
In the headlines
- Challenger disaster
- Chernobyl
- The Oprah Winfrey Show goes national
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
The sacred ceremonies of a scene.
You remember those late-night rituals, don’t you? The way you’d huddle around the radio, fingers poised over the dial, ready to escape the mundane. As the clock approached 1 a.m., anticipation filled the air. The static crackled with potential, and the moment you landed on that college station, it felt like discovering buried treasure. The first notes of “I Will Dare” or the frenetic energy of “Blister In The Sun” would wash over you, electrifying your senses and transporting you to another world.
The gear was simple but sacred—a battered cassette deck, maybe a Walkman you saved up for. You’d record those late-night broadcasts, the hiss and all, knowing you were capturing something ephemeral. Friends gathered in dimly lit rooms, sharing mixtapes and dissecting lyrics like they were sacred texts. Each song became a badge of honor, a way to connect, to belong. This was more than music; it was a way of life, a community stitched together by the love of noise and the thrill of finding something that felt just right.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart Flashback
1987 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1987 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles sat at #1, and Madonna racked up 4 charting hits.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Fillmore East
1968–1971
Bill Graham's temple of the double bill.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Mean Mr. Mustard's — we were there basically every night. The second this came on, the place came alive. Sticky floors, buckets of beer on the bench, and not one thought about the 8am the next morning.”
“There was a corner at Insomnia I always ended up in, coffee going cold, something hushed like this playing. The opposite of Mustard's, and exactly what I needed some nights.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“almost a month since i buried you mum, i always promised you would go out to this. i hope u boogied ur way back home, where ur 17 and nothing bad has happened yet.”
“absolute banger”
The Back Page
99 Luftballons
Nena · 1984
Can't Hardly Wait
The Replacements · 1985
Misheard for 30 Years
“Wrapped up like a douche”
…is actually “Revved up like a deuce” — Manfred Mann — Blinded by the Light.
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: '60s Hits
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 №18
FinSpecial Issue · The Left of the Dial Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
The Smiths
post-punk · 1983–1986
Synths, Eyeliner & Last Call
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside Left of the Dial
- Needle Drop · “Left of the Dial” by The Replacements
- In Memoriam · Luther Kent
Issue №18
August 14, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Lights low, synths high — slip into the after-dark set.
Consider this your Left of the Dial field guide — The Smiths 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.
Don't touch that dial, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Left of the Dial
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
The Smiths
post-punk · 1983–1986
Imagine the gentle jangle of guitars combined with Morrissey's distinctive voice, wrapping listeners in a bittersweet embrace. Hailing from the UK, The Smiths emerged as a defining force in the post-punk and indie rock scenes. With Morrissey and Johnny Marr at the helm, their songwriting captured the essence of youthful angst and romantic longing. Tracks like "How Soon Is Now?" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Their catalog, including gems such as "This Charming Man" and "The Queen Is Dead," showcases a blend of new wave charm and lyrical depth. With a legacy that lingers like a favorite mixtape, The Smiths remind us that sometimes, it's the melancholy that makes life beautifully unforgettable.
“Formed 1984”
The facts
The Smiths in the crate
From the Zine
The Sound of Rebellion
How a movement flourished in the margins.
In a world dominated by shiny pop stars and synthesizers, a gritty undercurrent emerged, a sonic rebellion that thrived just left of the dial. Bands like R.E.M., The Replacements, and Hüsker Dü carved out a space for the disenchanted youth, those who found solace in jangly guitars and raw, unfiltered emotion. This wasn’t music for the masses; it was the soundtrack for the misfits and dreamers, the kids who searched the airwaves for something real, something that resonated in the depths of their restless hearts.
Spinning the dial past the static, you’d stumble upon gems like “Radio Free Europe” and “Bastards of Young,” each track a rallying cry against the mainstream’s glossy facade. This music pushed back, challenging societal norms and expressing the angst of a generation. It mattered because it felt authentic, capturing the complexities of youth—alienation, hope, and the search for identity. This was more than just sound; it was a lifeline, a way to connect with others who felt like they were on the fringes, riding the waves of noise into the night.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Left of the Dial
The Replacements · 1985 · Rock
At a roller rink, during the couples skate.
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 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
Get ready to dive into the underground sounds that defined a generation. From jangle-pop to noise, these are the tracks that shaped our late-night reveries and fueled our youthful rebellion.
- 1Radio Free Europe
R.E.M. · 1981
A rush of freedom, like discovering a hidden radio station in your small town.
- 2So. Central Rain
R.E.M. · 1984
A bittersweet confession, echoing the loneliness of a rainy afternoon in your bedroom.
- 3Driver 8
R.E.M. · 1985
Riding the train of life, where every stop feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.
- 4Fall on Me
R.E.M. · 1986
An invitation to lean on a friend, wrapped in the warmth of shared vulnerability.
- 5Left of the Dial
The Replacements · 1985
A rebellious anthem, capturing the thrill of sneaking out to see your favorite band.
- 6Bastards of Young
The Replacements · 1985
A defiant shout against conformity, perfect for teenage angst and late-night drives.
- 7I Will Dare
The Replacements · 1984
The thrill of yearning and risk, like a first crush that makes your heart race.
- 8Alex Chilton
The Replacements · 1987
A nostalgic tribute, channeling the spirit of youth and rock 'n' roll dreams.
- 9Can't Hardly Wait
The Replacements · 1985
A raw, electric vibe that captures the anticipation of youth and late-night escapades.
- 10Blister In The Sun
Violent Femmes · 1983
The ultimate burst of energy, igniting memories of carefree summer days and wild nights.
Scene Report
Left of the Dial
The Sound
This scene crackled with the energy of jangly guitars, layered harmonies, and the lo-fi charm of tape hiss. It was a blend of punk rock urgency and melodic introspection, with every track a hypnotic reverie echoing from the depths of the radio.
The Look
Picture faded denim jackets, thrift-store band tees, and an abundance of flannel. The venues were intimate, adorned with hand-painted posters, while the glow of neon signs flickered against the night sky, hinting at the magic that lay within.
The Artists
R.E.M. · The Replacements · Hüsker Dü · Echo & the Bunnymen · Violent Femmes
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Mean Mr. Mustard's · New Wave Nights · After Dark
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Hüsker Dü vs. R.E.M.
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| 👑 #1 Singles | ▶ |
Final Verdict
R.E.M. takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Left of the Dial
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Jangle and Chime
Rickenbackers, reverb, and that 12-string shimmer.
📼 After Midnight Rotation
The deep cuts the day-shift DJ never dared.
📼 120 Minutes
Sunday night, the TV down low, the future arriving.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1986…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
That's What Friends Are For
Dionne Warwick
At the movies
- Top Gun
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Aliens
On TV
- ALF
- Pee-wee's Playhouse
- L.A. Law
In the headlines
- Challenger disaster
- Chernobyl
- The Oprah Winfrey Show goes national
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
The sacred ceremonies of a scene.
You remember those late-night rituals, don’t you? The way you’d huddle around the radio, fingers poised over the dial, ready to escape the mundane. As the clock approached 1 a.m., anticipation filled the air. The static crackled with potential, and the moment you landed on that college station, it felt like discovering buried treasure. The first notes of “I Will Dare” or the frenetic energy of “Blister In The Sun” would wash over you, electrifying your senses and transporting you to another world.
The gear was simple but sacred—a battered cassette deck, maybe a Walkman you saved up for. You’d record those late-night broadcasts, the hiss and all, knowing you were capturing something ephemeral. Friends gathered in dimly lit rooms, sharing mixtapes and dissecting lyrics like they were sacred texts. Each song became a badge of honor, a way to connect, to belong. This was more than music; it was a way of life, a community stitched together by the love of noise and the thrill of finding something that felt just right.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1987 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1987 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles sat at #1, and Madonna racked up 4 charting hits.
The 1987 Top 10
Gone But Not Forgotten
Fillmore East
1968–1971
Bill Graham's temple of the double bill.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1968”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Mean Mr. Mustard's — we were there basically every night. The second this came on, the place came alive. Sticky floors, buckets of beer on the bench, and not one thought about the 8am the next morning.”
“There was a corner at Insomnia I always ended up in, coffee going cold, something hushed like this playing. The opposite of Mustard's, and exactly what I needed some nights.”
“almost a month since i buried you mum, i always promised you would go out to this. i hope u boogied ur way back home, where ur 17 and nothing bad has happened yet.”
“absolute banger”
The Back Page
99 Luftballons
Nena · 1984
Can't Hardly Wait
The Replacements · 1985
Misheard for 30 Years
“Wrapped up like a douche”
…is actually “Revved up like a deuce” — Manfred Mann — Blinded by the Light.
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: '60s Hits
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 №18
Fin