The Liner Notes
Issue №20 · August 28, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Prog Rock Odyssey Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Yes
progressive rock · 1971–1983
Side One, Track One: A Prog Odyssey
- The Countdown · Top 10 Side-One-Is-One-Song Epics
- Mixtape Map · Inside Prog Rock Odyssey
- Needle Drop · “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
- In Memoriam · James Darren
Issue №20
August 28, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
This issue is headphones, a gatefold sleeve, and side one that's all one song.
Everything in here orbits Prog Rock Odyssey. Yes gets the spotlight, and 1996 by the Numbers is the page you'll text a friend about.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Keep it rewound, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Prog Rock Odyssey
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Yes
progressive rock · 1971–1983
Imagine soaring through a cosmic soundscape where melodies twist and turn like a winding river. Yes, the British progressive rock icons, have been captivating audiences with their symphonic flair since 1968. With legendary members like Jon Anderson and Chris Squire anchoring the lineup, their music is a rich tapestry woven with intricate guitar riffs and lush keyboard arrangements. From the timeless grooves of “Roundabout” to the reflective beauty of “Heart of the Sunrise,” their catalog is a journey through sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of emotion and imagination. As pioneers of their genre, Yes continues to push boundaries, infusing each note with a sense of wonder, leaving echoes of their artistry that linger long after the final chord fades away.
Artist Spotlight
Yes · cont.
“Formed 1968”
The facts
Yes in the crate
From the Zine
The Rise of Prog Rock
Defying norms, creating a legacy.
In the late '60s, as flower power began to wilt and the world braced for chaos, a new sound emerged from the shadows: progressive rock. This genre rebelled against the simplicity of pop and the rawness of early rock, opting instead for sprawling compositions and complex time signatures. Artists like King Crimson and Yes took the stage, crafting elaborate suites that felt less like songs and more like epic journeys. Each note was a brushstroke on the canvas of sound, pushing boundaries and inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the experience.
Prog rock mattered to a generation searching for something deeper. It wasn’t just music; it was a movement that encouraged exploration and introspection. The intricate arrangements of tracks like “21st Century Schizoid Man (Including 'Mirrors')” or “Roundabout” beckoned listeners to engage, to listen closely, and to appreciate the artistry involved. In a world increasingly defined by the quick and catchy, prog rock stood tall, a glorious monument to musicianship and creativity, creating a safe haven for those who craved something more than the fleeting hits of mainstream radio.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1973 · Rock
At a school dance, when someone finally got brave.
slow-dancing badly in a gymnasium.
Some part of you never left the year it came out.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
The Countdown
Top 10 Side-One-Is-One-Song Epics
Buckle up for a wild ride through the top ten prog anthems that define an era. These tracks push boundaries and ignite imaginations, so prepare to lose yourself in their epic narratives.
- 1
Tom SawyerRush · 1981
With its soaring riffs, this anthem takes you on a wild ride through youthful rebellion.
- 2
LimelightRush · 1981
A shimmering tribute to the stage, illuminating the bittersweet pull of fame and individuality.
- 3YYZ
Rush · 1981
A mind-bending instrumental journey that feels like racing through a neon-lit cityscape.
- 4The Spirit of Radio
Rush · 1980
Pure euphoria as it captures the magic of music connecting hearts across the airwaves.
- 5
RoundaboutYes · 1971
An epic odyssey that spins you through life’s twists, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.
The Countdown
Top 10 Side-One-Is-One-Song Epics · 6–10
- 6
Owner of a Lonely HeartYes · 1983
This upbeat gem captures the bittersweet dance of love and solitude, echoing through the ages.
- 721st Century Schizoid Man
King Crimson · 1969
A chaotic whirlwind of sound, reflecting the tumult of modern life with raw, visceral energy.
- 8In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson · 1969
A majestic journey into the surreal, where dreams and reality collide in vivid technicolor.
- 9
Lucky ManEmerson, Lake & Palmer · 1970
A haunting ballad that evokes nostalgia, reminding us of our fragile hopes and dreams.
- 10Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1973
A progressive rock marvel that transports you to an exhilarating realm of sonic possibilities.
Scene Report
Prog Rock Odyssey
The Sound
Expect soaring guitars, intricate time signatures, and lush keyboards that envelop you like a warm embrace. The production is rich, layered, and often drenched in reverb, creating an immersive experience that demands your full attention.
The Look
Picture flowing hair, bell-bottoms, and psychedelic patterns, with concert halls alive with colorful lights and trippy visuals. Vinyl covers featuring surreal art invite you into a world where the only constant is creativity, and every show feels like a cosmic pilgrimage.
The Artists
Rush · King Crimson · Tool · Primus · Yes · Dream Theater
Cassette Clash
Genesis vs. Supertramp
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Genesis takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Prog Rock Odyssey · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Side One Epics
Pour a drink — these don't fade out at 3:30.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Prog Rock Odyssey · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Prog Rock Odyssey · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The New Prog
Tool, Primus, and prog's 90s mutation.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1992…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
End of the Road
Boyz II Men
At the movies
- Aladdin
- A Few Good Men
- Wayne's World
On TV
- The Real World debuts
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Melrose Place
In the headlines
- The first text message is sent
- Barcelona Olympics
- Mall of America opens
From the Zine
Rituals of the Prog Scene
Dive into the magic of discovery.
You remember the thrill of unwrapping that vinyl, the smell of fresh ink mingling with the anticipation of what lay inside. As you flipped through the gatefold, a treasure trove of artwork and liner notes unfolded. This was your sacred space, where albums like “The Court of the Crimson King (Including 'The Return of the Fire Witch' and 'The Dance of the Puppets')” transformed your living room into a concert hall, and every spin was a journey into the unknown. You’d settle in with headphones, ready to lose yourself in the music. The rituals extended beyond the music itself. Gathering with friends to share the latest find, dissecting the intricacies of “YYZ” or debating the meaning behind “Karn Evil 9 1st Impression, Pt. 2,” was a rite of passage. The gear was part of the allure too: the swirling sounds of a Moog synthesizer or the propulsive beat of a double bass drum connected you to the musicians’ world. Each listen was a shared communion, a chance to escape into the soundscapes that defined an era.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart Flashback
1996 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1996 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los del Río sat at #1, and Mariah Carey racked up 3 charting hits.
Gone But Not Forgotten
TurboGrafx-16
1989–1994
The 16-bit underdog with the credit-card games.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“You weren't a drummer until you could play this!”
“Every kid in our drumline worshipped Neil Peart, and this was the gold standard — we'd argue over who could come closest to those fills. Friday night, full uniform, freezing in the stands, trying to play like him. Nobody could, and we loved it anyway.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“My high school band covered this. We were not bad, and maybe not great. But standing in a basement trying to nail that intro, feeling like we were actually onto something — I'd give a lot for one more rehearsal.”
“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.”
The Back Page
Turning Japanese
The Vapors · 1980
Living in the Past
Jethro Tull · 1969
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hold me closer, Tony Danza”
…is actually “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” — Elton John — Tiny Dancer.
Classifieds
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
Next week: Wall of Sound
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 №20
FinSpecial Issue · The Prog Rock Odyssey Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Yes
progressive rock · 1971–1983
Side One, Track One: A Prog Odyssey
- The Countdown · Top 10 Side-One-Is-One-Song Epics
- Mixtape Map · Inside Prog Rock Odyssey
- Needle Drop · “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
- In Memoriam · James Darren
Issue №20
August 28, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
This issue is headphones, a gatefold sleeve, and side one that's all one song.
Everything in here orbits Prog Rock Odyssey. Yes gets the spotlight, and 1996 by the Numbers is the page you'll text a friend about.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Keep it rewound, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Prog Rock Odyssey
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Yes
progressive rock · 1971–1983
Imagine soaring through a cosmic soundscape where melodies twist and turn like a winding river. Yes, the British progressive rock icons, have been captivating audiences with their symphonic flair since 1968. With legendary members like Jon Anderson and Chris Squire anchoring the lineup, their music is a rich tapestry woven with intricate guitar riffs and lush keyboard arrangements. From the timeless grooves of “Roundabout” to the reflective beauty of “Heart of the Sunrise,” their catalog is a journey through sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of emotion and imagination. As pioneers of their genre, Yes continues to push boundaries, infusing each note with a sense of wonder, leaving echoes of their artistry that linger long after the final chord fades away.
“Formed 1968”
The facts
Yes in the crate
From the Zine
The Rise of Prog Rock
Defying norms, creating a legacy.
In the late '60s, as flower power began to wilt and the world braced for chaos, a new sound emerged from the shadows: progressive rock. This genre rebelled against the simplicity of pop and the rawness of early rock, opting instead for sprawling compositions and complex time signatures. Artists like King Crimson and Yes took the stage, crafting elaborate suites that felt less like songs and more like epic journeys. Each note was a brushstroke on the canvas of sound, pushing boundaries and inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the experience.
Prog rock mattered to a generation searching for something deeper. It wasn’t just music; it was a movement that encouraged exploration and introspection. The intricate arrangements of tracks like “21st Century Schizoid Man (Including 'Mirrors')” or “Roundabout” beckoned listeners to engage, to listen closely, and to appreciate the artistry involved. In a world increasingly defined by the quick and catchy, prog rock stood tall, a glorious monument to musicianship and creativity, creating a safe haven for those who craved something more than the fleeting hits of mainstream radio.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1973 · Rock
At a school dance, when someone finally got brave.
slow-dancing badly in a gymnasium.
Some part of you never left the year it came out.
▸ 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 Side-One-Is-One-Song Epics
Buckle up for a wild ride through the top ten prog anthems that define an era. These tracks push boundaries and ignite imaginations, so prepare to lose yourself in their epic narratives.
- 1Tom Sawyer
Rush · 1981
With its soaring riffs, this anthem takes you on a wild ride through youthful rebellion.
- 2Limelight
Rush · 1981
A shimmering tribute to the stage, illuminating the bittersweet pull of fame and individuality.
- 3YYZ
Rush · 1981
A mind-bending instrumental journey that feels like racing through a neon-lit cityscape.
- 4The Spirit of Radio
Rush · 1980
Pure euphoria as it captures the magic of music connecting hearts across the airwaves.
- 5Roundabout
Yes · 1971
An epic odyssey that spins you through life’s twists, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.
- 6Owner of a Lonely Heart
Yes · 1983
This upbeat gem captures the bittersweet dance of love and solitude, echoing through the ages.
- 721st Century Schizoid Man
King Crimson · 1969
A chaotic whirlwind of sound, reflecting the tumult of modern life with raw, visceral energy.
- 8In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson · 1969
A majestic journey into the surreal, where dreams and reality collide in vivid technicolor.
- 9Lucky Man
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1970
A haunting ballad that evokes nostalgia, reminding us of our fragile hopes and dreams.
- 10Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1973
A progressive rock marvel that transports you to an exhilarating realm of sonic possibilities.
Scene Report
Prog Rock Odyssey
The Sound
Expect soaring guitars, intricate time signatures, and lush keyboards that envelop you like a warm embrace. The production is rich, layered, and often drenched in reverb, creating an immersive experience that demands your full attention.
The Look
Picture flowing hair, bell-bottoms, and psychedelic patterns, with concert halls alive with colorful lights and trippy visuals. Vinyl covers featuring surreal art invite you into a world where the only constant is creativity, and every show feels like a cosmic pilgrimage.
The Artists
Rush · King Crimson · Tool · Primus · Yes · Dream Theater
Essential Tracks
Cassette Clash
Genesis vs. Supertramp
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Genesis takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Prog Rock Odyssey
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Side One Epics
Pour a drink — these don't fade out at 3:30.
📼 Odd Time
Try to clap along. We'll wait.
📼 The New Prog
Tool, Primus, and prog's 90s mutation.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1992…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
End of the Road
Boyz II Men
At the movies
- Aladdin
- A Few Good Men
- Wayne's World
On TV
- The Real World debuts
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Melrose Place
In the headlines
- The first text message is sent
- Barcelona Olympics
- Mall of America opens
From the Zine
Rituals of the Prog Scene
Dive into the magic of discovery.
You remember the thrill of unwrapping that vinyl, the smell of fresh ink mingling with the anticipation of what lay inside. As you flipped through the gatefold, a treasure trove of artwork and liner notes unfolded. This was your sacred space, where albums like “The Court of the Crimson King (Including 'The Return of the Fire Witch' and 'The Dance of the Puppets')” transformed your living room into a concert hall, and every spin was a journey into the unknown. You’d settle in with headphones, ready to lose yourself in the music. The rituals extended beyond the music itself. Gathering with friends to share the latest find, dissecting the intricacies of “YYZ” or debating the meaning behind “Karn Evil 9 1st Impression, Pt. 2,” was a rite of passage. The gear was part of the allure too: the swirling sounds of a Moog synthesizer or the propulsive beat of a double bass drum connected you to the musicians’ world. Each listen was a shared communion, a chance to escape into the soundscapes that defined an era.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1996 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1996 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los del Río sat at #1, and Mariah Carey racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1996 Top 10
Gone But Not Forgotten
TurboGrafx-16
1989–1994
The 16-bit underdog with the credit-card games.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1989”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“You weren't a drummer until you could play this!”
“Every kid in our drumline worshipped Neil Peart, and this was the gold standard — we'd argue over who could come closest to those fills. Friday night, full uniform, freezing in the stands, trying to play like him. Nobody could, and we loved it anyway.”
“My high school band covered this. We were not bad, and maybe not great. But standing in a basement trying to nail that intro, feeling like we were actually onto something — I'd give a lot for one more rehearsal.”
“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.”
The Back Page
Turning Japanese
The Vapors · 1980
Living in the Past
Jethro Tull · 1969
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hold me closer, Tony Danza”
…is actually “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” — Elton John — Tiny Dancer.
Classifieds
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
Next week: Wall of Sound
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 №20
Fin