The Liner Notes
Issue №25 · October 2, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Mean Mr. Mustard's Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Blondie
rock music · 1978–1981
Synths, Eyeliner & Last Call
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's
- Needle Drop · “I Touch Roses” by Book of Love
- In Memoriam · Freddie Jackson
Issue №25
October 2, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Lights low, synths high — slip into the after-dark set.
Consider this your Mean Mr. Mustard's field guide — Blondie 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: Mean Mr. Mustard's
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Blondie
rock music · 1978–1981
Blondie is an American rock band that emerged from New York's vibrant music scene in 1974, blending rock, new wave, post-punk, power pop, and dance-rock into a sound all their own. Fronted by the charismatic Debbie Harry and co-founder Chris Stein, they became known for catchy hits like "Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another," and "Call Me." Their music often incorporated diverse influences, from reggae and funk to the early inklings of hip hop, making them pioneers in the new wave genre. With tracks like "Rapture" and "The Tide Is High," Blondie’s fusion of styles captured the spirit of an era, leaving listeners dancing and humming long after the last note faded.
Artist Spotlight
Blondie · cont.
“Formed 1974”
The facts
Blondie in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Rebellion
Echoes of change in college bars.
In the late '70s through the '90s, a seismic shift in music was underway, fueled by a generation hungry for authenticity and a break from the mainstream. Emerging from the ashes of disco and the clutches of arena rock, bands like The Smiths and Depeche Mode created a sound that was both defiant and introspective. This was a time when college bars like Mean Mr. Mustard's became the heartbeat of youth culture, embodying the raw energy and eclecticism that defined the scene. Here, students not only danced to the pulsating beats of “How Soon Is Now?” and “She Sells Sanctuary (Sundance),” but found camaraderie in their collective push against the status quo.
The music was more than just a soundtrack; it was a movement. It echoed the frustrations and dreams of a generation, uniting them on packed dance floors where cheap beer flowed and worries faded. As the walls vibrated with songs like “Spirit in the Sky” and “Tenderness,” Mean Mr. Mustard’s became a sanctuary for those seeking something real, a place where music mattered, and the dance floor was a battleground for freedom and self-expression.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
I Touch Roses
Book of Love · 1986 · Pop
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
rewinding the tape to catch that one line again.
Hear it now and you're seventeen again, instantly.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
I Touch Roses
Book of Love · 1986 · Pop
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
Get ready to journey through the sonic tapestry of Mean Mr. Mustard's. Here’s a playlist that captures the electrifying nights and unforgettable moments that made this bar an iconic staple in our lives.
- 1
How Soon Is Now?The Smiths · 1985
An anthem of longing, it echoes the ache of wanting more from life.
- 2
Spirit In The SkyDoctor & The Medics · 1985
A cosmic jolt that lifts you up, perfect for those euphoric moments.
- 3
She Sells SanctuaryThe Cult · 1985
A shimmering escape, it wraps you in a mystical embrace of sound and spirit.
- 4
Love My WayThe Psychedelic Furs · 1982
A bittersweet journey, capturing the essence of youthful love and rebellion.
- 5I Touch Roses
Book of Love · 1986
A delicate dance of innocence and romance, it blooms like a secret garden.
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials · 6–10
- 6
West End GirlsPet Shop Boys · 1985
The heartbeat of city nightlife, where every corner holds a new adventure.
- 7The Bottom Line
Big Audio Dynamite · 1985
A gritty anthem for the dreamers, it pulses with the energy of rebellion.
- 8
- 9
Rock Me AmadeusFalco · 1985
A playful nod to genius, it transports you to a flamboyant, artistic realm.
- 10
Scene Report
Mean Mr. Mustard's
The Sound
The scene erupted with synth-driven melodies and driving bass lines, layered with jangly guitars and haunting vocals. The radio crackled with the raw energy of live shows, echoing the dance floor's infectious rhythm and electrifying atmosphere.
The Look
From oversized blazers to colorful leg warmers, fashion was a kaleidoscope of styles that celebrated individuality. The bar itself was adorned with posters of iconic bands and flickering lights, creating a vibrant backdrop for the wild nights that unfolded within its walls.
The Artists
New Order · The Cult · Depeche Mode · The Smiths · Tears for Fears · Love and Rockets
Scene Report
Mean Mr. Mustard's · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: New Wave Nights · After Dark · Industrial Nation
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Billy Idol vs. Nirvana
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| ◀ | 📈 Highest Peak | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Billy Idol takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Dance Floor
The ones that filled the floor every night.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 After Dark
Goth and post-punk for the back corner.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1985…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Careless Whisper
George Michael
At the movies
- Back to the Future
- The Goonies
- The Breakfast Club
On TV
- The Golden Girls
- MacGyver
- Pee-wee's Playhouse
In the headlines
- Live Aid raises millions worldwide
- New Coke flops; Coca-Cola Classic returns
- Super Mario Bros. releases
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
Your guide to the perfect night out.
Picture this: you and your friends, decked out in vintage tees and combat boots, ready to hit Mean Mr. Mustard's for a night of debauchery and dance. The scent of spilled beer mingles with the sweet notes of synth, and as you step inside, the energy shifts. The bass line of “West End Girls” pulses through the air, and you know tonight’s going to be legendary. This was your ritual, the weekly pilgrimage to the bar where music wasn’t just played—it was experienced.
You’d stake your claim on the dance floor, where the sounds of Love and Rockets and Big Audio Dynamite filled the room, igniting a fire in your soul. Friends laughed, drinks were spilled, and the night unfolded like a well-loved vinyl record. The DJ spun tracks that made you move, and every chorus felt like a communal chant, echoing the spirit of a generation. At Mean Mr. Mustard's, you didn’t just witness a show; you lived it, carving out memories that still resonate today.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart 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.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Aladdin's Castle
1974–1998
The mall arcade with the castle logo.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“absolute banger”
“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.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“love this one. Was just enjoying life without responsibilities and riding my bike.”
“Catering at the waterpark as a teenager meant hauling trays through July heat until my shirt was soaked through. Five minutes in the shade with this in my headphones and I was somewhere else entirely. I still smell chlorine and fryer grease the second it comes on.”
The Back Page
What I Am
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians · 1988
My Ever Changing Moods
The Style Council · 1984
Misheard for 30 Years
“I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone”
…is actually “...the rain is gone” — Johnny Nash — I Can See Clearly Now.
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: Saturday Night Skate
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 №25
FinSpecial Issue · The Mean Mr. Mustard's Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Blondie
rock music · 1978–1981
Synths, Eyeliner & Last Call
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's
- Needle Drop · “I Touch Roses” by Book of Love
- In Memoriam · Freddie Jackson
Issue №25
October 2, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Lights low, synths high — slip into the after-dark set.
Consider this your Mean Mr. Mustard's field guide — Blondie 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: Mean Mr. Mustard's
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Blondie
rock music · 1978–1981
Blondie is an American rock band that emerged from New York's vibrant music scene in 1974, blending rock, new wave, post-punk, power pop, and dance-rock into a sound all their own. Fronted by the charismatic Debbie Harry and co-founder Chris Stein, they became known for catchy hits like "Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another," and "Call Me." Their music often incorporated diverse influences, from reggae and funk to the early inklings of hip hop, making them pioneers in the new wave genre. With tracks like "Rapture" and "The Tide Is High," Blondie’s fusion of styles captured the spirit of an era, leaving listeners dancing and humming long after the last note faded.
“Formed 1974”
The facts
Blondie in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Rebellion
Echoes of change in college bars.
In the late '70s through the '90s, a seismic shift in music was underway, fueled by a generation hungry for authenticity and a break from the mainstream. Emerging from the ashes of disco and the clutches of arena rock, bands like The Smiths and Depeche Mode created a sound that was both defiant and introspective. This was a time when college bars like Mean Mr. Mustard's became the heartbeat of youth culture, embodying the raw energy and eclecticism that defined the scene. Here, students not only danced to the pulsating beats of “How Soon Is Now?” and “She Sells Sanctuary (Sundance),” but found camaraderie in their collective push against the status quo.
The music was more than just a soundtrack; it was a movement. It echoed the frustrations and dreams of a generation, uniting them on packed dance floors where cheap beer flowed and worries faded. As the walls vibrated with songs like “Spirit in the Sky” and “Tenderness,” Mean Mr. Mustard’s became a sanctuary for those seeking something real, a place where music mattered, and the dance floor was a battleground for freedom and self-expression.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
I Touch Roses
Book of Love · 1986 · Pop
In a movie, over the exact right montage.
rewinding the tape to catch that one line again.
Hear it now and you're seventeen again, instantly.
▸ 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 journey through the sonic tapestry of Mean Mr. Mustard's. Here’s a playlist that captures the electrifying nights and unforgettable moments that made this bar an iconic staple in our lives.
- 1How Soon Is Now?
The Smiths · 1985
An anthem of longing, it echoes the ache of wanting more from life.
- 2Spirit In The Sky
Doctor & The Medics · 1985
A cosmic jolt that lifts you up, perfect for those euphoric moments.
- 3She Sells Sanctuary
The Cult · 1985
A shimmering escape, it wraps you in a mystical embrace of sound and spirit.
- 4Love My Way
The Psychedelic Furs · 1982
A bittersweet journey, capturing the essence of youthful love and rebellion.
- 5I Touch Roses
Book of Love · 1986
A delicate dance of innocence and romance, it blooms like a secret garden.
- 6West End Girls
Pet Shop Boys · 1985
The heartbeat of city nightlife, where every corner holds a new adventure.
- 7The Bottom Line
Big Audio Dynamite · 1985
A gritty anthem for the dreamers, it pulses with the energy of rebellion.
- 8
- 9Rock Me Amadeus
Falco · 1985
A playful nod to genius, it transports you to a flamboyant, artistic realm.
- 10
Scene Report
Mean Mr. Mustard's
The Sound
The scene erupted with synth-driven melodies and driving bass lines, layered with jangly guitars and haunting vocals. The radio crackled with the raw energy of live shows, echoing the dance floor's infectious rhythm and electrifying atmosphere.
The Look
From oversized blazers to colorful leg warmers, fashion was a kaleidoscope of styles that celebrated individuality. The bar itself was adorned with posters of iconic bands and flickering lights, creating a vibrant backdrop for the wild nights that unfolded within its walls.
The Artists
New Order · The Cult · Depeche Mode · The Smiths · Tears for Fears · Love and Rockets
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: New Wave Nights · After Dark · Industrial Nation
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Billy Idol vs. Nirvana
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| ◀ | 📈 Highest Peak | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Billy Idol takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Mean Mr. Mustard's
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Dance Floor
The ones that filled the floor every night.
📼 After Dark
Goth and post-punk for the back corner.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1985…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Careless Whisper
George Michael
At the movies
- Back to the Future
- The Goonies
- The Breakfast Club
On TV
- The Golden Girls
- MacGyver
- Pee-wee's Playhouse
In the headlines
- Live Aid raises millions worldwide
- New Coke flops; Coca-Cola Classic returns
- Super Mario Bros. releases
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
Your guide to the perfect night out.
Picture this: you and your friends, decked out in vintage tees and combat boots, ready to hit Mean Mr. Mustard's for a night of debauchery and dance. The scent of spilled beer mingles with the sweet notes of synth, and as you step inside, the energy shifts. The bass line of “West End Girls” pulses through the air, and you know tonight’s going to be legendary. This was your ritual, the weekly pilgrimage to the bar where music wasn’t just played—it was experienced.
You’d stake your claim on the dance floor, where the sounds of Love and Rockets and Big Audio Dynamite filled the room, igniting a fire in your soul. Friends laughed, drinks were spilled, and the night unfolded like a well-loved vinyl record. The DJ spun tracks that made you move, and every chorus felt like a communal chant, echoing the spirit of a generation. At Mean Mr. Mustard's, you didn’t just witness a show; you lived it, carving out memories that still resonate today.
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
Gone But Not Forgotten
Aladdin's Castle
1974–1998
The mall arcade with the castle logo.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1974”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“absolute banger”
“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.”
“Catering at the waterpark as a teenager meant hauling trays through July heat until my shirt was soaked through. Five minutes in the shade with this in my headphones and I was somewhere else entirely. I still smell chlorine and fryer grease the second it comes on.”
The Back Page
What I Am
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians · 1988
My Ever Changing Moods
The Style Council · 1984
Misheard for 30 Years
“I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone”
…is actually “...the rain is gone” — Johnny Nash — I Can See Clearly Now.
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: Saturday Night Skate
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 №25
Fin