The Liner Notes
Issue №27 · October 16, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Summer Camp Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Cat Stevens
rock music · 1970–1974
Sunscreen, Cannonballs & Boom Boxes
- The Countdown · Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
- Mixtape Map · Inside Summer Camp
- Needle Drop · “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray
- In Memoriam · Ace Frehley
Issue №27
October 16, 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 Summer Camp: Cat Stevens headlines, plus the '60s 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.
See you on the flip side, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Summer Camp
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Cat Stevens
rock music · 1970–1974
With a voice that feels like a gentle breeze on a sunny afternoon, Cat Stevens weaves tales of love, loss, and introspection through his enchanting melodies. This British singer-songwriter, known for his unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional folk music, captured hearts with timeless hits like "Father and Son," "Wild World," and "Morning Has Broken." As his journey evolved, so did his music, incorporating elements of Islamic music later in his career. After a spiritual hiatus, he re-emerged in 2006, reconnecting with audiences through new secular songs. Stevens’ artistry transcends genres, inviting listeners to reflect and dream, leaving us with a sense of nostalgia that lingers long after the last note fades.
Artist Spotlight
Cat Stevens · cont.
“United Kingdom”
The facts
Cat Stevens in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Summer
How music shaped our camp experiences.
In the golden haze of summer camp, music wasn’t just background noise; it was the heartbeat of our youthful escapades. Strumming guitars echoed across the lake, blending with the laughter of friends as we gathered around crackling campfires. Songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” captured the essence of our innocence, weaving tales of adventure and longing that felt tailor-made for our sun-soaked days. This music pushed against the grain of the complexities of growing up, offering us a slice of freedom that contrasted sharply with the realities of school and home life.
The late '60s through the '70s marked a cultural movement, where folk and soft rock breathed life into our summer memories. Artists like John Denver and the Eagles became the unofficial soundtrack, encapsulating everything from first crushes to the bittersweet feeling of leaving camp behind. This was a time when melodies lingered in our minds, connecting us to a simpler world where the biggest worry was whether you'd win the canoe race. In our little universe, music mattered—it was a bridge between childhood dreams and the looming responsibilities of adulthood.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Drift Away
Dobie Gray · 1973 · R&B/Soul
On a boombox at the bus stop.
pretending to do homework with one earbud in.
It still cues a face you haven't seen in decades.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
Drift Away
Dobie Gray · 1973 · R&B/Soul
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
Get ready to relive those sun-soaked days! Our Top-10 countdown takes you through the anthems that defined summer camp, where every track will have you reminiscing about canoe races, campfire sing-alongs, and fleeting crushes.
- 1
Take Me Home, Country RoadsJohn Denver · 1971
A journey home where the hills are alive with memories and sweet simplicity.
- 2
Rocky Mountain HighJohn Denver · 1973
A breath of fresh air, soaring through sunlit peaks and endless blue skies.
- 3Leaving on a Jet Plane
John Denver · 1969
Bittersweet goodbyes linger, echoing the promise of love and distant horizons.
- 4
- 5Peaceful Easy Feeling
Eagles · 1972
A soothing serenade that makes you want to kick back and enjoy the ride.
The Countdown
Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems · 6–10
- 6
Ventura HighwayAmerica · 1972
Cruising down sunlit roads, chasing dreams and endless summer vibes with every chord.
- 7
Sister Golden HairAmerica · 1975
A wistful ballad that captures the essence of longing and youthful freedom.
- 8
Summer BreezeSeals & Crofts · 1972
The gentle whisper of summer, inviting you to savor life's simple pleasures.
- 9Sunshine On My Shoulders
John Denver · 1974
A radiant reminder of joy, as the sun kisses your skin and heart.
- 10
Morning Has BrokenCat Stevens · 1972
Awakening to a world reborn, each note a gentle embrace of new beginnings.
Scene Report
Summer Camp
The Sound
The air is alive with the strumming of acoustic guitars, the crackling of campfire flames, and the hum of nature. Songs float from cabin radios, mixing with the laughter and chatter of kids, creating a rich tapestry of sound that lingers in the memory.
The Look
Picture plaid flannel shirts, cut-off shorts, and flip-flops as kids gather by the dock, sun-kissed and carefree. The cabins, nestled among tall pines, sport colorful bunting, while the rec hall is filled with makeshift stage props and twinkling fairy lights, setting the scene for talent shows and late-night whispers.
The Artists
John Denver · Eagles · Peter, Paul and Mary · Journey · America · Bryan Adams
Scene Report
Summer Camp · The Records
Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver · 1971
Whoomp! There It Is
Tag Team · 1993
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Pool Days · Fourth of July Cookout · Summer of '89
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Police vs. The Bangles
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
The Bangles takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp · 📼 1/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Arrival Day
The bus pulls through the gate; parents wave goodbye.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp · 📼 2/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Lake Day Adventures
Swimming, canoe races, fishing docks.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp · 📼 3/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp · 📼 4/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Camp Talent Show
The whole camp packed into the rec hall.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp · 📼 5/5
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Campfire Circle
Sun's down, the fire crackles, guitars come out.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1978…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Shadow Dancing
Andy Gibb
At the movies
- Grease
- Superman
- Halloween
On TV
- Dallas premieres
- Mork & Mindy
- Taxi
In the headlines
- Space Invaders arrives in arcades
- First test-tube baby
- Garfield comic debuts
From the Zine
Rituals of the Campfire
Revisiting the cherished traditions of summer camp.
You arrive at camp, the scent of pine mingling with bug spray, and your heart races with the promise of new adventures. The gear is simple: a trusty flashlight, a well-loved sleeping bag, and a collection of your favorite tunes on a portable radio. As you settle into your cabin, the sound of laughter and strumming guitars drifts through the air. It’s time for the first campfire, where songs like “Sunshine On My Shoulders” invite you to sing along, arms around friends, all worries forgotten.
Every night, you gather around the fire, marshmallows roasting, as stories and secrets are shared under a starry sky. The rituals are as comforting as the music itself—sharing ghost stories, playing games, and the thrill of talent shows. These little ceremonies create bonds, turning strangers into lifelong friends. As the last notes of “Drift Away” fade into the night, you realize that these moments, steeped in laughter and song, are the true essence of summer camp—a treasured time capsule forever etched in your heart.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 19Chart Flashback
1965 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1965 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Wooly Bully” by Pharaohs & Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs sat at #1, and The Righteous Brothers racked up 3 charting hits.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“First high school girlfriend, my freshman year. She could drive — a couple years older — and Journey's Greatest Hits was always playing in the car.”
“If this came on at a dance in 1990, you grabbed whoever you were brave enough to grab and prayed it was a long song. Cheap cologne, gym decorations, my heart absolutely pounding.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Don’t forget, Eddie Murphy said it in Delirious. “I have some ice creeeeam. Want a lick? Psych!” To me, that’s the most famous use of the line and makes it relevant for all time.”
“I just said it today and I’m sure most of the people in that chat thread won’t understand it”
The Back Page
Absolutely (Story of a Girl)
Nine Days · 2000
Eye of the Tiger
Survivor · 1982
Misheard for 30 Years
“Sweet dreams are made of cheese”
…is actually “Sweet dreams are made of this” — Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams.
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: Halloween 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 №27
FinSpecial Issue · The Summer Camp Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Cat Stevens
rock music · 1970–1974
Sunscreen, Cannonballs & Boom Boxes
- The Countdown · Top 10 Backyard Pool-Party Anthems
- Mixtape Map · Inside Summer Camp
- Needle Drop · “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray
- In Memoriam · Ace Frehley
Issue №27
October 16, 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 Summer Camp: Cat Stevens headlines, plus the '60s 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.
See you on the flip side, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Summer Camp
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Cat Stevens
rock music · 1970–1974
With a voice that feels like a gentle breeze on a sunny afternoon, Cat Stevens weaves tales of love, loss, and introspection through his enchanting melodies. This British singer-songwriter, known for his unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional folk music, captured hearts with timeless hits like "Father and Son," "Wild World," and "Morning Has Broken." As his journey evolved, so did his music, incorporating elements of Islamic music later in his career. After a spiritual hiatus, he re-emerged in 2006, reconnecting with audiences through new secular songs. Stevens’ artistry transcends genres, inviting listeners to reflect and dream, leaving us with a sense of nostalgia that lingers long after the last note fades.
“United Kingdom”
The facts
Cat Stevens in the crate
From the Zine
The Soundtrack of Summer
How music shaped our camp experiences.
In the golden haze of summer camp, music wasn’t just background noise; it was the heartbeat of our youthful escapades. Strumming guitars echoed across the lake, blending with the laughter of friends as we gathered around crackling campfires. Songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” captured the essence of our innocence, weaving tales of adventure and longing that felt tailor-made for our sun-soaked days. This music pushed against the grain of the complexities of growing up, offering us a slice of freedom that contrasted sharply with the realities of school and home life.
The late '60s through the '70s marked a cultural movement, where folk and soft rock breathed life into our summer memories. Artists like John Denver and the Eagles became the unofficial soundtrack, encapsulating everything from first crushes to the bittersweet feeling of leaving camp behind. This was a time when melodies lingered in our minds, connecting us to a simpler world where the biggest worry was whether you'd win the canoe race. In our little universe, music mattered—it was a bridge between childhood dreams and the looming responsibilities of adulthood.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Drift Away
Dobie Gray · 1973 · R&B/Soul
On a boombox at the bus stop.
pretending to do homework with one earbud in.
It still cues a face you haven't seen in decades.
▸ 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 to relive those sun-soaked days! Our Top-10 countdown takes you through the anthems that defined summer camp, where every track will have you reminiscing about canoe races, campfire sing-alongs, and fleeting crushes.
- 1Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver · 1971
A journey home where the hills are alive with memories and sweet simplicity.
- 2Rocky Mountain High
John Denver · 1973
A breath of fresh air, soaring through sunlit peaks and endless blue skies.
- 3Leaving on a Jet Plane
John Denver · 1969
Bittersweet goodbyes linger, echoing the promise of love and distant horizons.
- 4
- 5Peaceful Easy Feeling
Eagles · 1972
A soothing serenade that makes you want to kick back and enjoy the ride.
- 6Ventura Highway
America · 1972
Cruising down sunlit roads, chasing dreams and endless summer vibes with every chord.
- 7Sister Golden Hair
America · 1975
A wistful ballad that captures the essence of longing and youthful freedom.
- 8Summer Breeze
Seals & Crofts · 1972
The gentle whisper of summer, inviting you to savor life's simple pleasures.
- 9Sunshine On My Shoulders
John Denver · 1974
A radiant reminder of joy, as the sun kisses your skin and heart.
- 10Morning Has Broken
Cat Stevens · 1972
Awakening to a world reborn, each note a gentle embrace of new beginnings.
Scene Report
Summer Camp
The Sound
The air is alive with the strumming of acoustic guitars, the crackling of campfire flames, and the hum of nature. Songs float from cabin radios, mixing with the laughter and chatter of kids, creating a rich tapestry of sound that lingers in the memory.
The Look
Picture plaid flannel shirts, cut-off shorts, and flip-flops as kids gather by the dock, sun-kissed and carefree. The cabins, nestled among tall pines, sport colorful bunting, while the rec hall is filled with makeshift stage props and twinkling fairy lights, setting the scene for talent shows and late-night whispers.
The Artists
John Denver · Eagles · Peter, Paul and Mary · Journey · America · Bryan Adams
Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver · 1971
Whoomp! There It Is
Tag Team · 1993
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Pool Days · Fourth of July Cookout · Summer of '89
Scene ReportCassette Clash
The Police vs. The Bangles
| 🔥 Chart Hits | ▶ | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| 📅 Staying Power | ▶ | |
| 💿 Catalog Depth | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
The Bangles takes the round.
A photo finish — but the tape doesn't lie.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Summer Camp
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Arrival Day
The bus pulls through the gate; parents wave goodbye.
📼 Lake Day Adventures
Swimming, canoe races, fishing docks.
📼 Capture the Flag
The most competitive event of the summer.
📼 Camp Talent Show
The whole camp packed into the rec hall.
📼 Campfire Circle
Sun's down, the fire crackles, guitars come out.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1978…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Shadow Dancing
Andy Gibb
At the movies
- Grease
- Superman
- Halloween
On TV
- Dallas premieres
- Mork & Mindy
- Taxi
In the headlines
- Space Invaders arrives in arcades
- First test-tube baby
- Garfield comic debuts
From the Zine
Rituals of the Campfire
Revisiting the cherished traditions of summer camp.
You arrive at camp, the scent of pine mingling with bug spray, and your heart races with the promise of new adventures. The gear is simple: a trusty flashlight, a well-loved sleeping bag, and a collection of your favorite tunes on a portable radio. As you settle into your cabin, the sound of laughter and strumming guitars drifts through the air. It’s time for the first campfire, where songs like “Sunshine On My Shoulders” invite you to sing along, arms around friends, all worries forgotten.
Every night, you gather around the fire, marshmallows roasting, as stories and secrets are shared under a starry sky. The rituals are as comforting as the music itself—sharing ghost stories, playing games, and the thrill of talent shows. These little ceremonies create bonds, turning strangers into lifelong friends. As the last notes of “Drift Away” fade into the night, you realize that these moments, steeped in laughter and song, are the true essence of summer camp—a treasured time capsule forever etched in your heart.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1965 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1965 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Wooly Bully” by Pharaohs & Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs sat at #1, and The Righteous Brothers racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1965 Top 10
Gone But Not Forgotten
Danceteria
1979–1986
Four floors of new-wave night.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1979”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“First high school girlfriend, my freshman year. She could drive — a couple years older — and Journey's Greatest Hits was always playing in the car.”
“If this came on at a dance in 1990, you grabbed whoever you were brave enough to grab and prayed it was a long song. Cheap cologne, gym decorations, my heart absolutely pounding.”
“Don’t forget, Eddie Murphy said it in Delirious. “I have some ice creeeeam. Want a lick? Psych!” To me, that’s the most famous use of the line and makes it relevant for all time.”
“I just said it today and I’m sure most of the people in that chat thread won’t understand it”
The Back Page
Absolutely (Story of a Girl)
Nine Days · 2000
Eye of the Tiger
Survivor · 1982
Misheard for 30 Years
“Sweet dreams are made of cheese”
…is actually “Sweet dreams are made of this” — Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams.
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: Halloween 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 №27
Fin