The Liner Notes
Issue №4 · May 8, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The New Wave Nights Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Killing Joke
post-punk · 1980–1985
After Dark: A New-Wave Night Out
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside New Wave Nights
- Needle Drop · “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
- In Memoriam · Clarence Carter
Issue №4
May 8, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
This issue is eyeliner, a fog machine, and the cool corner of the all-ages club.
This week we're parked in New Wave Nights — and Killing Joke is on the cover, exactly where they belong.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: New Wave Nights
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Killing Joke
post-punk · 1980–1985
With a thunderous mix of post-punk grit and gothic textures, Killing Joke has carved out a unique sonic landscape since their inception in the UK. This formidable collective, featuring the indelible talents of Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Youth, and Paul Ferguson, has been pushing boundaries across genres, from industrial rock to new wave. Tracks like "Love Like Blood" and "Wardance" pulse with a raw energy that captivates listeners, while their brooding soundscapes invite introspection. Whether it’s the pulsating rhythms of "Eighties (Kid Jensen Session)" or the haunting echoes of "Requiem," each song resonates with an urgency that feels timeless. Killing Joke continues to be a force, weaving together threads of rebellion and reflection, reminding us all of the power music holds to both provoke and heal.
Artist Spotlight
Killing Joke · cont.
“Formed 1979”
The facts
Killing Joke in the crate
From the Zine
Breaking the Mold
New Wave redefined music and identity.
In the shadow of disco's glitz and rock's bravado, New Wave emerged as a radical shift in the musical landscape. With its synthesizers and drum machines, it offered a fresh sound that was both futuristic and introspective. Bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure captured the angst and alienation of youth, pushing against the polished excess of their predecessors. This genre became a sanctuary for kids who felt out of place, a place where black clothes and vivid emotions thrived.
For a generation grappling with uncertainty, New Wave became more than just a sound; it was a movement. It embraced individuality and challenged norms, allowing fans to explore their identities amid the strange and the beautiful. Songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Just Like Heaven” resonated deeply, providing anthems for those who danced in dimly lit clubs, fog machines swirling, surrounded by kindred spirits. New Wave mattered because it gave voice to feelings that were often too big to articulate, crafting a cultural moment that remains vibrant in memory.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears · 1985 · New Wave
Through a wall, from your older sibling's room.
waiting on a call on the kitchen phone, cord stretched to the hallway.
You can't hear it without remembering exactly where you were.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears · 1985 · New Wave
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
Get ready to dive into our Top-10 countdown, where the synths reign and the emotions run high. Each track is a classic that defined a generation—let’s see what made the cut!
- 1
Just Like HeavenThe Cure · 1987
Dancing through rain-soaked streets, where every moment sparkles with possibility.
- 2
Personal JesusDepeche Mode · 1989
A shadowy figure beckons, whispering secrets in a neon-lit world of longing.
- 3
Bizarre Love TriangleNew Order · 1986
Caught in a dizzying dance, love twists into the unexpected, leaving us breathless.
- 4Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears · 1985
An anthem of ambition, echoing through the dreams of restless hearts seeking freedom.
- 5
Blue MondayNew Order · 1983
Pulsing beats and melancholy collide, a bittersweet reminder of love lost in the night.
The Countdown
Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials · 6–10
- 6
How Soon Is Now?The Smiths · 1985
An anthem of longing, it echoes the ache of wanting more from life.
- 7
Enjoy the SilenceDepeche Mode · 1990
In a world of noise, the quiet speaks volumes, wrapping us in serene reflection.
- 8
Friday I'm in LoveThe Cure · 1992
A joyful rush of colors, celebrating the sweet thrill of love's fleeting moments.
- 9
If You LeaveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 1986
A haunting farewell, echoing the ache of parting, yet holding onto fragile hope.
- 10
And She WasTalking Heads · 1985
A whimsical journey unfolds, capturing fleeting moments of joy and the magic of youth.
Scene Report
New Wave Nights
The Sound
The sound of New Wave is defined by layered synthesizers, driving drum machines, and haunting melodies. It’s a blend of cold beauty and warmth, where every track feels like a conversation between heartstrings and circuit boards, echoing across the airwaves.
The Look
Picture dark, tailored jackets, vibrant eye makeup, and hair that defied gravity. Neon lights flickered against the backdrop of urban landscapes, while vinyl records spun tales of longing and escape, creating a visual feast that was just as captivating as the music itself.
The Artists
Depeche Mode · The Cure · New Order · Tears for Fears · The Smiths
Scene Report
New Wave Nights · The Records
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Mean Mr. Mustard's · After Dark · Industrial Nation
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Simple Minds vs. Tears for Fears
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Replayed |
Final Verdict
Simple Minds takes the round.
Came down to the encore.
The Mixtape Map
Inside New Wave Nights · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 After Midnight
When the synths take over.
The Mixtape Map
Inside New Wave Nights · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Modern Romance
Cold, beautiful, and a little doomed.
The Mixtape Map
Inside New Wave Nights · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Club Downtown
Where the cool kids hid.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1988…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Faith
George Michael
At the movies
- Die Hard
- Beetlejuice
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit
On TV
- Roseanne
- The Wonder Years
- Mystery Science Theater 3000
In the headlines
- Summer Olympics in Seoul
- First Red Nose Day
- Prozac introduced
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
Step into the sacred space of New Wave.
You step into the club, the air thick with fog and anticipation. The pulsing beats of New Wave wrap around you like a warm embrace, and you feel the bass reverberate through your chest. Friends gather, each adorned in black, eyeliner sharp enough to cut. As the lights dance across the room, you catch snippets of conversations about the latest “Blue Monday” remix or the haunting beauty of “How Soon Is Now?”—a shared language of longing and excitement.
The ritual begins: drinks are ordered, laughter shared, and bodies move in sync to the hypnotic rhythms. You find yourself lost in the music, surrendering to the emotional tide of “Bizarre Love Triangle” or the catharsis of “Personal Jesus.” Each pulse of the drum machine feels like a heartbeat, connecting you to everyone around you. It’s more than just music; it’s a celebration of being alive, of feeling deeply, and knowing you’re part of something larger. In these moments, the world outside fades away, leaving only the magic of New Wave nights—a sanctuary for the dreamers and the believers.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart Flashback
1989 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1989 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Look Away” by Chicago sat at #1, and Bobby Brown racked up 5 charting hits.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“If you went to Ohio State in my era you know exactly what a night at Mustard's sounded like. This one cleared anybody off the floor who wasn't there to dance.”
“This is one of the songs I loved to hear at The Pit on campus. I can't hear it without smelling that bar.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“I only made it through freshman year at Ohio State, but I never stopped showing up at Mean Mr. Mustard's. Stayed till last call for stuff exactly like this. Best worst decisions of my life.”
“Oh the good ole days before all the controversy. At least Michael is making a comeback!”
The Back Page
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hold me closer, Tony Danza”
…is actually “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” — Elton John — Tiny Dancer.
Classifieds
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
Next week: Hip-Hop Block Party
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 №4
FinSpecial Issue · The New Wave Nights Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Killing Joke
post-punk · 1980–1985
After Dark: A New-Wave Night Out
- The Countdown · Top 10 Eyeliner-and-Fog-Machine Essentials
- Mixtape Map · Inside New Wave Nights
- Needle Drop · “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
- In Memoriam · Clarence Carter
Issue №4
May 8, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
This issue is eyeliner, a fog machine, and the cool corner of the all-ages club.
This week we're parked in New Wave Nights — and Killing Joke is on the cover, exactly where they belong.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: New Wave Nights
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Killing Joke
post-punk · 1980–1985
With a thunderous mix of post-punk grit and gothic textures, Killing Joke has carved out a unique sonic landscape since their inception in the UK. This formidable collective, featuring the indelible talents of Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Youth, and Paul Ferguson, has been pushing boundaries across genres, from industrial rock to new wave. Tracks like "Love Like Blood" and "Wardance" pulse with a raw energy that captivates listeners, while their brooding soundscapes invite introspection. Whether it’s the pulsating rhythms of "Eighties (Kid Jensen Session)" or the haunting echoes of "Requiem," each song resonates with an urgency that feels timeless. Killing Joke continues to be a force, weaving together threads of rebellion and reflection, reminding us all of the power music holds to both provoke and heal.
“Formed 1979”
The facts
Killing Joke in the crate
From the Zine
Breaking the Mold
New Wave redefined music and identity.
In the shadow of disco's glitz and rock's bravado, New Wave emerged as a radical shift in the musical landscape. With its synthesizers and drum machines, it offered a fresh sound that was both futuristic and introspective. Bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure captured the angst and alienation of youth, pushing against the polished excess of their predecessors. This genre became a sanctuary for kids who felt out of place, a place where black clothes and vivid emotions thrived.
For a generation grappling with uncertainty, New Wave became more than just a sound; it was a movement. It embraced individuality and challenged norms, allowing fans to explore their identities amid the strange and the beautiful. Songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Just Like Heaven” resonated deeply, providing anthems for those who danced in dimly lit clubs, fog machines swirling, surrounded by kindred spirits. New Wave mattered because it gave voice to feelings that were often too big to articulate, crafting a cultural moment that remains vibrant in memory.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears · 1985 · New Wave
Through a wall, from your older sibling's room.
waiting on a call on the kitchen phone, cord stretched to the hallway.
You can't hear it without remembering exactly where you were.
▸ 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 our Top-10 countdown, where the synths reign and the emotions run high. Each track is a classic that defined a generation—let’s see what made the cut!
- 1Just Like Heaven
The Cure · 1987
Dancing through rain-soaked streets, where every moment sparkles with possibility.
- 2Personal Jesus
Depeche Mode · 1989
A shadowy figure beckons, whispering secrets in a neon-lit world of longing.
- 3Bizarre Love Triangle
New Order · 1986
Caught in a dizzying dance, love twists into the unexpected, leaving us breathless.
- 4Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears · 1985
An anthem of ambition, echoing through the dreams of restless hearts seeking freedom.
- 5Blue Monday
New Order · 1983
Pulsing beats and melancholy collide, a bittersweet reminder of love lost in the night.
- 6How Soon Is Now?
The Smiths · 1985
An anthem of longing, it echoes the ache of wanting more from life.
- 7Enjoy the Silence
Depeche Mode · 1990
In a world of noise, the quiet speaks volumes, wrapping us in serene reflection.
- 8Friday I'm in Love
The Cure · 1992
A joyful rush of colors, celebrating the sweet thrill of love's fleeting moments.
- 9If You Leave
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 1986
A haunting farewell, echoing the ache of parting, yet holding onto fragile hope.
- 10And She Was
Talking Heads · 1985
A whimsical journey unfolds, capturing fleeting moments of joy and the magic of youth.
Scene Report
New Wave Nights
The Sound
The sound of New Wave is defined by layered synthesizers, driving drum machines, and haunting melodies. It’s a blend of cold beauty and warmth, where every track feels like a conversation between heartstrings and circuit boards, echoing across the airwaves.
The Look
Picture dark, tailored jackets, vibrant eye makeup, and hair that defied gravity. Neon lights flickered against the backdrop of urban landscapes, while vinyl records spun tales of longing and escape, creating a visual feast that was just as captivating as the music itself.
The Artists
Depeche Mode · The Cure · New Order · Tears for Fears · The Smiths
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Mean Mr. Mustard's · After Dark · Industrial Nation
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Simple Minds vs. Tears for Fears
| ◀ | Most Karaoke Damage | |
| Best Singalong | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Best Video | |
| Better Air-Guitar Moment | ▶ | |
| ◀ | Most Replayed |
Final Verdict
Simple Minds takes the round.
Came down to the encore.
The Mixtape Map
Inside New Wave Nights
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 After Midnight
When the synths take over.
📼 Modern Romance
Cold, beautiful, and a little doomed.
📼 The Club Downtown
Where the cool kids hid.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1988…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Faith
George Michael
At the movies
- Die Hard
- Beetlejuice
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit
On TV
- Roseanne
- The Wonder Years
- Mystery Science Theater 3000
In the headlines
- Summer Olympics in Seoul
- First Red Nose Day
- Prozac introduced
From the Zine
Rituals of the Night
Step into the sacred space of New Wave.
You step into the club, the air thick with fog and anticipation. The pulsing beats of New Wave wrap around you like a warm embrace, and you feel the bass reverberate through your chest. Friends gather, each adorned in black, eyeliner sharp enough to cut. As the lights dance across the room, you catch snippets of conversations about the latest “Blue Monday” remix or the haunting beauty of “How Soon Is Now?”—a shared language of longing and excitement.
The ritual begins: drinks are ordered, laughter shared, and bodies move in sync to the hypnotic rhythms. You find yourself lost in the music, surrendering to the emotional tide of “Bizarre Love Triangle” or the catharsis of “Personal Jesus.” Each pulse of the drum machine feels like a heartbeat, connecting you to everyone around you. It’s more than just music; it’s a celebration of being alive, of feeling deeply, and knowing you’re part of something larger. In these moments, the world outside fades away, leaving only the magic of New Wave nights—a sanctuary for the dreamers and the believers.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1989 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1989 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Look Away” by Chicago sat at #1, and Bobby Brown racked up 5 charting hits.
The 1989 Top 10
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“If you went to Ohio State in my era you know exactly what a night at Mustard's sounded like. This one cleared anybody off the floor who wasn't there to dance.”
“This is one of the songs I loved to hear at The Pit on campus. I can't hear it without smelling that bar.”
“I only made it through freshman year at Ohio State, but I never stopped showing up at Mean Mr. Mustard's. Stayed till last call for stuff exactly like this. Best worst decisions of my life.”
“Oh the good ole days before all the controversy. At least Michael is making a comeback!”
The Back Page
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hold me closer, Tony Danza”
…is actually “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” — Elton John — Tiny Dancer.
Classifieds
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
- WANTED: Someone to finish the friendship bracelet I started in 1994.
Next week: Hip-Hop Block Party
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 №4
Fin