The Liner Notes
Issue №9 · June 12, 2026 · from the archive
Special Issue · The Classic Rock Highway Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Bad Company
blues rock · 1970–1979
Full Tank, Tape Deck Loaded
- The Countdown · Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
- Mixtape Map · Inside Classic Rock Highway
- Needle Drop · “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- In Memoriam · Lou Christie
Issue №9
June 12, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Shotgun's got the map, the tape deck's loaded — let's drive.
We built the whole issue around Classic Rock Highway: Bad Company 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.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Classic Rock Highway
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Bad Company
blues rock · 1970–1979
With a gritty sound that echoes the smoky bars of the ‘70s, Bad Company emerged from the UK to deliver blues rock and hard rock anthems that still resonate today. Fronted by the powerful vocals of Paul Rodgers and driven by Simon Kirke’s thunderous drumming, this rock supergroup crafted timeless tracks like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin' Love.” Joining them were guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell, both adding their flair to the band’s unmistakable vibe. Their catalog features classics like “Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy” and the eponymous “Bad Company,” each song a reminder of rock’s rebellious spirit. As the last original members, Kirke and Rodgers continue to carry the torch of a band that defined an era, proving that some sounds never fade away.
Artist Spotlight
Bad Company · cont.
“Formed 1973”
The facts
Bad Company in the crate
From the Zine
The Movement
Classic rock reshaped a generation's soul.
In the late 1960s and into the 70s, classic rock emerged as a powerful force, rising up against the polished pop of earlier decades. It was gritty and raw, a sonic rebellion that captured the spirit of youth. Bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who pushed boundaries with epic guitar solos and lyrical depth, giving voice to a generation grappling with social upheaval and existential questions. Songs like "Baba O'Riley" and "Whole Lotta Love" became anthems for those seeking authenticity in a world of manufactured sounds.
At the heart of this movement was the FM dial, where playlists were filled with sprawling tracks that demanded your attention. Double albums felt like scripture, each side a journey unto itself. Kids cranked the volume, letting the music wash over them as they rode in cars with the windows down. The songs weren't just background noise; they were the soundtrack to adventures, heartbreaks, and the promise of freedom. Classic rock mattered because it was more than music—it was a culture, a community, and a call to arms for anyone longing to break free.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Dream On
Aerosmith · 1973 · Hard Rock
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
Dream On
Aerosmith · 1973 · Hard Rock
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
Buckle up, music lovers! We're hitting the road with our top ten tracks that capture the essence of the open highway. Get ready for a nostalgic ride through the anthems that defined a decade.
- 1
Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin · 1971
A magical journey through time, where dreams and reality intertwine in ethereal bliss.
- 2
Hotel CaliforniaEagles · 1976
A haunting escape that lingers, capturing the paradox of paradise and entrapment perfectly.
- 3
Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd · 1974
A sun-soaked anthem that echoes the carefree spirit of youthful road trips and southern pride.
- 4
Baba O'RileyThe Who · 1971
A sonic explosion that transports you to a nostalgic youth filled with freedom and rebellion.
- 5
Whole Lotta LoveLed Zeppelin · 1969
An electrifying rush that ignites the soul, leaving you craving more of rock's wild side.
The Countdown
Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs · 6–10
- 6
Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd · 1973
A timeless farewell that resonates with the longing for freedom and endless horizons.
- 7Dream On
Aerosmith · 1973
A soaring ballad that reminds us to chase our dreams, no matter how distant they seem.
- 8
More Than a FeelingBoston · 1976
A euphoric blast of nostalgia that sweeps you back to sun-drenched days of youth.
- 9Smoke on the Water
Deep Purple · 1972
A legendary riff that conjures images of smoky nights and unforgettable rock 'n' roll stories.
- 10
Go Your Own WayFleetwood Mac · 1977
A bittersweet anthem of independence that resonates with anyone who’s ever needed to break free.
Scene Report
Classic Rock Highway
The Sound
The sound of this era is a glorious cacophony of electric guitars, harmonizing vocals, and layered production, all wrapped around an unmistakable groove. Think lush arrangements and those unforgettable radio fades that made every song a classic.
The Look
Picture a world alive with denim jackets, bell-bottoms, and fringed vests. The open road beckoned, with classic cars and van interiors adorned with band stickers, while the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, reflecting the spirit of adventure.
The Artists
Led Zeppelin · The Who · Eagles · Lynyrd Skynyrd · Fleetwood Mac
Scene Report
Classic Rock Highway · The Records
Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin · 1971
Takin' Care of Business
Bachman-Turner Overdrive · 1973
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Cruisin' Main Street · Family Station Wagon · Friday Night Lights
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Eagles vs. Lynyrd Skynyrd
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| ◀ | 📈 Highest Peak | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Eagles takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Classic Rock Highway · 📼 1/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Side One, Track One
The needle drops, the journey starts.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Classic Rock Highway · 📼 2/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 The Long Solo
Lighters up, eyes closed.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Classic Rock Highway · 📼 3/3
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Highway Anthems
Built for the open road.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1971…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Joy to the World
Three Dog Night
At the movies
- A Clockwork Orange
- Willy Wonka
- Dirty Harry
On TV
- All in the Family
- Columbo
- Soul Train premieres
In the headlines
- Disney World opens
- Intel ships the first microprocessor
- Voting age lowered to 18
From the Zine
The Ritual
Rediscover the rites of classic rock.
You remember it well: the thrill of piling into a car with friends, the anticipation buzzing like the speakers in the backseat. The FM dial crackles to life, and suddenly you’re cruising down the highway with "Sweet Home Alabama" blasting, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink. The world outside blurs, but the sound is crystal clear. Those guitar solos stretch out, inviting you to get lost in the moment, and nobody complains; this is what you live for.
You’ve got your gear—maybe a trusty cassette deck or a turntable that crackles in the best way. You gather at friends’ houses for listening parties, where vinyl spins and the smell of popcorn wafts through the air. Each song becomes a ritual, a shared experience that binds you together. From the first notes of "Hotel California" to the closing chords of "Free Bird," it’s not just music; it’s a way of life. Those moments were sacred, each listen an act of devotion to the sound that defined your youth.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 17Chart Flashback
1977 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1977 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart sat at #1, and Leo Sayer racked up 3 charting hits.
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!”
“Drumline brain never leaves you — I can't hear Bonham kick this off without my hands twitching through the part. Friday night lights, sticks flying, completely alive.”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“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.”
The Back Page
Your Woman
White Town · 1997
Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1969
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hit me with your pet shark”
…is actually “Hit me with your best shot” — Pat Benatar — Hit Me with Your Best Shot.
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: P-Funk & Boogie
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 №9
FinSpecial Issue · The Classic Rock Highway Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Bad Company
blues rock · 1970–1979
Full Tank, Tape Deck Loaded
- The Countdown · Top 10 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
- Mixtape Map · Inside Classic Rock Highway
- Needle Drop · “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- In Memoriam · Lou Christie
Issue №9
June 12, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
Shotgun's got the map, the tape deck's loaded — let's drive.
We built the whole issue around Classic Rock Highway: Bad Company 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.
Be kind, please rewind, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Classic Rock Highway
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Bad Company
blues rock · 1970–1979
With a gritty sound that echoes the smoky bars of the ‘70s, Bad Company emerged from the UK to deliver blues rock and hard rock anthems that still resonate today. Fronted by the powerful vocals of Paul Rodgers and driven by Simon Kirke’s thunderous drumming, this rock supergroup crafted timeless tracks like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin' Love.” Joining them were guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell, both adding their flair to the band’s unmistakable vibe. Their catalog features classics like “Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy” and the eponymous “Bad Company,” each song a reminder of rock’s rebellious spirit. As the last original members, Kirke and Rodgers continue to carry the torch of a band that defined an era, proving that some sounds never fade away.
“Formed 1973”
The facts
Bad Company in the crate
From the Zine
The Movement
Classic rock reshaped a generation's soul.
In the late 1960s and into the 70s, classic rock emerged as a powerful force, rising up against the polished pop of earlier decades. It was gritty and raw, a sonic rebellion that captured the spirit of youth. Bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who pushed boundaries with epic guitar solos and lyrical depth, giving voice to a generation grappling with social upheaval and existential questions. Songs like "Baba O'Riley" and "Whole Lotta Love" became anthems for those seeking authenticity in a world of manufactured sounds.
At the heart of this movement was the FM dial, where playlists were filled with sprawling tracks that demanded your attention. Double albums felt like scripture, each side a journey unto itself. Kids cranked the volume, letting the music wash over them as they rode in cars with the windows down. The songs weren't just background noise; they were the soundtrack to adventures, heartbreaks, and the promise of freedom. Classic rock mattered because it was more than music—it was a culture, a community, and a call to arms for anyone longing to break free.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Dream On
Aerosmith · 1973 · Hard Rock
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ 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 Full-Tank Road-Trip Singalongs
Buckle up, music lovers! We're hitting the road with our top ten tracks that capture the essence of the open highway. Get ready for a nostalgic ride through the anthems that defined a decade.
- 1Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin · 1971
A magical journey through time, where dreams and reality intertwine in ethereal bliss.
- 2Hotel California
Eagles · 1976
A haunting escape that lingers, capturing the paradox of paradise and entrapment perfectly.
- 3Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1974
A sun-soaked anthem that echoes the carefree spirit of youthful road trips and southern pride.
- 4Baba O'Riley
The Who · 1971
A sonic explosion that transports you to a nostalgic youth filled with freedom and rebellion.
- 5Whole Lotta Love
Led Zeppelin · 1969
An electrifying rush that ignites the soul, leaving you craving more of rock's wild side.
- 6Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1973
A timeless farewell that resonates with the longing for freedom and endless horizons.
- 7Dream On
Aerosmith · 1973
A soaring ballad that reminds us to chase our dreams, no matter how distant they seem.
- 8More Than a Feeling
Boston · 1976
A euphoric blast of nostalgia that sweeps you back to sun-drenched days of youth.
- 9Smoke on the Water
Deep Purple · 1972
A legendary riff that conjures images of smoky nights and unforgettable rock 'n' roll stories.
- 10Go Your Own Way
Fleetwood Mac · 1977
A bittersweet anthem of independence that resonates with anyone who’s ever needed to break free.
Scene Report
Classic Rock Highway
The Sound
The sound of this era is a glorious cacophony of electric guitars, harmonizing vocals, and layered production, all wrapped around an unmistakable groove. Think lush arrangements and those unforgettable radio fades that made every song a classic.
The Look
Picture a world alive with denim jackets, bell-bottoms, and fringed vests. The open road beckoned, with classic cars and van interiors adorned with band stickers, while the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, reflecting the spirit of adventure.
The Artists
Led Zeppelin · The Who · Eagles · Lynyrd Skynyrd · Fleetwood Mac
Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin · 1971
Takin' Care of Business
Bachman-Turner Overdrive · 1973
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Cruisin' Main Street · Family Station Wagon · Friday Night Lights
Scene ReportCassette Clash
Eagles vs. Lynyrd Skynyrd
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| ◀ | 📈 Highest Peak | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
Eagles takes the round.
Hometown advantage, decided in the chorus.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Classic Rock Highway
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Side One, Track One
The needle drops, the journey starts.
📼 The Long Solo
Lighters up, eyes closed.
📼 Highway Anthems
Built for the open road.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1971…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Joy to the World
Three Dog Night
At the movies
- A Clockwork Orange
- Willy Wonka
- Dirty Harry
On TV
- All in the Family
- Columbo
- Soul Train premieres
In the headlines
- Disney World opens
- Intel ships the first microprocessor
- Voting age lowered to 18
From the Zine
The Ritual
Rediscover the rites of classic rock.
You remember it well: the thrill of piling into a car with friends, the anticipation buzzing like the speakers in the backseat. The FM dial crackles to life, and suddenly you’re cruising down the highway with "Sweet Home Alabama" blasting, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink. The world outside blurs, but the sound is crystal clear. Those guitar solos stretch out, inviting you to get lost in the moment, and nobody complains; this is what you live for.
You’ve got your gear—maybe a trusty cassette deck or a turntable that crackles in the best way. You gather at friends’ houses for listening parties, where vinyl spins and the smell of popcorn wafts through the air. Each song becomes a ritual, a shared experience that binds you together. From the first notes of "Hotel California" to the closing chords of "Free Bird," it’s not just music; it’s a way of life. Those moments were sacred, each listen an act of devotion to the sound that defined your youth.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1977 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1977 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart sat at #1, and Leo Sayer racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1977 Top 10
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!”
“Drumline brain never leaves you — I can't hear Bonham kick this off without my hands twitching through the part. Friday night lights, sticks flying, completely alive.”
“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.”
The Back Page
Your Woman
White Town · 1997
Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1969
Misheard for 30 Years
“Hit me with your pet shark”
…is actually “Hit me with your best shot” — Pat Benatar — Hit Me with Your Best Shot.
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: P-Funk & Boogie
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 №9
Fin