Any Love for The Cars?

[MylesBAstor]

Just ponied up for their four reissues on MOFI.

Heartbreak City (their most successful release)
The Cars (sold 6 million copies -- how many groups would die for that today?)
Shake It Up
Candy-O (who can forget that Vargas cover?)

I know some think of them as bubblegum music but Ocasek and group dominated a period when there was dearth of good music. One forgets how their post-punk, minimalism spawned a ton load of hit songs and inspired other groups such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins! Their albums spawned numerous top 40 songs as well as number ones. And The Cars also contributed to the success of the newly established MTV (1981) with their music videos. (what ever happened to music videos?)

Anyone else spinning some Cars discs?

[Alrainbow]

Wow radio music for sure. Maybe I will play some over tidal tonight. Not sure I would buy any though

[Johnny Vinyl]

The first 2 albums you listed are worth owning for sure and deservedly should be included in any rock fan's collection. While I never thought they straddled the line or definition of "bubblegum", their output is quite upbeat and easy to listen to.

[Bill Hart]

I bought the first album recently because it constantly came up in discussions as a great sounding record. That it is, but to my taste, it is too '80s sounding. Though I like the Talking Heads, who were more post-punk than "pop," a lot of that '80's sound -Yamaha synths, boy band melodic hooks, drum machines-leave me wanting more substance. There is a certain "sameness" to it- though I guess that could be said of any "genre" - it isn't something I listen to with regularity. I will put on a dance track every once in a while, just because of the pumping electronically triggered drum sounds, but it isn't part of my regular listening.

[tom_hankins]

Big fan here, also really like Ocasek's sole albums alot. Up there with any of the Cars records imo. Just a little more 80's-ish

[Marcus]

Same here. There was a time when I could listen to the whole Heartbeat City album 4-5 times a day...

[allenh]

Saw them live many, many years ago. Given their music and videos, I was expecting a great show. But the Cars had the most boring show I think I've ever been to, LOL. Ric just got up there and sang song after song while strumming his guitar. No variations of the song, no special effects, no covers, etc. Fun music mind you, but boring show.

I have a few original LPs from when I originally purchased them, but recently purchased the Mofi Greatest Hits.

[Rob]

I heard through friends that went to a lot of concerts back in the day (as I did) that the Cars sucked playing live, it was perpetuated like some urban legend. I guess there was some truth to it.

[Beaur]

I can confirm that. Saw them in 82 I believe. Not very good. Next to a really bad Elvis Coatello concert at MSG in the 90s, the Cars are my worst live concert experience.

[1morerecord2clean]

Trust me, not something I would have touched 40 years ago but I have softened my views, or my head, and I bought all 3 original mint for a buck each at Princeton RE about 7 years ago. Always a fun listen.

[rockitman]

Love their first album. the mofi reissue is great.

[JCOConnell]

I have the first LP (one of my favs) on Nautilus superdisk and its a doosy. I also have greatest hits on dcc lp and that's quite good. I don't really get into all the other albums.

[JCOConnell]

That first album had groundbreaking production values for its time (1978) with incredible dynamics.

[JCOConnell]

I don't know how a standard pressing sounds, but the Nautilus Lp pressing is an outstanding recording.

[1morerecord2clean]

Aren't the originals from George Marino at Sterling? If they are he always did the best work in the studio.

[rockitman]

That first album had groundbreaking production values for its time (1978) with incredible dynamics.

I have the Nautilus too. Excellent sound.

[Alex Siufy]

That first album had groundbreaking production values for its time (1978) with incredible dynamics.

I agree! I kinda like that early 80s/late 70s production style, when it's done right, like here, and on Ultravox "Vienna", for instance. I can't get into their other albums, but that first one is a favorite over here!

[Guest]

Your got your nuclear boots
And your drip dry glove...

Just played the first album - my original on Electra survived the years!
With My Aim is True and The Clash arriving in '77; this one was a year later.
The late seventies were a time of rebirth for rock.