| | Cars CD Cars Discography of CDs
 (4 Customer Reviews)
All tracks have been digitally remastered using HDCD technology.
Ric Ocasek's songs were influenced by the Velvet Underground and the punk rock movement, but had a slick pop/rock sheen which proved very successful. After a demo version of "Just What I Needed" became a listener favorite on WBCN in Boston (the bands' homebase), they were pursued by record companies. THE CARS was recorded in 2 weeks in London, England.
This ranks as one of the best debut albums from a rock band. The Cars are filed under rock, but they are closer to power pop than any other genre. Ric Ocasek sounded like a cross between the Raspberries and Television, punk sound with a pop attitude. The giveaway was the irresistible harmony-ridden hooks in just about every one of his songs. Listen again to "You're All I've Got Tonight," "Just What I Needed" or "My Best Friend's Girl" and be thrilled. Lots of chunka chunka guitar and Mamas And Papas harmonies, and rarely a dull moment. They managed only six albums in 20 years, but they never bettered this.
In the late '70s and early '80s, the Cars were the commercially acceptable face of American new wave. The fact that they were hailed as both pop breakthrough and aesthetic success speaks volumes about their singular artistic vision. As evidenced by their 1978 debut, they achieved this by combining old (AOR-inspired vocal harmonies and choruses, Elliot Easton's guitar) and new (Ric Ocasek's alienated lyrics and deadpan delivery, Greg Hawkes swooping, bleeping synths, drummer David Robinson's mix of acoustic and electronic sound sources).
In that spirit, traditional rock subjects/structures are given an irony-laden new wave sheen on "Let the Good Times Roll" and "My Best Friend's Girl." At the same time, the Cars ventured further into the future of rock & roll with modoy, futuristic-sounding tunes like "I'm in Touch With Your World" and "Moving in Stereo," marked by Ocasek's trademark elliptical wordplay.
Digitally remastered by Steve Hoffman (February 1993).
Recorded at AIR Recording Studios, London, England in February, 1978.
Recorded at AIR Studios, London, England in Feburary, 1978.
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (guitar, vocals), Elliot Easton (lead guitar, background vocals), Gregg Hawkes (keyboards, saxophone, percussion, background vocals), Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals), David Robinson (drums, percussion, background vocals).
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar); Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar); Greg Hawkes (keyboards); David Robinson (drums).
Producer: Roy Thomas Baker.
Compilation producer: David McLees.
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar); Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Gregg Hawkes (keyboards, saxophone, percussion, background vocals); David Robinson (drums, percussion, background vocals).
Q (8/99, p.122) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...coming across like a new wave band, while acheiving mainstream success....Their slick, sparse, proto-synth-studded sound [is] effectively captured..." Cars Music | List Price | $7.98 (You save $1.93) | | Category | Rock Albums, Pop CDs, HDCD, Rock/Pop, New Wave | | Label | Elektra | | Orig Year | 1978 | | All Time Sales Rank |  1663  | | CD Universe Part number | 1095197 | | Catalog number | 135 | | Discs | 1 | | Release Date | Oct 25, 1990 | | Studio/Live | Studio | | Mono/Stereo | Stereo | | Producer | Roy Thomas Baker | | Engineer | Geoff Workman | | Recording Time | 35 minutes | | Personnel | Elliot Easton - guitar, background vocals
David Robinson - drums, percussion, background vocals
Ric Ocasek - vocals, guitar
Greg Hawkes - keyboards, saxophone, percussion, background vocals
Benjamin Orr - vocals, bass
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Cars Music Review Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)   A defining moment in music
A revolutionary album, the Cars' first effort has been called their true greatest hits package because most of the material is so familiar. More significantly, it has stood the test of time. "Just What I Needed" is Ben Orr's signature vocal while co-vocalist Ric Ocasek shines on "Best Friend's Girl" and others. Orr's tremendous sound continues on "Bye Bye Love" and "Moving in Stereo."
Submitted by David (Boston, MA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 2 of 2 found this helpful.
THE DEFINITION OF A CLASSIC
What more can be said about the Cars'freshman effort? "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl", "Moving In Stereo", "Bye,Bye,Love". Truly great rock and roll with a new wave twist. Only "Candy-O" would equal it, with "Panorama" coming darn close. A requirement for any respectable rock music collection.
Submitted by a reviewer (Kennewick, WA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful.  Rock at its best
The Cars are the cream of the trippy rock crop, and this cd exhibits their crazy skills.
Submitted by El Pedro (Bad Trip, California)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
 Best Rock New Wave Album Ever!
I guess you should buy this one, this
one is the best out of the Cars top rate. The good songs such as My Best
Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, &
Bye Bye Love are here and that I could
listen to, however Bye Bye Love is one
track I really like but I don't really
think that's one that the Cars would cover anyhow. Just a great album, need
to buy it.
Submitted by Tonyhwk99 (Napa, CA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
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Purchase Cars CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Cars Candy-O CD (1979)
Cars
 $5.99  
On their second album, the Cars take a small step to the left. While remaining a solidly mainstream new wave band (as they would throughout their career), the group gets a bit artier on CANDY-O, with impressive results. Like many of their peers, the band began to accentuate the angular, electronic/futuristic aspect of their sound, exploiting its inorganic quality for maximum irony and detachment.
On "Got a Lot on My Head" and "Double Life," Ric Ocasek seems ever more the alienated geek content to crack wise in a world he made from a do-it-yourself science kit. Ben Orr lends a slightly more emotive (but no less ominous) feel to the glossy, metallic surface of the title tune and the infectious "Let's Go." Ocasek's hipness quotient is displayed in the unconventional "Shoo Be Doo," a short, strange homage to his heroes/pals Suicide.
Live Recording
Digitally remastered by Joe Gastwirt.
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar); Ben Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Greg Hawkes (keyboards, background vocals); David Robinson (drums).
| | Cars Panorama CD (1980)
Cars
$7.09
PANORAMA takes the forward-looking electronic soundscapes of CANDY-O and fashions them into driving, catchy pop tunes. Its both the most urgent and the most angular of the Cars' recordings, as the band's self-consciousness modernism works overtime to achieve maximum accessibility. If that sounds like a compromise, think again; "Misfit Kid" and "You Wear Those Eyes" are a couple of the most trenchant compositions in the band's career, and the unrelenting power of the hooks in "Touch and Go" and "Up and Down" blows right by any superficial notions of "selling out" (as if the Cars were ever anything other than a perfect pop conglomerate to begin with).
All tracks have been digitally remastered using HDCD technology.
Live Recording
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar); Ben Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Greg Hawkes (keyboards, background vocals); David Robinson (drums, percussion).
| | Cars Shake It Up CD (1981)
Cars
$5.99
SHAKE IT UP, the Cars' fourth album, catches the group at a pivotal point in their career. They teetered on the precipice of overproduction and vapidity just long enough to produce this classic recording before losing their already-contested credibility. The group's trademark detachment and irony seem more like devices than a way of life here, and SHAKE IT UP is certainly the sprightliest, most listener-friendly of all the Cars' albums. The moody electronic textures that enliven "Cruiser" and "Victim of Love" are simply a means to a very effective end. And on "Since You're Gone" and the title cut, the group achieves the pop nirvana with which they'd always flirted.
Live Recording
Recorded at Synchro Sound Studios, Boston.
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar); Ben Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Greg Hawkes (keyboards, background vocals); David Robinson (drums, background vocals).
| | Beatles Abbey Road CD (1969)
Cars
$16.15
ABBEY ROAD, recorded in the summer of 1969, was the last album recorded by the Beatles (LET IT BE was released in 1970, but recorded in early '69).
After the laborious disorganization and infighting that characterized early 1969's LET IT BE sessions (as famously captured on film), the fractious four were willing to let George Martin take the reins and to work with him as a cohesive unit for the much more succinct production of their (and the decade's) swan song, ABBEY ROAD. The superb performances make the album an artistic high point for all members of the group. Paul McCartney inspired the suite of songs that begins with "You Never Give Me Your Money." Often thought of as two long medleys, the songs that fill most of the second half of ABBEY ROAD segue seamlessly into one another, but are programmed as separate CD tracks. George Harrison had his first A-side on a Beatles' single ("Something"); John Lennon contributed a pair of heavy rockers ("Come Together" and "I Want You"); and Ringo Starr's "Octopus's Garden" was a favorite with children.
The Beatles: Paul McCartney (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass); John Lennon (vocals, guitar, keyboards); George Harrison (vocals, guitar, synthesizer); Ringo Starr (vocals, drums, percussion).
| | VH1 Presents The Corrs Live In Dublin CD (2002)
Cars
$6.39
This audio document of The Corrs' Dublin homecoming concert has pretty much everything fans of Irish pop could wish for, including an appearance from Bono in his earthly incarnation, fresh from an audience with President George W. Bush. It's to the band's credit that the charismatic singer fails to steal the show, despite creditable efforts via an anthemized version of Ryan Adams' beautifully downtempo "When the Stars Go Blue," and a great, leering rendition of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra's "Summer Wine."
Somewhat more mysteriously, Rolling Stone Ron Wood also turns up on what sounds dangerously close to a lounge version of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," but this minor faux pas is redeemed by the Irish folk medley "Joy of Life/Trout in the Bath" which arguably features more full-on Irishness than the Dublin production of RIVERDANCE. There's also a lovely rendition of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" that's topped only by Ron Wood's reappearance on a finale of the Stones' "Ruby Tuesday." VH1 PRESENTS THE CORRS LIVE IN DUBLIN is a fine mix of the band's greatest hits with a few well-chosen covers, which will doubtless reach out to new fans and longtime Corrs aficionados alike.
Recorded at Ardmore Studios in Dublin, Ireland in January 2002.
The Corrs: Jim Corr (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Sharon Corr (vocals, violin); Andrea Corr (vocals, tin whistle); Caroline Corr (vocals, drums, bodhran, percussion).
| | Cars Heartbeat City CD (1984)
Cars
$6.05
Coming off the 1981 hit album and single SHAKE IT UP, the Cars took the next few years off to pursue other areas of interest (Ric Ocasek released his '82 solo debut, BEATITUDE) and record it's follow-up. Buoyed by the high-gloss production sheen of Robert John "Mutt" Lange, HEARTBEAT CITY yielded such hit singles/videos as the the moody, transcendent "Drive," the poppy, almost ELO-like "Magic," and "You Might Think," which hews closest to the band's previous work. Though the band peaked artistically in 1980 with PANORAMA, this was the Cars' commercial pinnacle. Both "You Might Think" and "Magic" were anthems for the summer of 1984, while "Hello Again" showed that the band could still be quirky and achieve chart success.
Live Recording
Recorded at Battery Studios, London, England.
The Cars: Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Ben Orr (vocals, bass); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Greg Hawkes (keyboards, background vocals); David Robinson (drums, percussion).
| | Mr Scruff Honeydew (1999)
Cars
$8.25
Cd5
| | Various CD (2004) (Import) Bonus DVD; Japan
Cars
$61.75
Includes a bonus DVD (NTSC/RC-2).
| | Macaco Entre Raices Y Antenas CD (2005) Import; Special Edition
Cars
$47.49
2CD special edition divided into "De La Raiz A La Antena" and "De La Antena A La Raiz". Includes 10 bonus tracks.
This two-disc release includes ten bonus tracks
| | Woof 7 Inches CD (2005)
Cars
$19.55
One of the Ad Hoc label's first objectives has been to reissue the complete catalog of Woof Records, a small independent imprint directed by Tim Hodgkinson and Bill Gilonis in the '80s. Woof 7 Inches culls the EPs and singles released on the label between 1980 and 1984 by the Hodgkinson/Gilonis duo, the Work, and the Lowest Note. Some of these tracks were already available on CD, but it makes sense to have them all in one place, and the album as a whole makes a very fine listen of British avant pop at a time when the majority were emulating "Mr. Roboto." First up is the Hodgkinson/Gilonis material, home recordings released in 1980 as the EP I Do -- I Do -- I Don't -- I Don't. Harsh-sounding experiments in pop deconstructionism, these tunes are packed with good and not-so-good ideas and provide important context to the history of the Work, a group consisting of the aforementioned two plus drummer Rick Wilson and guitarist Mick Hobbs. From the Work there is a contribution to the 1980 compilation LP Miniatures, the three-track single I Hate America, the Recommended Records Sampler track "Houdini," and the 1992 piece "Scream Circle." All of these are available as bonus tracks on CD reissues of the Work's albums. "I Hate America" and "Houdini" pack a lot of punch, blending punk angst, rock stance, and avant-garde flair. The collection finally comes down to the Lowest Note, a shape-shifting group spearheaded by Andy Bole, Sven Halo, and Billy Rebel. Their songs come closer to the pop format and are extremely rich in arrangements, instruments, and homespun studio wizardry. Included are the tracks from the singles The Lowest Note on the Organ and Piggy Bank; three "outtakes" from Bole's first solo LP, Ramshackle Pier (also included on Ad Hoc's reissue of that album); and a live rendition of "Jane" (retitled "Naiwabi") featuring Bole, Gilonis, singer Catherine Jauniaux, and a drummer. "Jane," "Piggy Bank," and "Trial By Silhouette" still sound as quirky and fresh as when they were recorded. Fans of the avant-garde pop/rock scene that developed in the '80s and '90s around labels like Recommended, RecRec, and even in the first years of Ambiances Magnétiques deserve to hear this material, along with Things from the Past, a similar Ad Hoc compilation culling the material released by the collective MCCB (Mass Culture Control Bureau). ~ François Couture
Various Artists/Woof: Bill Gilonis (various instruments, bass guitar); Bole (guitar); Tim Hodgkinson (Hawaiian steel guitar); Mick Hobbs (bass guitar); Stefan Van Karo (drums); Rick Wilson, Nick Harrison, Sven Halo, Billy Rebel, Ted Barrow, Trevor Goronwy, Alig, Maggie Thomas, Catherine Jauniaux.
Personnel: Tim Hodgkinson (vocals, guitar, baritone saxophone, organ); Rick Wilson (vocals, drums, percussion); Catherine Jauniaux (vocals); Bill Gilonis (guitar, keyboards); Mick Hobbs (guitar); Nick Harrison (flute).
Recording information: 52 Acre Lane (01/1981-??/1983); 52 Rue Paul Lauters (01/1981-??/1983); Balham, South London, England (01/1981-??/1983); Cold Storage, London, England (01/1981-??/1983); Sunrise Studio, Kirchberg, Switzerland (01/1981-??/1983); Ton-Zeit-Ton, Basel, Switzerland (01/1981-??/1983).
| | Mayo Okamoto Omoideni Dekinakute CD (Import)
$9.99 | | Barbara Theatre Des Varietes 1974 CD (2007)
Cars
$31.45
Track Listing of songs: Intro; Chapeau Bas; Remusat; Quand Ceux Qui Vont; Drouot; L'indien; Marienbad; Y'aura Du Monde; Perlimpinpin; Toi; Parce Que Je T'aime; Mon Enfance; Mourir Pour Mourir; Amours Incestueuses; La Louve; Le Minotaure; L'enfant Laboureur; Peine; Ma Plus Belle Histoire D'amour; Hop Là; L'homme En Habit Rouge; Mes Hommes; Nantes; Le Mal De Vivre; L'aigle Noir;
| | Underground Hits & Exclusive Bits Three Underground Hits & Exclusive Bits Three CD (2008) (Import)
Cars
$13.15
Third compilation already! Blimey, time does fly, and with it some artists come and go. Over the past twelve months or so, though, weve been lucky enough to hook up with a number of exciting talents and welcome them to the Wah Wah 45s family. This selection kicks off with the smoky vocals of East London chanteuse Stac, a friend of the label for some time now, whos not alone in joining the Wah Wah fold. We also welcome Sheffields Middlewood Sessions, delivering a pair of 21st Century jazz crackers from the North-East, and two brand new signings the incredible Ashley Thomas, and our friends from Brighton, the very soulful Hardkandy - who both have albums coming on Wah Wah 45s in the first part of this year. Other acts continue to progress on the label Luna & Bazis come through with a very hip re-working of the tune that featured on the last compilation, Speeka deliver one of the instrumental highlights off their brilliant Bonfire album, and the Colman Brothers do what they do best with their latest club jazz killer. Our favourite young bucks are also on display with Jamie Finlay dropping a couple of quality cuts (in anticipation of his debut album, Pocket Science, out later this year) and Scrimshire debuting a brand new joint, and vocal talent, with Mistaken. Relative old timers, and the best band in the world, Talc, are back too of course, with a little teaser from their new album Licensed Premises Lifestyle, out very soon too. All very exciting!
| | Markus VAisAnen Taipale CD (2009) (Import)
Cars
$19.39
"Taipale" is the first solo album by guitar player Markus Väisänen. In this Instrumental CD Finnish sauna meets folk-jazz-rock. Seven compositions by Markus have a good amount of improvisation and some famous finnish top musicians are playin on album: Kepa Kettunen (drs), Jukka Eskola (flugelhorn), Antti Vuorenmaa (lap- and pedalsteel) to mention a few.A bit of progressive rock-sound also.
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