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 (11 Customer Reviews)
Given the mad vogue in the 2000s for the quirky pop of the 1980s, it was only a matter of time until the Cars--one of the '80s most memorable and distinctive bands-- reunited. Yet the New Cars comprises only two of the band's original members, with the most glaring omission being singer and chief songwriter Rik Ocasek. Even stranger than the original frontman's absence is that fact that eccentric popster and longtime cult favorite Todd Rundgren has stepped into Ocasek's shoes.
The New Cars' debut, IT'S ALIVE, revisits 13 of the Cars' classic tracks, including most of their biggest hits: "You Might Think," "Shake It Up," "Let's Go," and "Just What I Needed" among them. Rundgren does a fine job on the vintage material, channeling Ocasek just enough to make the material fly while still being distinctive. Of particular note here are the three new songs written by Rundgren and the band ("Not Tonight" is a highlight), which fit nicely with the more familiar tunes. Overall, this is an intriguing trip down memory lane, and should prove lots of fun for those who missed the Cars the first time around.
Audio Mixer: Todd Rundgren.
Recording information: Big Brother Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Center Staging Studios, Burbank, CA.
The New Cars: Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince, Todd Rundgren.
Personnel: Todd Rundgren (vocals); Elliot Easton (guitar, background vocals); Greg Hawkes (keyboards, background vocals); Kasim Sulton (bass guitar, background vocals); Prairie Prince (drums, background vocals); Kenny Aronoff (drums).
It's Alive Music Review Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews GREAT COMBO
I am an avid Todd Rundgren fan, and have always liked The Cars, but I was a bit leary of the merger. Not to worry. The CD is one of the best of late, and if you like some good rock and roll, buy this CD. "Not Tonight", both the live and studio versions, is worth the price of the CD. Todd is able to sing the Cars as they should be sung, yet add some of his own genius to make it better. Let the music play!
Submitted by ed (Fremont, NE) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 2 of 2 found this helpful.
I'm impressed
As other reviewers has stated, I was not sure how this would work. After listening to the album several times,I am amazed at how Todd pulls off the vocals. If you are a fan of Todd or the Cars, buy this album. It was nice to hear some of the old tunes redone. Great work guys.
Submitted by jhodges (Indianapolis, IN)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful.  New Cars, Not bad
The songs are good, although the old sayings "change is constant" and "nothing ever stays the same" are both evident here. However the CD is another rocker to the Cars collection.
Submitted by type95 (Seattle, WA)
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Ever fall in love?
I did when I heard this. My father is a huge Rundgren fan, and I am a fan of The Cars (insanely so at points). We both love this album. The more hard rock touch to old new wave-pop-rock songs is perfect. I've come to prefer a few of these versions to originals (nothing wrong with the originals at all). I love the three new studio tracks.
Hopefully more in the future.
Submitted by Zee W. (Easton, PA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No A Complete Masterpiece Forward to the Past
Wow, All I can say is Wow! I was concerned when I first heard Rick would not be back, however, this sound is "Exclusively CARS"...Todd does a fantastic job with the vocals..in fact, "Not Tonight" has to be from the moving in stereo project right??Ha Ha..What a wonderful trip down memory lane and a glance at a gret future for this one of a kind band!! Rock On!! Ps: whatever happended to the beautiful girl on the covers?????
Submitted by don (Elizabethton, TN, USA)
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