Candy-O - The Cars | The Midnight Special

The Car performed September 28, 1979
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[@johnpecoraro1720]

Elliot Easton is so bad ass!

[@marcillioficino4663]

Very tasty guitar licks.

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@marcillioficino4663 Super underrated. I agree. His licks were super tasty.

[@ezsmith3765]

E square 🎸 immaculate solos

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@ezsmith3765 They really were. "Just What I Needed" is my favorite.

[@ronaldpauze9260]

Candy O is one of my favorite Cars albums

[@planomathandscience]

Orr sang all their best stuff.

[@pretzellogic101]

Yeah. I remember that Ric once said something like "If it's a good song, I sing it. If it's a great song, Ben sings it.

[@ForceWinds3]

🎯

[@ForceWinds3]

🎯

[@Ibrian8888]

His voice is mind boggling

[@jennbaronas6766]

💯. Fantastic band but Ben’s voice puts this one over the top, IMO.

[@kelseymariel2127]

The rest of him ain’t bad either

[@mnoir8888]

He’s the complete package, imo.

[@misterwirez7731]

Ben Orr was a baritone like Jim Morrison, but Ben could hit the high ones too. Fantastic range.

[@floyd6545]

Kinda has a Bowie sound.

[@ezsmith3765]

When I was about 9-11 years old and my sister about 6-8 years old (so around 1982-85) Our mom kept The Cars cassette in the old Volvo while she’d drag us around town to garage sales, yard sales, flea markets, estate sales, thrift shops... and to her numerous women friends homes who were also into that whole scene. But those Cars tapes (first 3 albums I believe) were on HEAVY rotation through those days. Enough that to this day my sis and I still know all of the lyrics to all of those great songs. I also recall her playing The Beatles, The Doors, Blondie, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, The Moody Blues. But The Cars were (still are) my favorite amongst those groups/artists. Our dad usually had The Stones... -Sticky Fingers -Tattoo You -Hot Rocks 1964-71 Each of our parents (born 1951-52) had massive (1,000+) album collections. They were late 60s-Early 70s Hippies so their albums were of that era -Beatles -Stones -The Who -Cream -Hendrix -Zeppelin -Dylan -CSNY -Grand Funk RR -The Faces -The Yardbirds -Santana -Johnny Winter -Canned Heat -Chicago -T. Rex -Bowie -ABB -Skynyrd -Waylon -Fleetwood Mac(P.Green Years) And on and on and on.... my sister and I are extremely grateful for receiving that heavy exposure to the best era of Rock music there’s ever been and probably ever will be.

[@Jeff-fx1zy]

Some of the best live renditions ever. When live sounds as good as the record on the radio, you know all that you've been hearing/expecting was the real deal.

[@HoursaDay]

Benjamin Orr was so 🤘💃

[@chrisnemec5644]

RIP Ben Orr.

[@vap0rland]

if debbie harry had been a dude . . .

[@jtmichaelson]

As much as I love Heartbeat City, Shake It Up and Door to Door, those first three albums were raw and more energetic. Candy-O, to me at least, is as powerful and amazing as the first album.

[@mournblade1066]

The Cars are probably my favorite band of all time, but _Panorama_ is the only album of theirs I don't care for. ("Touch and Go" is the really only standout track, in my opinion.) But yeah, _Candy-O_ is an absolutely stellar second album.

[@Walker_Bulldog]

Candy-O is my favorite Cars album. There was magic on the radio in those days.

[@sixbladeknife44]

@@Walker_BulldogAs superb as the first album is, the second had an even better flow…also my favorite.

[@boataxe4605]

As a younger person who loved long guitar solos (and still do) I underestimated how good and how tasteful Elliot was. I get it now.

[@ldenorio]

i agree

[@pc2414]

@@ldenorio He was a beast!!

[@ttrcyttrcy1662]

I wish this solo was longer.

[@brettkoranda3922]

Awesome! Candy-O paired with the Shoo-Be-Doo lead in on the album is my favorite Cars tune.

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

They used to open their set this way when I saw them Panorama and Shake it Up tours. They changed it up though with Heatbeat City on their next tour in support of that album.

[@brettkoranda3922]

@@curtisphilumalee1447 I'm envious! I never managed to see The Cars live.

[@christineanderson8864]

❤ Just what my insomnia needed- now I’ll never get to sleep. 😉

[@KittyGrizGriz]

You’ll definitely have “sweet Benjamin” dreams now, eh??

[@christineanderson8864]

@@KittyGrizGriz Absolutely! 😊😍

[@mnoir8888]

3 o’clock in the morning : Benny-O I need you so-o

[@amazingronaldo9656]

Ben Orr's voice was so smooth! He had a great voice!! And it never seemed like much effort for him either! Just so good. This has to be my favorite song of theirs and this album was my favorite. Glad to see another old live version on the YT!

[@chuckt4558]

Elliot is such a beast on guitar.

[@mikeberg5003]

Completely underrated

[@MusicZombieGirl]

Scream....... Goosebumps! Ben is killing it! Elliot is killing it! Thank you Midnight Special! Candy-O... OH

[@rebeccawagner4167]

I love the Midnight Special, cause it was a way to watch your favorite rock groups and enjoy the music 🎶 🎵 you loved to hear. I'm grateful for growing up in this amazing time.

[@WolfRun59]

Such an original and exciting band. Can’t believe Ric and Benjamin are gone. Will treasure memories of seeing them live twice in concert forever.

[@mikeberg5003]

They opened for Styx in L.A. in 1978. The ONLY reason we went was to see the Cars.

[@RodeWerk-Rw]

Another amazing song by The Cars. Thank you, The Midnight Special.

[@lisamccall3258]

Ben orr a mysterious talented guy, he rocked

[@Tiger-ip1me]

One of THE COOLEST SONGS EVER. Great Lead Guitar Solo. Love The Vocals and most importantly I LOVE CANDY O. 😁 ❤

[@smb7647]

They were so tight, absolute perfection live, Elliot is amazing to watch

[@Oklahoma-Dreaming]

Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr were so cool that, when they went swimming in the ocean, they reduced Global Warming by two degrees.

[@greta3315]

❤❤

[@robbuildt8284]

2:02

[@Mankind_-]

Elliot Eastman on guitar was pretty cool too.😎

[@josefinagarza241]

Too cool 😎 Elliot yes

[@MrWaldbums]

No such thing as Global Warming

[@MalcolmDesigns]

Candy O was an incredible album, I almost wore that record out I played it so many times as a 16yo...

[@Bdubbin305]

It's my favorite album, amazing stuff

[@williamwagner557]

Pre MTV Cars were my favorite ❤️

[@Adoptpets833]

Saw Candy-O & the album cover popped into my mind. Brought me back in time. Thank you!

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

Vargas was the artist

[@scottamori3188]

Album art and liner notes are another thing sadly lost to time and digital music. This is a great video.

[@mnoir8888]

Yes, Benjamin has a “great voice.” But as a lifelong singer, this is only half of the equation. His SKILL made him a great singer. He knew how to use and manipulate his high baritone luciousness.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Excellent. Thanks for the time travel back to 1979.

[@Jreb1865]

Ben playin that Ric bass is pure fire...

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

Loved this band and this upload. Raised my daughters on The Cars albums and gave them my Panorama and Shake it Up tour tee shirts. Makes me smile when I see one of them wearing one.

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

Rock on!

[@that70sgirl90]

It was such an honor to have experienced these great bands that graced our stages! Happy Thursday... thank you for sharing! 💖 Happy Holidays! 🎄✨️🎁🦌🎅🤶🧑‍🎄

[@jjohnson8977]

Saw Ben Orr solo years ago several years before he passed. Thanks I got to see him.

[@Oklahoma-Dreaming]

The older I get the harder it is to get out of bed. I did get up at 5AM to feed the cats though. But it’s also the case that the older I get the more I like “The Cars.” Luckily they continued to drive themselves until the end and didn’t go autonomous. I fear for new bands when AI takes over and they have nothing to do except install firmware updates on their instruments.

[@mekugi]

Awesome! Just what I needed.

[@smb7647]

No, that's the other song😅..just kidding 😅

[@mikedrown2721]

I turned 32 years old in 1978😊

[@whywatchitman]

Lucky to see them on September 20th 1979 in Portland Oregon at the Paramount theater. They were great, Ben had this hair color. Saw lots of great bands there, including Pat Benatar on November 23, 1979. Those were the times!

[@stevedanos9866]

The Cars first 2 Albums are BOMB!!!! was a Kid in Jr. High when they came out and worn those albums out! Absolutely love the Cars!!!!

[@robyoung9968]

I wish they hadn’t broken up so early. They were a great band .. They were innovative and ahead of their time.

[@highschoolbigshot]

Crowd clapping keeping perfect 4/4time.

[@pra4snw]

If you've never listened to this album, you are missing something BIG. Best 36:25 you can spend - every song is a gem. It will forever live in the shadow of that first great album, but it is my personal favorite by the band. The sound quality and engineering on the vinyl in great, so even a 40+ year old version sounds great.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

“ Can you help me “ IN?? “. No one ever brings up that line~lyric so there…I did it… Sexy lil’ ditty there Ric,- what a great songwriter he was. Whew Benjamin’s smokin’ 🥵!

[@MusicZombieGirl]

I love it. And Ben moaning OH "Candy-O...OH" wow

[@kelseymariel2127]

Haha he was smokin’ Kitty 🔥

[@kevinmuzerMetalMind64]

RIP Ric and Benjamin 🙏 CARS 🎶 🎵

[@gregoryduncan3067]

"The Dangerous Type" is the only one left, I think. Wow, that was fast 😮.

[@StephanieJeanne]

Noooo!!😛

[@boooootch]

Weird to see Ben with dark hair. I really, really regret not seeing The Cars when I had the chance back in the day. They were a one-of-a-kind band.

[@jossyknight2083]

Thank you The Midnight Special!!! Another great, great, great performance by The Cars, I just can't have enough for this amazing band!!! I love them!!!!! Thanks!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ABdancers]

Fun video to watch of this live Cars performance. It really takes you back to that 1979 vibe which I remember well. Elliot Easton with his sunglasses cool look was an underrated guitar player.

[@TuckerSP2011]

He really is a great guitarist. The whole band was awesome.

[@rippy4freedom]

Tight

[@fumanchu1977]

Cars and Blondie - the bands that invented the 80's

[@22tango79]

Love 'em...and the Beatles' *tomorrow never knows*..., Roxy Music, ...etc...

[@mizzury54]

This is one of my all time favorites of any band. Great song.

[@christianeidsmoe4772]

When I was in 8th grade in 1979 this was the absolute shizzum! I stlll have my original vinyl I bought in L.A. at Soundsations on Sepulveda.

[@ApostleofLoveMedjugorie]

The Cars were in a category of their very own...not exactly rock or New Wave..entrancing hip rhythmic beats...definitely my top 5 favorite of all time!!🎵❤️🙏🎶

[@jaredbracci3529]

The Cars were just COOLER than any other band 😊

[@StephanieJeanne]

Fire alarm Thursday! 🚒🔥 Whew! Such a great song, great band and performance! 😍💜

[@DrummingMan1]

oh you old softy! Tell us how ya really feel ha ha ha ha ha

[@luanamedeiros3556]

Love this performance! ❤ The Cars ❤

[@Bdubbin305]

Elliot Easton is an underrated Guitar God, incredible talent

[@Bdubbin305]

Well aware of that, just talking about music here...take a breath, it's not that serious​@MC-eu1hx

[@pentegarn1]

Coolest band ever. I so remember playing Dungeons and Dragons in then 80s with The Cars on the radio.

[@maria.fernanda277]

I guess you just what I needed ❤ other song of The Cars😊

[@bastidface]

"Candy-O" is my personal favorite Cars album. It rocks like the first album, but with a bit more edge. "Panorama" was a bit out there, but still interesting and well-produced. But the first two albums are solid gold.

[@BobGeogeo]

What a time capsule!😂

[@dougg1075]

I bet this song is nearly impossible to cover. His phrasing … forget it. Awesome tune

[@cdncitizen4700]

The Cars' members quirkiness, each layered with unique timing, sounds and vocal inflections, creating crafty rock masterpieces... could never be replicated as brilliantly as the original.

[@gogoyubari366]

Guitar solo sends shivers down my spine!

[@RoberttAvro]

What a great musical moment that was. The studio version too. Impressive.

[@DrummingMan1]

I love this organization! But the clap track I mean, come on!

[@mnoir8888]

It’s the audience, damn them

[@animemanganet]

@@mnoir8888 How dare they enjoy the performance! ~shakes fist at them~

[@Merylstreep1949]

Kick ass

[@cindywall685]

Oh I miss Benjamin 😢

[@animemanganet]

At least we have videos! : )

[@jct300m]

Nothing at all today could come close..............

[@LaurieMarieValdezRNCCRN]

❤❤BOSTON🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@user-de1ts3ju6h]

Thank God someone cares about propagating talented people. Thank you Burt and co.

[@lovebuzz1979]

Elliot Eastman!! Enough said❤

[@ellab8897]

You're probably a victim of autocorrect: *Easton

[@rodrigogoncalves5140]

Ric Ocasek grande gênio, compositor fantástico. Era uma figura um pouco estranha, mas a alma da banda, ainda permitindo que o Benjamin Orr cantasse algumas músicas

[@FleagleSangria]

Fantastic stuff! Such a talented band. I dont think they got recognized as the great musicianship they displayed. Lead guitar smokes. New wave pop electronic rock quirk masters. Them a Talking Heads 💯

[@tonyowens6802]

100% LIVE!! Take that modern music…

[@richalderson6069]

Judging from the two separate performances The Cars did for the Midnight Special, I can't figure out if Ben Orr's is either a natural blonde or brunette! But he was without doubt an exceptional vocalist and bass player who left us far too soon.

[@kelseymariel2127]

Brunette.

[@richalderson6069]

@@kelseymariel2127 OK!

[@animemanganet]

He was talented and hot either way :D

[@richalderson6069]

@@animemanganet Goes without saying....

[@ezsmith3765]

I’ve now seen EE playing what I call “The BIG4” of guitars -Gibson Les Paul -Fender Telecaster -Fender Stratocaster -Gibson SG

[@OrdoSanctiBenedictus]

most underrated band ever

[@user-ko8qb4rg1m]

Elliott Easton Rocks 🎸

[@nicksahadi5696]

My absolute favorite Cars tune! 🍭💁‍♀️

[@richardcolemanrock]

Candy- O. A classic 🖤🔥 🚗 🚙

[@danw.7483]

Benjamin Orr = Definition of cool.

[@feltongailey8987]

What a gorgeous album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chrisstewart7438]

My favorite song they made loved it

[@MoscowPhotog]

The cross-star filters on the cameras are classic!

[@TimEric4d3d3d3]

This sound is so futuristic! The album comes out in 2079

[@franklinhernandez683]

I wasn't that much into all that but I lived through all that to the 70s 80s and I remember having all the records for no reason at all when I was actually listening to all the the the pop songs and stuff but they were friends I love them daylight the weirdest people that that was when things were fun even when I heard the records like what is that when he sang Candy-O why can't those times come back one day again

[@BigRWright1]

I saw them on Dec. 28 1978 with Ted Nugent at the Pontiac Silverdome. Awesome then and still awesome today.

[@outtathyme5679]

T Rex clearly an influence

[@herecomesforego1787]

Yeah especially in dangerous type

[@Mankind_-]

My car loves the Cars.😊

[@yoshiyaz5882]

👍😃

[@michaelfarar4232]

They created their own Genre

[@lizzardwizard2000]

I didn’t like them much back then because they got so much airplay on FM radio. 40 years later, I’m a fan. Band was flawless looking at their live performances on KZbin.

[@grouchosays]

Same here!!!!

[@ezsmith3765]

I cannot get over how tight this band was. By “tight” I’m talking about obvious countless hours of practice and rehearsals. 5 guys all in tune with their instruments as well as with one another. It’s honestly not all that common to see a band this tight. To name a few that I am aware of.... -Steely Dan -Allman Bros -Boston -Original (Real) Skynyrd -The Beatles -Early Zeppelin

[@patk4244]

Seen them twice w headeast reo. A good concert

[@edwardrojo7175]

Can't understand why they didn't boost the mix to drown out so much of the hand clapping LOL!!!

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

As a 13 year old when I first saw the album cover, I knew I had to have it...even though I hadn't heard a single track! Then I heard "Let's Go", and my male instinct proved correct. 🤣

[@terric703]

They sound better here than on any studio recording. Why is that? It's not just them. A lot of bands sounds better live.

[@boataxe4605]

Too much overthinking in the studio.

[@rhgamecock1]

Orr was great. I am just now noticing that he must have been heavily influenced by David Bowie.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Could be, I know the song writing skills of Ric O. remind me a lot of Bowie, very quirky indeed. Roy Orbison was Benjamin’s favorite musician; he was very pleased to procure Roy’s autograph ✍️

[@animemanganet]

Benjamin's first bands were actually rockabilly. He wrote a few songs but was never confident in his ability. But definitely Benjamin was a very fashionable person!

[@P51]

these guy were IT for me in the '80s. not too charismatic live though!

[@StephanieJeanne]

I've never seen them live other than this. They have a powerful presence, though. Don't you think?

[@P51]

absolutley. they we're a stark contrast to the flashy shows of the '80s@@StephanieJeanne

[@eric_in_florida]

They were more about looking cool than jumping around on stage.

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

They weren’t flashy but their music was tight. Saw them at the Kaplan arena at William and Mary on their Panorama tour. By far the best sounding tour of three I saw as the other two were in much larger venues.

[@P51]

100% @@curtisphilumalee1447

[@meredithinserra4670]

I much prefer Ben Orr's vocals to Rick's. Ben's voice is very masculine, full of vigor, and power. Rick's voice is almost cartoon-ish sounding, a little silly sounding, and frankly Rick's voice annoys me. Also, Ben was HOT!

[@curlyfries5095]

Lead singer playing bass guitar, Ben Orr rocks!

[@robbunn692]

Weird song, but very cool.

[@kathymarie8566]

This is when I knew God loved me.......because he created Benjamin.Orr🎶🔥🎵

[@simonmarsden66]

Groundbreaking: They have mullets 10 years before they were unfashionable