Cars - Gary Numan | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@NathanWind99]

These synth sounds were literally unheard of by most people in 1979. Numan sounded like a robot, the synths sounded like the future and it blew away that last remnants of disco. Yes, the 80s overused synths to a ridiculous degree but in the beginning it was new and exciting.

[@AC-gw4qu]

":sounded like the future" is a great way to put it. A little bit scary, a little bit trippy, and completely transfixing. Loud in a club that's not yet too busy was a great way to hear this.

[@Phoenix85006]

Perfect description 👍

[@amyz2837]

Agreed. Alex always judges these 80s tunes by today's ear, by which they do sound a little processed or tinny. But back then, the sounds were amazing because we hadn't heard anything like it. They were exciting.

[@duanechapman5810]

Cars was my very first New Wave song. I remember buying this record on a 45. And it was just so cool I think I probably played played this record a thousand times... The sound was just so different it was totally different than traditional '70s rhythm and blues rock music that was popular.

[@jodavey7709]

Very Kraftwerk

[@gamedaddy9323]

“I Got You” by Split Enz is one of the best early examples of what New Wave music was about coming out of the disco era and moving into 1980. Rock with a futuristic twist, guitar-oriented with tasteful synths. Great song with an amazing hook.

[@stewartnewman6365]

Game Daddy; I agree with your observation about Split Enz - great new wave catalogue there. Were they successful in the States though? A & A may not have heard of them.

[@Dr_Bombay]

@@stewartnewman6365 the Split Enz were fantastic, and often overlooked! all hail the Finn brothers. yeah, they had a couple hits in the US that i know of: "I Got You" "One Step Ahead" and "History Never Repeats" -- maybe more?

[@jwine4145]

I See Red is one of my favorite tunes by Split Enz 😎

[@sundellorama]

Early pre-New Wave Split Enz, too - interesting quirky prog rock.

[@davelayne6857]

Early pre-New Wave (and pre-Neil) Split Enz is so much better than the New Wave version. Bizarre imagery, unusual music, and widely rejected for how odd they were in the early '70s. That said, "I Got You" is a great example of New Wave.

[@moog67]

Missing Persons had a classic new wave sound but were also very guitar oriented too. "Mental Hopscotch", "Words", "Walking in L.A." and "Destination Unknown" are all great examples.

[@DanielOrion74]

I believe with the exception of one band member, everyone else were ex-Zappa band members. That's an incredible entry on anyone's resume and it showed...their music was incredibly nuanced and top notch. These guys are up there with Duran Duran, The Cure, Depeche and a few others IMO in that yes they were pop hit makers but also top notch musicians in their own right.

[@MattKrogmeier]

And Dale Bozzio will perfectly illustrate where Gaga got her fashion sense. 😉

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Terry Bozzio on drums. Great stuff.

[@katelynneshouse2834]

A woefully under-recognized and absolutely fantastic band!

[@PrudeyNoid]

@@MattKrogmeier I was 14 and Loved the Missing Persons - Spring Session M album. I wanted my haired dyed like Dale Bozzio's so bad but my mom wouldn't let me. We lived in rural Michigan and bleach blond hair with hot pink tips was just not something you'd see. :) Mom wasn't a fan of the acrylic bra either. :D

[@3ggshe11s]

I was 8 years old when this song was popular, and I remember absolutely loving it. It was a hugely radical change from what was on the radio. This was the sound of a totally new future, with instruments and sounds that no one had conceived of before. It felt like we were on the frontier of something limitless and uncharted.

[@heathcliff8624]

"Are Friends Electric" by Numan's band Tubeway Army is a must. The NIN covers of Numan are great.

[@lindamckenzie6544]

Are Friends Electric is my fave Numan/Tubeway Army song.

[@ednicholson7839]

Yeah, that and "Me I Disconnect From You"

[@jokermtb]

@@ednicholson7839 another earworm!

[@simply_psi]

So much better than Cars, much more Avant-garde and darker more complex lyrics

[@GaryFÓBrien]

@@simply_psi For darker listen to the B side of Cars single, Asylum

[@PaintedCavern]

This song sounds as ahead of its time now as it did in 79. ❤❤❤

[@PaintedCavern]

Also Are Friends Electric?

[@davidleary4524]

This song still feels futuristic over 40 years later.

[@ButterCookie1984]

Yes!

[@CH-gb7hf]

I agree, Kraftwerk songs do too.

[@BruceHoult]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned Gary is still making unique music today, now performing with his daughter, Persia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3itqoOIndeceJY

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@CH-gb7hf Now you are talking

[@davidfisher8821]

Gary Numan is an anomaly….he blazed a path with synth pop, then faded away after a few albums. His influence was felt for decades, then few years ago he resurfaced with three albums, Splinter, Savage and Intruder…possibly his best work ever. He’s the only “New Wave” era artist I can think of that has staged such an amazing comeback. Gary is amazing, his success so well deserved!

[@direnova6284]

He faded away because of a campaign of hate by the music press who mocked him for stuff they didn't have the wit to understand.

[@We_are_therians-67893]

"I am Ruin", on the Savage album is utterly astonishing, the whole album is amazing, but that track is just sublime...

[@bondpyant5730]

Gary Numan - The unsung Father of DEVO

[@DreamsSketcher]

Well that went better than expected. I thought Alex may throw up with it being so synthy and in that era. Starting to realize that Andy is the guy totally into atmospheric moody music in the corner at a party. Gets it. Nights in White Satin, How soon is now, and this. He loves getting transported by those unusual sounds. Cool.

[@alexjbennett1017]

Yes, totally agreed, and total props for it!! It surfaced in his reaction to Pink Floyd's "Echoes."

[@badkitty4922]

Very true!

[@David-iv6je]

Dunno why this occurred to me, but I realized while listening to this that A&A had done no solo Peter Gabriel. What an oversight! Some of his late 70s and 80s stuff can be a little new wavy, but so unique that we should call it Gabriel Wave. Solsbury Hill is a must but 70s rock. Games without Frontiers (80) was popular, especially in Europe. Shock the Monkey Might (81) was not my fave, but was big and has a funky Gabriel novelty. But I prefer "The Rhythm of the Heat" or "San Jacinto" from the same album (Security or 4)

[@DreamsSketcher]

@@David-iv6je I had the same artist in mind! He was pushing it at the time- sound and videos. Of course Sledgehammer comes to mind.

[@spyretto]

Actually I thought that particular version was quite organic, we are used to mixes of that song that are more "bombastic" and "full". Probably the original 1979 mix.

[@susanaltman5134]

For innovative use of synthesizers, you could listen to "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer from 1977. Also very futuristic.

[@davidserlin8097]

Agreed. But that was all due to Giorgio Moroder, who programmed the synthesizers and drum machines to make that classic!

[@bretcantwell4921]

Popcorn. Both Gershon Kingley version and the Hot Butter version were great early maximization of synth.

[@tomtompkins7546]

Straight up rock-and-roller here, but I have always loved, loved, loved this song. A total classic.

[@dalt992]

Listen to Numan's album "Pleasure Principle" if you haven't already. I am also a rocker and that album is amazing. It's all synths but it's HEAVY! Great music.

[@chariotdrvr14]

Gary Numan was the master of synth minimalism. Every note, every percussive hit all meticulously planned in the production. He's still busy with music and evolving.

[@silverburst6123]

Thomas Dolby’s Blinded Me With Science is one of the best songs in this genre.

[@Grizazzle]

But FAR from Dolby's best song!

[@jeffcobb2734]

Yes, but I really like "Hyperactive" better.

[@no2all]

Dolby's "Astronauts and Heretics" album is sublime. The "Eastern Bloc" song features Eddie Van Halen going to town...a great album all around.

[@MrEarley]

Dolby's in a whole different league.

[@marcusbishop8936]

His stuff with Prefab Sprout was fantastic too

[@dalekidd420]

Yeah, this one was definitely one of THE anthems of the New Wave movement. There were a few others along with it, but Numan was certainly a trend-setter in the genre.

[@tripdad]

When this came out, it was VERY different and hit hard.

[@peterstean2138]

You need to appreciate that the incredible sounds that they were managing to squeeze from these relatively primitive machines in the late '70s was jaw-dropping for the time.... Also worth noting is that of course for the most part they used a real (and very talented) drummer rather than a drum machine...

[@lubilou64]

Around the same time this came out in the UK, XTC charted with Making Plans for Nigel... I'd love you to react to that. That's proper New Wave too!

[@rokkkrinn2793]

Primus did an amazing cover of this on their covers ep Miscellaneous Debris. Also Gabriel's Intruder.

[@logan291sal]

YESSS Making Plans for Nigel is one of my new favorites! SO GOOD!

[@SpuddySpud]

XTC is an amazing band. Partridge and Moulding both brilliant musicians and songwriters.

[@WilliamHesse]

They listened to XTC in a live stream, but someone suggested "Dear God", and they listened to that. Really one of their worst songs, musically.

[@SpuddySpud]

@@WilliamHesse I mean, it's a fine song, but I'd take a dozen of their songs ahead of it. You could (metaphorically) throw a dart at English Settlement, Oranges and Lemons, Mummer, Apple Venus 1, Nonesuch, and hit a better song. Their later stuff is their best IMO

[@mamamac70]

Keep in mind that when this came out there wasn't anything else really like it on MTV or radio. It was a real banger.

[@jasonward9429]

Probably because MTV didn't exist in 1979

[@Jillyconjem]

I graduated high school in ‘79. I very much remember buying this single. I bought “Pop Muzik” by M at the same time. Both fun and great tunes. Glad you guys liked this! 💜💜💜

[@SpuddySpud]

Those squelchy synth sounds when he says "New York London Paris Munich..." An irresistible groove.

[@jamie4993]

I suspect "Pop Muzik" might be a bridge too far for the fellas. But it would be a fun watch.

[@badkitty4922]

I'm in my early 50s and I STILL get Pop Music and Cars stuck in my head from time to time, lol! 👍👍

[@badkitty4922]

I'm in my early 50s and I STILL get Pop Music and Cars stuck in my head from time to time, lol! 👍👍

[@badkitty4922]

I'm in my early 50s and I STILL get Pop Music and Cars stuck in my head from time to time, lol! 👍👍

[@paulkazakoff9231]

I saw Split Enz about 4 times thru the late 70's and 80's and were always good.Very entertaining shows.Had a lot of great tunes.First time they supported Frank Zappa and I can tell you that Frank was very impressed and remember him saying, boy we're goin' to have to be on our game tonight after following this amazing performance.I think he was a bit worried.He and the Mothers were great and overall one of my favorite concerts of the 1970's.

[@AmalgaMem]

Andy, if you like this, you’ll love Devo. Try “Whip It,” their cover of the Stones’ “Satisfaction,” or my favorite, “Girl U Want.” For the wackier side of new wave, you gotta hear the B-52s’ “Rock Lobster.”

[@allisonreed7682]

I love the Devo song “Freedom of Choice.” And the video is EPIC.

[@painless465]

"uncontrollable urge" is the one!

[@burmajones803]

WHEN they do Rock Lobster, it has to be the album version. Gotta get the full version for the full zanyness that is B-52s.

[@janpowell9957]

*and* there must be dancing. There's a law against remaining seated when the Lobster is on.

[@Samaelthekind]

preferably the grainy black and white footage of the live club performance of Lobster in like 78 or 79 in some boiling hot place in Atlanta (I think). wish I'd seen em live back then...but I can't forget the day a friend recorded a late night radio show that played alt-rock/punk/new wave and brought the cassette out to play it for me...including Rock Lobster.

[@nortonmalcontent8778]

A couple of other Gary Numan songs worth checking out are "Down in the Park" and "Are 'Friends' Electric" from when he was in a band called Tubeway Army.

[@andrewwalker844]

Foo Fighters covered Down In The Park

[@victorhawkins3461]

If you "loved" this, you should GROOVE on "Are Friends Electric?" or "Down in the Park" from his earlier Tubeway Army days. By the time "Cars" came out, he was damn near mainstream, at least among the audiences of the FM station I was working at during this time.

[@Rookmark]

"Down in the Park" is still on my regular rotation to this day. The Foo Fighters did a passable cover of it.

[@mikejonah2269]

Absolutely spot on victor , Telekon to this day is still my fave album of all time and at 60 ive heard many

[@stu2333]

Agreed Victor

[@kennethjimenez5185]

This song is famously all about the synth but that drumming is the secret weapon that makes this song pop.

[@coolbadger6]

Can’t remember if you guys have hit Devo, but they are at the forefront of the new wave movement. Early stuff is great. Mongoloid, uncontrollable Urge, their version of Satisfaction are all seminal. Also, B52s: Planet Claire, Dance this mess around just to name a few.

[@hotblackdesiato3022]

Uncontrollable Urge!

[@frankpentangeli7945]

LOVE DEVO!!! Uncontrollable Urge and Mongoloid are two of my favourites, along with Jocko Homo, Pink Pussycat and Working in the Coal Mine. And of course Whip It is a classic too.

[@SpuddySpud]

Beautiful World!

[@stewartnewman6365]

Ha! I think Mongoloid is one of their best songs, too, but see that it has been deleted from recent ‘best of’ compilations. The song doesn’t parody the condition, but is probably considered inappropriate in our PC world.

[@jokermtb]

I can't believe they haven't gone down the Devo rabbit hole - my pick for their first try would be 'Gates of Steel' studio or Live!

[@mikenichols3965]

It's all about groove, texture, and atmosphere. In 1979 the panic over guitar being removed in favor of synths was pretty funny, even then. The drummer, Cedric Sharpley (RIP) was a metronic monster! No drum machine needed! This hit so different from everything else at the time. It smelled like the future. It's remarkable how it still works 40+ years later. A couple years afterward Gary started getting even funkier. His more recent work has more of that Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails feel, but still uniquely Numan. I'd be curious to see a reaction to Gary Numan "My Name is Ruin" from last year with his daughter on bg vox. But for 1979 his other biggie was "Are 'Friends' Electric." Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@HeatherErin]

You have to hit up She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby at some point. He murdered this genre 🔥

[@Fuphyter]

Joe Jackson is an amazing singer/songwriter. He started out as punk/new wave and mellowed into the album "Night And Day". The songs "Steppin Out" and "Breaking Us In Two" from the album are amazing!! Songs like "It's Different For Girls", "I'm The Man", "One More Time" are a good start. The whole Look Sharp album is great! NOTE: I forgot you reacted to a Joe Jackson song. Still recommending these. 😁

[@massimosaffioti8798]

I'd love to see a reaction to something from Jumpin' Jive

[@d2d2d28]

Joe Jackson was such a big part of the 80’s. His influence on my musical taste was huge.

[@TheCornishCockney]

A kindred spirit here my friend. Although English and now in Cornwall,I saw perform the album in NY back in 81? 82? and loved it. Everything gives you cancer,slow song and breaking us in two are stand out tracks on a stand out album.

[@chuckmeyers1153]

I love Joe Jackson and have seen him numerous times. He, to me, is one of the most innovative artists to come out of the punk era. His book really elucidates his journey and apparent inability to gain mass popularity. I commend his adventurous spirit. There are way too many songs to recommend but the ones listed above are a good start.

[@tkynerd]

Oh HELL yes, more JJ please! ❤️❤️❤️

[@stanmoor9609]

He wrote this song after being attacked while inside his car, he was highly influenced by Ultravox for whom experimented with synth's for whom the original band members had altered greatly from the later lineup and style of direction.

[@gillesmorin9439]

He was also a great fan of Bowie and got very annoyed by him when Bowie would not accept to work with him!

[@chrisshepherd3361]

You probably know that Billie Currie was in both ultravox and tubeway army with Gary Numan.

[@waynecox3958]

ULTRAVOX. Let’s go there guys.

[@aryehbarson]

@@waynecox3958 +10000!!!!

[@robertreichle1]

So this song is a successor to "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window" by the Beatles.

[@lloovvaallee]

When Andy and Alex disagree it's usually because Andy gets the poetry. Alex is more empirical. They make a great pair.

[@mikeharris3733]

This song is largely credited with giving legs to the New Wave sound. I was a sophomore in HS when this came out. I was already on board with New Wave to a degree. Always dug The Cars. Never was over the top on this one. Check out The Fixx. One Thing Leads to Another, Red Skies at Night, Saved By Zero are their biggest songs.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

The Fixx's song Stand or Fall is one of their best.

[@richardkoehler2253]

One Way or Another is a song by Blondie. I think you meant One Thing Leads to Another. Our We Ourselves is another great Fixx song. They're still around, saw them a few years ago, and still sounding great. I believe they're coming out with a new album next year (2022).

[@mikeharris3733]

@@richardkoehler2253 thank you for the correction. You're right. Don't know how that slipped out. Of course it's One Thing Leads To Another.

[@chuckmeyers1153]

@@WilliamTheMovieFan Agreed but don't overlook the Sign of Fire and Saved by Zero. Great band...

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

@@chuckmeyers1153 I love Saved by Zero, but it got a lot of radio airplay back then, so I've heard it a lot. Stand or Fall often gets overlooked. Kind of like the Average White Band's song Pick Up the Pieces. Everyone knows it because it is their big hit, but they had a lot of other great songs on the R&B charts back then too. If you like Funk bands, check out their songs, like School Boy Crush, Work to Do(studio versions), and Cut the Cake and Cloudy(from their live album Person to Person). They have more, but that's a good start for you!

[@andynorth2956]

Being Boiled by the Human League, released in 1979 was always my favourite. This was so different to the songs they became famous for.

[@Meeker128-Amy]

What about Fascination?

[@Pearl567]

Yes, Human League before they split up into 2 groups, including the wonderful track Being Boiled, were innovative and great. The splintered off group became Heaven 17, and were more honored in reviews than later Human League were. Check out Human League's pre-1981 albums for art-pop at its best! ... and Phil's amazing voice.

[@joepegel]

Most people know Gary Numan as a one hit wonder for this song, but there's actually a whole lot more to the story. Electronic sounds were limited at the time, so he would run his keyboards through guitar effects pedals to add distortion, reverb, fuzz, etc. His music was a big influence on the 90's industrial wave, with both Trent Reznor, of Nine Inch Nails, and Marilyn Manson citing him as a major influence. Numan, in turn, became a big fan of NIN, and his recent music is very obviously influenced by them. While "Cars" is his best known song, the favorite among his fans is "Are Friends Electric?", which is about robot hookers. Best next listen from his early stuff. For his newer stuff, my favorites are "When The World Falls Apart" from 2018, or this year's "Intruder". He's definitely with doing a deep dive into, even if it's on your own time and not on the channel.

[@blanetalk]

Was Numan influenced by Kraftwerk?

[@andreawalter9212]

I love the concert video with NIN and Gary....goosebumps...

[@a.k.1740]

@@blanetalk Probably, but mainly influenced by early Ultravox (with John Foxx on vocals).

[@arthurgoerner488]

Numan's albums deserve a deep dive alright, a deep dive off a pier.

[@grahamharrison2842]

One hit wonder?????

[@quintinjohnson3742]

Numan is still making music in his 60s. Just dropped an album called Intruder

[@burmajones803]

Other than being disappointed that it isn't Friday, this video made my day!! Fun stuff. Andy gets it! Thanks for the vid fellas. Dug both of the videos this week so far. Cheers!

[@susanklasinski1805]

I replied to the wrong comment. My guess - we're not getting another new wave-type song.

[@timothyharwood1941]

Thank you for reaction. I love you guys. I was surprised by how much you liked it. I was expected you to come out feeling meh. Gary Numan's next biggest song is "Are Friends Electric" Are Friends Eletric is a little more artsy a lot less conventional and has some slight social political themes if you pay close enough to the lyrics.

[@duanevp]

"Atmospheric" is a good word to describe this song I think. It's not going to be everyone's favorite because it's quite unique with all that Moog synth in it, but it's always given me a quite vivid feeling and mental image of the times and places I was in back in '79 when I graduated HS, while being slightly haunting and cold both musically and lyrically.

[@andrewfrick5312]

Yes, Indeed! have you heard 'M.E.' from same album?

[@colinbenidt9052]

Gary Numan is an incredibly influential artist who helped create the kind of dark industrial /alternative/electronic rock scene that exists today (and he’s still making music and touring). He started off doing kind of experimental post punk and electronic alt. Rock with his group The Tubeway Army, and their entire Are Friends Electric? Album is required listening for rock/music history nerds. He’s always been SUPER ahead of the times and the Pleasure Principle album is at least 5-10 years ahead of the rest of the music that was coming out around him at that time. Definitely helped create the more dark and synthy side of New Wave. Cars was his biggest hit single for sure, but he has so many other stellar deep cuts. We are Glass, Stormtrooper in Drag, Metal, I Die You Die, and We Take Mystery to Bed are all personal favorites of mine, but Pretty much anything from his Telekon, Crash or I Assassin albums are fantastic.

[@StatsJedi]

What really impressed me when I first heard this song was the change-up toward the end to the peculiar chord structure on the synth. The sound was addictive when it came out, and it took a LOT of play before it got worn out temporarily. A true classic. Relieved that Alex slapped a + on his B. Andy gets it.

[@jokermtb]

it was even on the Muppet Show!

[@rodroller6634]

Was lucky enough to see him at Riot Fest a couple of years ago. He’s evolved into industrial music but Cars is still amazing live.

[@loosilu]

This was one of the few songs we could all agree was New Wave, lol

[@Tijuanabill]

This is my opening credits movie song. Remember that when I'm gone, in case they want to do a movie about me. I'm counting on you. Not you, YOU.

[@Reani71]

What I love about Gary Numan is that he had such a huge influence on so many bands and artists of today with one of the biggest being Nine Inch Nails and if you listen to more recent Gary Numan stuff you realize that he is now influenced by the Nine Inch Nails stuff, awesome. To approve that you should check out "My Name is Ruin", one of Gary's biggest tunes in the last years. And he's still kicking ass live. There's even a live video out there where he's performing on stage together with Nine Inch Nails, that's some great stuff ("Metal" from that session is fantastic). Found it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5mwoniOitijnNU&ab_channel=NineInchNails

[@gamera3000]

I saw Numan just a few years ago & I had fairly high expectations but he exceeded them by a long shot. The industrial edge he put on his early stuff was great

[@bodowen]

I have tickets to see him next year. Super stoked. My Name is Ruin is one of my very favorites.

[@johnpevide1022]

That whole album is great from start to end. He is fantastic live better than ever like fine wine better with age!!

[@donnieinman8049]

You need to go back and check out Kraftwerk. German band from the 70's that was at the front of electronic music. They were creating the technology that everyone ended up using later. They aren't for everyone but you got to give them props for their contributions, especially with effects and recording.

[@TheRedWaltz24]

"The Model" - Kraftwerk. The pioneers of all electronic music and considered by many to be one of the most influential bands on late 20th century pop, along with The Beatles. You need to react to something from them and "The Model" is a good start.

[@SpuddySpud]

Fantastic suggestion. The flip side of the single, Neon Lights, is even better in my opinion. And Tour de France of course! I was obsessed with that song when it came out.

[@tarantinobicycles964]

Kraftwerk's Autobahn is to Numan's Cars as the Beatles are to Barry Manilow. Orders of magnitude better.

[@13xenophon]

We are the Robots

[@SpuddySpud]

@@13xenophon Ja tvoi sluga, ja tvoi rabotnik 🤖

[@sodone4078]

So glad to have experienced this music firsthand when it actually came out. Great time to be alive!! And Depeche Mode......OH YES!!!

[@ianmc8671]

Previously Gary Numan was in a band called Tubeway Army who had a hit in the UK called Are Friends Electric. Much better in my opinion. Even has a guitar solo. Andy will give it an S.

[@arizrich]

I second this opinion!

[@jeffh2166]

Much better musical arrangement than Cars!

[@hi5893]

Agree! Down in the Park and We are Glass are very coool too!

[@ianmc8671]

@@jeffh2166 It was his creative peak. Are Friends Electric is always on my playlist. Cars is a poor immitation and Friends has profound lyrics that predict a dystopian future.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

I have been waiting for this day ever since I found your channel. In high school I thought this would be the future of music. Spent every night listening to Gary, Devo,and Human League as I fell asleep.

[@scottboswell6406]

I was worried by that poll's all over the place picks, but THIS is a New Wave Classic!! Very happy Andy got 'it', and I'm glad Alex didn't hate it, lol!! For an incredibly influential group on this electronic sound, I wonder how you'd feel about Kraftwerk? SUPER Influential, not just with electronic music, but early rap and dance music to this day!!

[@jaybengston1164]

I was wondering if Alex was going to come out with a C+ rating. 🙂

[@prprod]

@@jaybengston1164 Was expecting a D myself lol

[@RobtBlond]

The Kraftwerk recommendation is absolutely spot-on. Is it too cheesy to suggest following "Cars" with "Autobahn?" In addition to Kraftwerk, if you're enjoying the primitive synth sounds of the 70s or early 80s, I'd recommend the works of Jean-Michelle Jarre, particularly the album Oxygene. It's not rock, particularly, but along with Kraftwerk, very, very influential in electronic music.

[@jbognap]

For "Cars" you just let go and enjoy the robotic funk. From Depeche Mode, I really love "It's No Good" - a dark funky synth extravaganza - and good tune.

[@mikethemotormouth]

Oh my God that poll. The one that really got me was someone suggested Soundgarden's My Wave. I was like not only is that not really new wave at all, it's not exactly up their alley and the response was basically (whiny kid's voice)"No but I want it!" 😆😆

[@TheCornishCockney]

Next up from the Android that is Gary Numan……Are Friends Electric. Andy,you’ll love it fella.

[@jordan390a]

You really had to be there to appreciate the importance of this tune.....Kudos to Andy for rating it an A+....!

[@Meandmymirror]

I’m so glad Andy that you finally mention Depeche Mode! My all-time favorite band for 35 years I didn’t think you even knew who they were. I sure hope you play a tune

[@rebeccabehrman1786]

This came out the year I turned 11. There was a lot of good music on the radio but nothing sounded like this. I thought he was so space age and I loved it! He has a very moody, atmospheric song called Down in the Park that is fab. You should check it out.

[@edvonblue]

A lot of early synth pop around that time: Pop music by M, Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant, I Ran by a Flock of Seagulls, Send Me An Angel by Real Life, Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie, Freedom of Choice by Devo, Destination Unknown by Missing Persons, Move Out by Yazz, Keep Feeling Fascination by Human League, Der Komisar by ATF, Das Model by Kraftwerk, the white horse by laid back, just can’t get enough by depeche mode, bizarre love triangle by new order, etc

[@motodork]

One of my favorite songs of all time. And he’s still putting out great music.

[@aileenturrietta7553]

I Love this song. You uplifted my day. I'm with Andy, I enjoyed it then I enjoy it Now. It was a prelude to the'80's. Keep doing you!!!

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

I saw them in concert in 1980 in Toronto. Great show. They were touring this new (3rd) album. The triangles played large in the stage show. Their first Album was a huge hit. "Are Friends Electric" is a seminal track.

[@burmajones803]

Not expecting much from this reaction, but I LOVE this song! Another earworm that I don't mind having bore a hole into my brain. I really dig the drums on this tune, but the whole sound works for me.

[@susanklasinski1805]

Darn I think they blew it. I wonder what's up for Friday too?

[@burmajones803]

@@susanklasinski1805 I guess this won the new wave "poll"?

[@Nightrelic]

Here’s another thought. During this time period, a lot of these bands got exposure by being on Saturday Night Live. Often our first experiences with them were their live performances on the show. My first exposure to the Talking Heads was their live performance of Take Me To The River. Devo’s first performance on the show was the first time I heard their version of Satisfaction. It was epic. I would definitely use that version for a first reaction. I’m sure there are a lot of others I’m not thinking of. Numan was on with Cars, but I think I had heard it elsewhere first.

[@jwine4145]

Great post and reminder! I too was first exposed to many bands including Talking Heads on SNL.

[@KamalaToe]

That dang holiday screwed everything up!! Now, we don’t know what day it is…😵‍💫

[@Pearl567]

gary numan's "I Die You Die" is a GREAT track.

[@wicky4473]

After my first visit to the U.K. in 1979, and hearing Tubeway Army’s first album, I was so blown away by its uniqueness that when I got home, I immediately went to the ‘Imports’ section of my local record shop and purchased it. It became the album of that summer and I still have it to this day. Came back to the U.K. with me when I moved over in ‘81!

[@michaelt.b264]

I still listen to that album. And what an album cover. I too lived in the UK in the seventies until 81. You think A&A would like Joe the waiter? Or my shadow in vein? Zero bars?

[@wicky4473]

@@michaelt.b264 oh yeah!

[@johnbowen8238]

I’m usually not one of those “kids today will never understand what it was like” guys, but the imports section of the record store… yeah

[@wicky4473]

@@johnbowen8238 true!

[@kayserchishti7303]

YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THE VERSION WITH NINE INCH NAILS LIVE

[@neekerbreeker]

The live vid of Cars with Gary and NIN is fantastic. Gary was a visionary. From his time with Tubeway Army, check out "Down In the Park". It's a scary dystopian sci-fi landscape, but every time I hear it I still want to go there! So glad you liked this ❤️

[@jeffcobb2734]

^^This^^ The live version with Nine Inch Nails ROCKS! They increase the rock level significantly from the recorded version.

[@NOLAgenX]

I’m gonna Third this! Definitely try the NiN and Gary Numan live video!!

[@hughdalton7622]

So damn musical.

[@jamesbarr516]

Two words: Duran Duran … Ok, well, I guess that’s really one word twice. But, you get my meaning. Give those guys a listen. “Rio”, “Hungry Like The Wolf”, “Ordinary World”, “Save A Prayer”, “Girls On Film”, etc.

[@Meeker128-Amy]

I disagree. Rio, yes. Rather, New Religion, Hold back the Rain. Girls on Film, sure. But Careless Memories, Is There Something I Should Know.... Shadows on Your Side.

[@loosilu]

Who else guessed Andy would love it?

[@Shadowrider1872]

Huh, lol

[@susanklasinski1805]

Who else guessed Alex would find the song "meh"?

[@scottboswell6406]

I didn't know he would love it, but I knew he was the best chance to like it, haha!

[@junietunes2148]

Andy has a new wave soul.

[@loosilu]

@@susanklasinski1805 That was a given!

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Check out the band The Fixx and their songs, especially Stand or Fall. Great tune. The FIxx doesn't get a lot of love.

[@thethesaxman23]

I still think you guys need to hit Tears For Fears! For an 80s group, I think they’d be palatable for someone who isn’t into 80s production

[@massimosaffioti8798]

Great band... i'm not sure If I'd call it New Wave, though. with a 1985 release date, I'd lean more toward the next all inclusive catch all label... Alternative Music. :)

[@lparksession]

They would love The Working Hour

[@bigjoe330]

Cars isn't just cool...it's " Nine Inch Nails asked Gary Numan to perform this song on stage with them... Cool"

[@TTM9691]

Ha, Andy, love you bro! Ha! "I LOVED it". I love it, too, I feel like it's a perfect record, there's not a note out of place, even the drumming, the few fills that the guy does. The melodies, especially that main synth melody. And that riff could be repurposed for ANY style of music and it would work! You could do it in a metal song....you could do it in swing jazz, it's just a great riff. Trivia: Malcom McLaren first saw breakdancers in NYC.....and they were dancing to this song. Wasn't too long after that McLaren put out "Buffalo Gals", an early rap record.

[@richey4287]

Gary Numan is a true innovator whose still going strong 40 years and 22 studio albums on. His music now has a heavier and darker edge. The whole album this track comes from, The Pleasure Principal, is great. Gary has influenced so many artists, including Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. Check out Down in the Park, Complex, Our Friends Electric, I Die You Die and We are Glass for some classic Numan; or My Name is Ruin for something more recent.

[@Shadowrider1872]

Totally cool driving song

[@allisonreed7682]

Definitely!

[@BrianR.]

Nice to see you guys liked this, another album from Gary Numan is Replicas, an amazing album !

[@frankgarcia1]

Gary made Kraftwork pop. He was the in between of the original genius band into what was called New Wave. He had a good role on Music IMO.

[@johnhall9825]

Why don't you have a listen to Gary Numan's slightly later singles, I Die :You Die or We Are Glass for a more aggressive synth sound and with added crunching guitars, those tracks blow me away..

[@nyrocks5580]

I just looked it up and didn't know this was a hit single in several countries one year or so before it was played on MTV in 1981, which is the only place I recall ever hearing (seeing) it. I was 18 at the time. Not my cup of tea then or now, but I'm glad so many people like it and enjoyed the reaction!

[@jollyrodgers7272]

This was the song to cruise the strip, windows down, stereo up, all thru the 80's. Gary Numan/Tubeway Army's '79 Live performance of "Are 'Friends' Electric?" was so cutting edge at the time, it's worth a reaction.

[@clemdane]

You've GOT to check out "The Carrier" by David Byrne and Brian Eno and in fact their entire album "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" from 1981. Absolutely MIND-BLOWING. It was David Byrne's first album without the Talking Heads. It's still groundbreaking now, still way ahead of its time now. It features genius sampling from all sorts of sources.

[@mikenichols3965]

Or "Regiment" or anything from that album. What a game changer!

[@clemdane]

@@mikenichols3965 indeed! I just have a personal weakness for The Carrier. Help Me Somebody! is another favorite. And America is Waiting...

[@MrSirFluffy]

Oooh Test Drive nostalgia just hit me hard.

[@garyschill7923]

This was very much a dance song that potheads and too-cool hipsters all liked. First real trippy top 40 song since the Beatles (and their clones). Completely different sound from those like Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson, but all New Wave because of breaking mid-70's conventions.

[@palantir135]

This really kick started the synth-pop wave in British music in the eighties. Before this these bands just operated in the margins. Great bands like Eurithmics, Depeche Mode, Talk Talk, Japan, Orchestral manoeuvres in the dark, The Human League, Duran Duran etc. soon followed. I love(d) these bands.

[@alexjbennett1017]

Loved OMD when they came to town for the first time. Points to you for spelling their name right! :-)

[@Pearl567]

Cannot forget the great band Ultravox with John Foxx. Gary Numan always points to John as his inspiration.

[@johncampbell756]

Show him a studio and then a live version of a Depeche Mode song. Show how an intricately studio crafter synth pop group devastates stadiums.

[@vanderwaalz]

Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Cue" is another synthy groove, plus it has vocals that sound uncannily like Bowie.

[@christopherleonard247]

Ryuchi Sakamoto and YMO are great.

[@stevenmix3723]

This was a monster early hit. But there are some much edgier New Wave examples, which kind of grew out of the punk scene or glam rock. It was all about college station radio. I would go back to The Tubes from here, with their 1975 debut hit, "White Punks on Dope" to get a foundational understanding of how things like this came to be.

[@arizrich]

WPOD FTW!

[@vinsgraphics]

Gary Numan’s “The Pleasure Principle” was the first album (cassette) I ever bought; I was 13. Finally saw him live a few years ago in Southern California. He’s in his early 60s now and still has the energy and vibe of a teenager. His later stuff is a lot darker in tone, but it rocks! Especially his most recent album, “Intruder.” Worth a listen.

[@viclagina347]

Try romeo void.... never say never for WAAAAAY less synth

[@robertdaily5793]

Early Talking Heads, anything from thier first 2 albums, 77 and More Songs about Building's and Food.

[@michaelconnors8525]

Numan is still making music. Shifted to a darker, more industrial sound 20 years ago

[@privatename123]

I think A&A have come far enuf that they’re ready for some head spinning back-to-backs. Oil and water, fire and ice kinda stuff. Like Johnny B. Goode and Bela Lugosi’s Dead or Country Roads and God Save the Queen or Cry Baby and Autobahn. This could be crazy fun.

[@arizrich]

Hey guys, while I was into this when it came out I liked his previous album better, specifically a song called "Are Friends Electric", if you wanted to try some more of his. Peace!

[@suzieredfoxfur6982]

Gary is a GENIUS!!! Absolutely 50 years ahead of his time. And? AND?? He is a super cool stunt pilot as well...Love everything about him!!

[@stephens9462]

Even though I was more into heavy Metal at the time I’ve always loved this song. Probably because it has a heavy guitar like riff, only it’s with a keyboard.

[@ItIsJustJudy]

Just saw Gary Numan once again, in concert. He does a great show! His newest album, Intruder is awesome.

[@allisonreed7682]

Yes, Andy!!! 🙌🏻 🙌🏻🙌🏻 For me, there were three songs, including this one, that most prominently heralded the advent of New Wave. The other two were “Pop Muzik” by M and “Whip It” by Devo. However, for more synth ear candy along with killer sonic guitar riffs, you really have to check out A Flock of Seagulls. Check out “Space Age Love Song,” “I Ran,” and “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You).”

[@jeffcobb2734]

Space Age Love Song and "Seconds" by Human League are great introductions to New Wave. You also can't go wrong with The Fixx "Lost Planes" and Ultravox "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes."

[@LeeRoggy]

Have you forgotten Thomas Dolby? Hyperactive is the best of the genre!

[@burmajones803]

Space Age Love Song has a great guitar riff that I think even Alex would like.

[@allisonreed7682]

@@jeffcobb2734 excellent choices, all of those!

[@allisonreed7682]

@@LeeRoggy I definitely haven’t forgotten Thomas Dolby! A New Wave pioneer, without question! I was just referencing what my experience was in observing the origins of New Wave. But Thomas Dolby is essential-listening!

[@philvallee645]

I really liked this song when it first came out, it was so fresh considering what else was going on acoustically. I agree with Andy that this was indeed the cusp of New Wave that many people heard but there were other bands with much more interesting sounds like New Order - Age of Consent/Blue Monday) Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Erasure. Try and hit a few of them, you won't be disappointed.

[@Meandmymirror]

Erasure!

[@Meandmymirror]

Depeche Mode is my all-time favorite band for the last 35 years

[@blueeyedraven396]

This song is the first new wave song I remember ever listening to. I was 11 years old. It's one of the songs that transitioned me from childhood music into more adult-centric music. If that makes sense?

[@Drummingvulture]

Was kinda surprised that either of you gave this higher than a C, based on its repetitiveness alone. In its early times, I loved it. As the years went on, it kind of became one of those songs that somehow, somewhere lost its sheen and uniqueness. I still enjoy it, but the thrill I still get from so many of the new wave artists isn't there with this. However, I do love the Tubeway Army stuff that came before this. And a buddy played some of his later stuff for me, and it was absolutely nothing like any of the early stuff. It was almost wild and heavy. Still, I'm always happy when I see the younger ones enjoying a little late '70s new wave. Punk and new wave were big in my life back then, and I have many great memories of very powerful and exciting concerts. Dead Kennedys, X, A Flock Of Seagulls, Martha And The Muffins, Fear, so damn much fun back then. I encourage you two to keep checking out this unique period in music history.

[@aliwantizu]

I was thinking about the poll the other day and I hoped that this would win. You have to realize that this was one of the first keyboard driven hits, there is live bass and drums, but then just keyboards. The impact and influence of this song cannot be overstated. Heck, it was used just recently by Walmart in an ad (the one with the Batmobile and other famous cars.) I always loved how he times his vocal to the rhythm of the music for much of the song. An outstanding version of this is where Gary performed this song live with Nine Inch Nails (watching Trent play keyboards and tamobourine is everything!) The crowd adds a chant to a part of the song which is really cool. Nince Inch Nails years ago covered Gary's song Metal which was the B Side to this single here in the US. Oh, and I keep forgetting how Andy likes Depeche Mode which is great because they are awesome. Thanx for this! ~Be Blessed

[@tallykev6608]

Andy gets it, and the Depeche Mode ref shows why. Gary Numan has a bunch of cool stuff, but he'll always be known for Cars. His later stuff is a lot darker - sorta Nine Inch Nails-ish. In fact, Trent Reznor names Numan as a major influence and has even had him perform at NiN shows. But from this era, check out "Are Friends Electric". I will say this about getting into New Wave in the MTV era... often it's cool to watch the videos too. This is how the kids usually first experienced this music, and the visuals (such as with the Cars song) were burned into our brains.

[@jamie4993]

I kinda stumbled back onto Numan a couple of years ago when he released "My Name is Ruin". Definitely still has the touch even 40 years on.

[@rowdyroddy519]

DEVO... the B-52s

[@crominion6045]

Numan is freaking awesome. I was a little kid when this song came out, so I listened to it when it was on the radio, but I never got any further into Gary's music. In the mid-90s a friend who was a huge Numan fan turned me onto his other work and I was blown away. I've been a fan ever since.