THE CARS STRUGGLE To Succeed

The story of the Cars self titled album
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[@rnrtruestories]

Who wants a full history on The Cars? If you guys like The Cars here's a video I did a while back on the Heartbeat City contest they did with MTV where one lucky fan got a private concert from the band. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4eYYmismN50otk&pp=ygUtcm9jayBuIHJvbGwgdHJ1ZSBzdG9yaWVzIHRoZSBjYXJzIG10diBjb250ZXN0

[@infernicide666]

Yeah you should definitely do a more in depth analysis on the cars. A full biography and talk about the rest of their discography and the commercial performance of each one and why they broke up

[@davej.meister5421]

I want to see a video on the mid Y2K era New Cars debacle with Todd Rundgren replacing Ric Ocasek and TR's Utopia bandmate Kasim Sulton replacing the late Ben Orr on bass. The Tubes drummer Prairie Prince took over for original drummer David Robinson. And bring back the "guess the clues for next week's stories" feature.

[@davej.meister5421]

Billy Corgan unsuccessfully tried to reunite The Cars in the mid-late 90s.

[@deansmith6593]

RIP Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek. The Cars were so ahead of their time in the late 70's.

[@WesleyGravolet]

Not really but were a good band..

[@commentfreely5443]

ric ocasek only guy of whom i like all his songs. love so many bands/artists but never loved every single song.

[@lee-daniels]

I recently saw a Cars tribute band. They announced this next tune (Moving in Stereo) is called "Phoebe Cates' Titz".

[@BillMcGirr]

Can confirm.🤣👍🥃

[@jlobiafra]

Phoebe Cate's titz should be the name of the Cars tribute band!

[@jujumulligan43]

To bad. That song is timeless. The Cars left us with some of the best innovative and unique sounds. The movie will be forgotten but The Cars will always be on fire. Listening to them now, 2024! Still great!

[@turkwelsch]

She was under age at the time, typical Hollywood perversion!

[@Fiveash-Art]

That scene was such an iconic part of my childhood along with the song .. I had to paint it. Phoebe Cates dripping wet out of the pool taking off that top.

[@pollyanna147]

Elliot easton had so many tasteful little solos. "Tonight she comes" is my favorite.

[@WinterInTheForest]

This is probably my favorite Pop band ever. The songs are simple yet always intriguing. Their music has this weird mood to it, like dark and happy.

[@chriswoods662]

check out band Wet Leg ..cars meets the pixies ..Im 55y/o ...lovin their music'

[@klintonantich7513]

I can sense the mix of emotions in Since your gone

[@joejones9520]

@@chriswoods662 it seems to be a requirement to state one's age when mentioning Wet Leg

[@chriswoods662]

@@joejones9520 lol...maybe its the best new band ever....Breeders 2.0

[@roadtosomewhere6125]

Fast Times at Ridgemont High baby! What a glorious memory!

[@IvanLendl87]

The eponymous debut album by The Cars is that rare perfect album.

[@jonvia]

"Just What I Needed" is such a great tune. I play it acoustically at my cover gigs and people love it! Just a little nod to Rick and Ben! Ohio's finest!

[@brucifer0]

That first record is a masterpiece absolutely perfect

[@TheEWFX29]

So is the second.

[@trinaq]

Rest in Peace, Ric Ocasek. He'll be forever missed, and The Cars were one of the first majors bands that I got into as a teenager.

[@reprintranch]

In '78 I was mostly into hard rock and metal, but The Cars immediately appealed to me because they were powerful enough to get my head nodding, and had such great hooks that I could recall the songs pretty well after just a couple of listenings. Plus, Elliot Easton is a killer soloist - such tasty phrasing.

[@msjsq1966]

RIP Ben Orr also. Loved those guys.

[@wendyhamm9722]

What about Ben!?

[@Whytemonkee]

DJ's and Program Directors breaking bands. They good ole days that ended with the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

[@wendyhamm9722]

As someone from Massachusetts, we are proud to claim the Cars! Dave Robinson still lives in MA in Rockport silversmithing. J. Giles, until he passed away, lived in North Central MA.

[@kelseymariel2127]

Greg Hawkes is still here too and plays occasionally with Eddie Japan, a group out of Boston.

[@BradYaeger]

One thing current generations may not understand is how important the production was at the time. The Cars were a rock/pop band , but stood out not only because the unique songs, but because how great they were coming out of our crappy car stereos . You could still hear everything clearly and it was punchy . Ocasek knew exactly what he was doing

[@jonesy2111]

The Cars made some great music and Candy O is still one of my favorite albums. Elliot Easton is one of the best guitarists in rock. RIP Ben and Ric 👍💯Eternally cool band

[@S.J.L]

Great band. America needs to get back to making music that feels like this. The great thing about the best band of this era and even into the 90's is that they could appeal to both men and women...that kind of broad appeal while still having a spine is something that speaks volumes.

[@murdock8068]

The media and most youth want rap and Taylor swift unfortunately. Because you know. They're not closed minded or anything..

[@S.J.L]

@@murdock8068 A lot of people just want to fit in. The problem is so much of all media is owned by just a few mega conglomerates. A law passed in 96 that consolidated the market into very few hands, "gatekeepers." Still, the Internet gives some opportunities and things move in cycles. Rap and Swift jingles can only endure for so long... it's all stale. Somethings gotta give.

[@WinterInTheForest]

@@murdock8068 The industry is controlled by those we're not allowed to mention by name. They decide what is popular- most people eat what is served on their plate.

[@theunravelers3995]

They were fantastic yesterday and today

[@EGarza-mk2mk]

Good music is still made that isn't rap. You're just an old man yelling at a cloud

[@newwavepop]

The Cars had SO many great songs, i could gush and gush about them. but there are few things in life that bring me more joy than when i am driving in my car and "Just What I Needed" comes on, everything in the world is perfect for a few minutes.

[@samrunsads]

What are your favs?

[@marianourcaray8096]

The hits of their first album are really good but the deep cuts of that record are simply awesome. That makes a perfect record from start to finish. 🎸💪

[@mht525]

Candy O. The ultimate cruise album. Listen to the Cars when jamming. Definitely not pop ( pre industrial metal) Benjamin Orr is a legand RIP 🙏✌️🤘⚖️🇦🇺

[@vizagothx7294]

my first concert was the cars in 1984 on the "heartbeat city" tour. wang chung opened..

[@JB-sl3fo]

This video is just what I needed 😉

[@SkinnyEatWorld95]

My father and I used to listen to The Cars and Alan Parsons Project daily. I miss him.

[@michaelgriffith7033]

Loved The Cars in the 1980's and am now re-loving them even more.

[@jujumulligan43]

Thank you for your interesting info. What a timeless, unique band The Cars were. Each member was extremely talented. Ric was brilliant. I think his voice hit the timing just right for the times. However, most of my absolute favorites were sung by Benjamin Orr. What a talented and beautiful looking guy! RIP Benjamin and Richard ❤❤❤❤❤.

[@DPerez3573]

Could we please have the rest of the story. I love the Cars, but I just realized I barely know a thing about them!

[@mikeh892]

When I was a little snot-nosed 19 year old metal kid, my guitar teacher showed me the chord progression to "Just What I Needed." Thought it sounded catchy, so I checked the album out. Been a fan ever since. lol

[@megaflux7144]

i used to see rick all the time in millbrook. he was the quietest, nicest, mellowest guy you could ever meet. he was almost sort of ashamed of being a rock star.

[@karakillgrave8105]

He viewed writing pop songs as overly easy and wasn't challenged by it. Hence his ability to produce so many GD awesome successful albums songs after The Cars broke up.

[@jujumulligan43]

Ric obviously was brilliant. I'm sure if your Dad was a system analyst for NASA, you couldn't escape getting the brains.

[@GlenCuveron]

😮was that?Millbrook NY ?

[@megaflux7144]

@@GlenCuveron yea

[@micheleparker3780]

LOVED the Cars!!!❤

[@ScottyPeabody]

I was in college at Missouri State University when the Cars broke out into the mainstream, and they did a concert at the John Q Hammons Student Center in 1981 or 1982. Saw them again in St. Louis a couple years later. What an amazing sound, style, and talent.

[@masonparker302]

One of the best R&RTS videos in my opinion. PLEASE do a follow up one at some point of their career of through the 80s to their sad end.

[@msjsq1966]

When I was a little kid The Cars album and the Candy-O album were in heavy rotation at my house. Thanks for showcasing! Brings back many memories!

[@sharon6638]

What a great video! I love hearing about the history of bands!❤

[@ministerofdarkness]

The Cars debut is a true Rock MASTERPIECE!! PLAY LOUD

[@flowerchild89]

One of my favorite bands 😍! 🎸 🎤 🥁 🎵 🎶

[@jumpingjacks5558]

Such a great band RIP Ben Orr and Ric Ocasek You were taken to soon.

[@lowkeysoundsystem6174]

...just what I needed! 💙 The Cars

[@joshjacobs3906]

Great vid! Love the Cars, learned a lot✌️

[@wolvy0U812]

She’s always out making pictures she’s always out making scenes

[@MedalionDS9]

New Wave Power Pop godfathers for the 80's mainstream and had influence on even some of the more poppier side of alternative rock following

[@Musicman3832]

I love The Cars. I've been singing there songs since last year.

[@herbstencil]

thank you. like your show.

[@alhollywood6486]

My first show was the Heartbeat City tour!

[@karentroupe3523]

I finally get a chance to state this RIP BEN AND RIC

[@dixirose111]

I carried the cassette with me and had DJs at parties pop it on. So I had much fun!

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

Thank you for the post! ✌🏼😊

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

@@rnrtruestories 👍🏻😊

[@backbay2242]

My sister saw them at the Rat and said they were not well received. That said the first 2 records are masterpieces and I like the 3rd Panorama as well. Great band.

[@joejones9520]

The Rathskeller, a music venue in Boston from 74-97 in case anyone else wonders

[@MrHyde11976]

Love the cars since i was a boy i was born in 76 & they were all over the airwaves as i grew up in the gr80’s. Ben & ric will always be missed. Whata band whata time thanks for it all

[@Yeahno-ey3rb]

One of my favorite bands

[@lee-daniels]

It’s a little strange. I wasn’t a huge Ric Ocasik fan and his songs were my intro. Ben’s tunes are my favorites.

[@notanotherjamesmurphy5574]

I like hearing all the Boston clubs and towns

[@p0llenp0ny]

Well that ended abruptly.

[@johnrwalker53]

I saw the Cars in the Late 70's San Diego arena and i felt like i was watching Zombies on stage and could have saved money listening to their good music at home.

[@allanvanuga9196]

Great video.

[@danveneziano565]

Just a amazing band

[@sethputnamsghost]

I miss the Cars, amazing band.🤘

[@ChainsGoldMask]

O K Sick

[@rnrtruestories]

No New York Times phonetically spelled it out and it wasn’t that. Plus I’ve heard two different pronunciations of his name and I’m inclined to go with the times

[@vizagothx7294]

@@rnrtruestories he's also done interviews where he pronounces it for the benefit of the interviewer.

[@karakillgrave8105]

@@rnrtruestories NYT is not impeccable. It is OK Sick. 😬

[@marshalmagooo3899]

Owned it on 8 track. Fsntastic

[@keithdf2001]

I am trying to think of the motel lounge outside Boston. Monticello in Framingham, MA maybe?

[@waltermiller249]

I love the Cars! Super underrated!

[@joejones9520]

always gotta be at least one..try to think for yourself

[@waltermiller249]

@@joejones9520 or just pull your head out of your a@@

[@thirdcoast5755]

I read that when Elektra came out with the Cars, the guys in Television knew that Elektra was probably going to drop them. Tom Verlaine said something like, “They found a more commercial version of us”

[@WesleyGravolet]

Yes ur right...I keep reading in the comments the The Cars were so ahead of their time and although they were a decent pop band they were truly of their time.. But a band like Television were ahead of their time...

[@arthurj.downeyjr_2013]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@joejones9520]

I wish there was a way to know how he and Orr developed that unique singing style, they hadnt sung like before in Milkwood, Ive wondered if Joey Ramone's vocal style was the influence?

[@Dracula-sn3so]

You need to do more classic RocknRoll bands like why did Roger Waters cut HEY YOU from the film The Wall???just an idea keep up the good content¥

[@mariusbabii]

you forgot to mention that the Cars also played punk rock, door to Door album, if you say I'm wrong, listen to all the songs and find out thank you, oh plus on their first album too,.......marius(punk rules).

[@litup6465]

I am missing the rockabilly part…

[@marshalmagooo3899]

MORPHINE would be a great next story

[@enak413]

I can see them agreeing to play top 40 covers ... then playing their own stuff (ahead of it's time kind of stuff) and getting chased out of town with guns. Kinda like when The Blues Brothers played that Country & Western dive joint and pissed off all the locals . The Cars probably got chased by bikers and shit though instead of a Winnebago . Lol

[@vestaxwax]

Question: was it pronounced ‘ihd nirvana’? As in ego and the id?

[@ramcharger154]

wher3 did i miss the title info?

[@brosephyolonarovichstalin2915]

Heartbeat City is just a masterpiece of a song.

[@parallelpost]

Rick was like 49 when he met Polina 😂 When asked about her fondness for older men... Polina: You know, FK IT right?

[@Paul-dw2cl]

what is that clip at 7:16 ?

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Fatherhood or Parenthood

[@FriedAudio]

Wow... first time I've ever heard The Cars compared to Aerosmith, YIKES!

[@herchelleonwood7463]

many of us like the Cars way more then aerosmith.

[@donniemoder1466]

I thought Ric had Czech roots, not Polish, like Paulina Porizkova, I thought that was part of their attraction to one another.

[@joejones9520]

yes, he had Czech not Polish...also, his earlier band was called Milkwood, not Leatherwood.

[@thrashinwebster]

Candy oh

[@Scottocaster6668]

And NO, the Cars debut album is not a "Greatest Hits" album! Also, the production of their records, when recording, must sound great through a car stereo. Not muddy sounding, hence the use of more treble (tinny sounding). Listen to how awesome their albums sound in todays car stereos!

[@chrissmith2963]

I always heard his name pronounced as O-case-ic. But appreciate all the info. Esp the ties to Ohio 😎

[@rnrtruestories]

I’m going based off New York Times pronounciation. They spelled it out phonetically

[@chrissmith2963]

@@rnrtruestories Good to know! Makes me wonder what else I've got mixed up smh

[@sparkshmstd]

We booed these guys when they were opening for Foreigner I think. The Cars ended up being one of my favorite bands.

[@herchelleonwood7463]

mob mentality ?

[@freesteve1977]

I can see where kurt cobain got the name nirvana 😂2:15

[@stevenvondrak]

Ric Ocasek has NO Polish ancestry. This inaccuracy can be traced back to the 1979 Rolling Stone article by Jon Pareles that states Ric Ocasek was of Polish Catholic descent. @rntruestories, you join a long list of others that have repeated this inaccuracy. Ric's paternal side is 100% Czech and his mother is Irish, Welsh, and German. Maybe Pareles misheard Roman Catholic as Polish Catholic.

[@stevenvondrak]

Cleveland is the Otcasek family hometown and they immigrated there around 1906 from present day Anina, Romania. Around 1880 the Ocasek family left present day Skomelno, Czechia to move to a mining village with other Czechs in present day Romania (then in the Kingdom of Hungary). From the 1942 military draft registration card, Ric's father, Theodore, moved to Baltimore to work on US Social Security tabulation systems. By the 1950 census, he is listed as Supervisor of IBM Installations for the US Army. So the move from Baltimore to Cleveland later in the 1960's was back to the Otcasek hometown.

[@irontobias]

I think you might have ended the vid a bit too soon...

[@racegts]

Rockabilly???? Where exactly?

[@kelseymariel2127]

Elliott’s influence. You can hear it in Best Friends girl and Run to You. They covered Eddie Cochran’s Something Else.

[@jsamc]

Rockabilly ??

[@kennethnorman8079]

Punks hated The Cars at the time. The only thing that caused a rethinking was Ric’s production of Bad Brains and Suicide. He actually was an interesting guy. It’s just the Cars fans that were obnoxious…New Wave Mall Mice.

[@vizagothx7294]

he produced weezers first album too

[@kennethnorman8079]

@@vizagothx7294 Yeah, Guided by Voices and the Wannadies also, but that was almost 20 years later when he was a full blown junkie and no longer had a performing career. The Bad Brains and Suicide he put his lucrative Cars career on hold to do them. Big difference.

[@vizagothx7294]

@@kennethnorman8079 i bet you're real popular with the ladies..

[@kennethnorman8079]

@@vizagothx7294 I’ll ask your mother and she what she thinks….Oh wait, her mouth is full right now.

[@jamesdelaney3797]

Rockabilly?

[@grantsiegler6684]

That is a correct description. Listen to the guitar solo by Easton for "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" and it is quite clear. He uses those themes throughout his work with The Cars. I thought the same thing, but when I saw Easton being interviewed he used that very description for his work with The Cars. Ever since I saw that interview, I can't stop hearing it.

[@jamesdelaney3797]

@@grantsiegler6684 if you say so. I'll listen for it

[@reprintranch]

Also, check out Ric's vocal melody and vocal delivery on "You Might Think." It's not overtly rockabilly but it's only a step or two away. I can totally imagine '70s Elvis or Brian Setzer singing it.

[@grantsiegler6684]

@@jamesdelaney3797 Again, didn't come up with that term myself, about their sound, Easton did. In the interview I saw he was toggling through the guitar sounds he used for The Cars. Pointing out how a few of the their hits were a Rockabilly sound. It was a sound more prominent in their early songs, then their later ones.

[@travismiles5885]

​@@grantsiegler6684I was at my neighbors cookout this weekend and he was cranking The Cars and I said the same thing about that solo. Elliott is criminally underrated.

[@ChorusArtists]

There was ZERO rockabilly influence in The Cars. Their one flirtation with a country vibe was "Everything You Say" late in their career.

[@janetaldrich7747]

You need to listen to Elliot Easton's solos closely. He throws a lot of rockabilly elements in.

[@kelseymariel2127]

@@janetaldrich7747Agree! Best Friends Girl, Running To You. Apparently people don’t understand Rockabilly.

[@fourthtunz]

@@janetaldrich7747 absolutely some of Elliot Easton’s, Carl Perkins influenced solos and in the vocals definitely some Buddy Holly influence

[@GrymsArchive]

Of FFS That beanie does nothing but help point out your old and bald. The vanity 🤣

[@tortillaman2491]

The Cars were one of those bands you don't dare tell people you like. Sort of like Journey.

[@hunterericson6782]

lost me when you said “ai art generator” why.

[@neil1390]

Dude,lose the moobs

[@broeheemed32]

Narration is better when you don't see the narrator. Keep the mystery!!

[@rnrtruestories]

No. It’s less copyrighted material to use and easier to edit

[@redcat9436]

I can't stand The Cars. One of my most hated bands ever.

[@LuckyFlesh]

What bands do you like?

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

so admitting you have no taste 🤡

[@retroworld1971]

Said nobody ever 🤡

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

@@retroworld1971 how is it even possible to hate the Cars?

[@mrpbody44]

Great band on record but they were terrible live. I saw them 5 times and always a disappointment.

[@filrut]

They struggled because they sucked