The Cars featured on Hi-Ho Classic-O.
As college kids, whether we like it or not, our love for the Classics comes from our parents. We didn’t live in those time periods, our Dads and, if you’re lucky enough to have a cool mom, Moms did. Without them, we wouldn’t have been lucky enough to be introduced to the greats like the Beatles, Eric Clapton, the Doobie Brothers, the Stones, etc.
A great classic rock band that some might not see as “one of the greats” is The Cars. You have probably heard their singles “Good Times Roll,” “Best Friend’s Girl,” or “Shake it up” from commercials on T.V.
The Cars consist of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson. The bands originated in Boston, MA and were signed to Elektra Records by George Daly, then A&R head, in 1977.
The Cars released their debut album, The Cars, in 1978 and reached the #18 spot on the Billboard 200. “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend” and “Good Times Roll” charted the Billboard Hot 100. They released their second album, Candy-O, in 1979. Some of its hits were Let’s Go,” “It’s All I Can Do” and “Dangerous Type.” Their “most experimental album” Panorama, was released in 1980 with the hit, “Touch and Go,” which charted the Top 40. They recorded the next album, Shake It Up, in 1981.
The most successful album, Heartbeat City, released in 1984 and won MTV Video of the Year for “You Might Think.” Other hit singles from the album included “Magic,” “Hello Again,” and “Why Can’t I Have You,” and The Cars’ most successful single was “Drive.” “Movin’ in Stereo” also appeared in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Lead singer Ric Ocasek and keyboardist Greg Hawkes also released solo albums, Beatitude and Niagra Falls.
The Cars are worthy to check out. Each hit is unique.
by maegan mathiasmeier
tune in to hi-ho classic-o every wednesday night from 9 to 10 p.m.