The Rock Band That Made EVERYONE FORGET About DISCO! | Professor of Rock

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  • Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
  • What can you say about today’s band The Cars? They mixed two genres perfectly to become one of the greatest rock bands of the late 70s and 80s helping save rock and roll and giving it a new sheen. The Cars had two lead singers, Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, who on their own could’ve led any band. But their power was drawn from the other members of the band who all brought a magic that couldn’t be planned. After blowing up the late 70s with one of the best debut records ever, the band was worried about the sophomore jinx. Well, today’s song Let's Go was so electrifying it PULVERIZED the sophomore jinx. One of the coolest rock songs ever that balances guitar and synth perfectly and contains what may be the most magical vocal part of the 70s, with an addictive hand clap part that you had to participate in even if you were driving or carrying groceries. You’ll see what I mean next from the band everyone agrees on.
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    Shifting into second gear, this 1979 follow-up record was a welcome hybrid of classic rock and new wave… setting today’s band on cruise control straight into the heart of the 80s. And although they had two lead singers behind the wheel, that never slowed them down. One was a quirky cool genius, and the other a mysterious and shadowy heartthrob, it was almost like they were moving in stereo. In fact, some people had a pretty hard time telling their voices apart. Could you? Out of the garage and into mainstream, it’s the story of a band that paved the way for a new decade of synth-rock… and it’s coming up... NEXT on Professor of Rock.
    Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time.if you’ve ever been called king or queen of useless information YOu’ll dig this channel. Make sure to subscribe below right now. Also check us out on patreon for even more behind the scenes footage and uncut interviews.
    So Sometime between the summers of 1978 and 1979, Cars’ co-lead singer and bassist, Benjamin Orr, was sitting in his new, top-floor Boston apartment... going out of his mind. From somewhere below him there was this incessant booming of disco beats coming up through the floorboards…
    Pounding over and over again. That day, Orr vowed never to succumb to playing trendy music just to please the masses. Said Orr: “It was the same exact beat for forty-five minutes. It could have been fifteen different songs for all I know. I guess they get machines to play it. I’d saw my fingers off before I’d play that stuff.”
    Thankfully, Benjamin's fingers stayed intact. The previous summer on June 6, 1978, the Cars gave music lovers just what they needed when they released of their self-titled debut... This New Wave meets Classic Rock, start-to-finish masterpiece, was a welcome reprieve from the Saturday Night Fever-ish hits dominating the charts.
    One of the best debuts of the rock era, out of any genre, The Cars’ introductory record featured superb artistry from a crew of experienced musicians. Led by the band’s well-known co-lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, the rest of the band was rounded out by Elliot Easton on lead guitar, Greg Hawkes on keyboards, David Robinson on drums, and of course the aforementioned Ben Orr.
    Different from the guitar-oriented rock bands of the late 70s, The Cars meshed so many different styles into their sound. And it made their music really stand out from everything else.

Комментарии • 1,1 тыс.

  • @ProfessorofRock
    @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +48

    Poll: What is your pick for the MOST ADDICTIVE SONG of the ROCK ERA?

    • @peterd.9978
      @peterd.9978 2 дня назад +15

      Drive.

    • @TerrickTerran
      @TerrickTerran 2 дня назад +12

      Well there's plenty of good choices, my go to pick is California Girls.

    • @Code.Name.V
      @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад +16

      Cars - Just What I Needed

    • @TerrickTerran
      @TerrickTerran 2 дня назад +3

      @@Code.Name.V Great choice.

    • @kingmrfone5604
      @kingmrfone5604 2 дня назад +13

      Ace of Spades by Motorhead.

  • @IanCrouse
    @IanCrouse День назад +130

    Oh man, what memories The Cars' debut album brings back.
    In 1981, my sister went on a trip with some friends and left her 1972 Orange Datsun 240z home with the keys. Our parents were out for the day, and I was bored, so I did what all fifteen-year-old brothers would do: I took the Z for a joy ride. I grabbed the keys and jumped in. Since we both shared the same taste in music, I grabbed the cassette of their debut album, slid it into the 7162 Alpine Stereo, and found my favorite song, 'Moving In Stereo.' I drove around the park and local hotspots for hours.
    A week later, my sister asked me if I had taken her car, and I confessed. I wondered how she found out, and she said that several of her friends had seen it driving around the park for hours and looked like a blonde kid driving it. She never told my parents.

  • @flavellinator
    @flavellinator 2 дня назад +187

    The Cars debut album vs. the Boston debut album is one of those debates over which one is better that will never end... Both are just awesome and never get old!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +31

      Both from the same city!

    • @nickcastings1568
      @nickcastings1568 2 дня назад +5

      Absolutely two of the best bands ever, and I feel lucky that I got the chance to see one of them live!

    • @michaeleasterwood6558
      @michaeleasterwood6558 День назад +2

      I'd have to add America's debut to that list

    • @virgildailey1970
      @virgildailey1970 День назад +16

      Boston by a mile!

    • @steveanderson7536
      @steveanderson7536 День назад +16

      That city had the ABC bands all at the same time. Aerosmith, Boston, the Cars.

  • @jonfargo7321
    @jonfargo7321 День назад +28

    I think we took the Cars for granted in the 80’s and never appreciated their brilliance until many years later. Today’s song is 45 years old, and I still love it.

    • @ross2812
      @ross2812 День назад +4

      I was born in "65 and we definitely took music for granted because almost everything that played on the radio was exceptional and people generally enjoyed all the genres. The Cars and Boston were a huge part of enjoying life.

  • @jefftrester
    @jefftrester День назад +17

    I am almost 60 years old, I have heard music for decades, and Let's Go by The Cars will always be my favorite song of all time. Great job Professor of Rock!

    • @JamesWoodring-mu2iz
      @JamesWoodring-mu2iz День назад +3

      im 62, feeling the age,for sure. but the music helps dont it my friend

  • @DukesMusic84
    @DukesMusic84 2 дня назад +63

    RIP Ric Ocasek. Everytime I'm in his neighborhood a Cars song comes on. Tall dude, you couldn't miss him. Ric was the coolest.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +8

      Very cool! Tell us more!

    • @DukesMusic84
      @DukesMusic84 День назад +13

      @@ProfessorofRock Thanks. Ric was very active on the scene until he passed, producing and doing work with younger bands. I think he really missed Ben though.

    • @TBishopDean
      @TBishopDean День назад +4

      Saw him and Paulina in New Orleans when my ex wife and I were on our honeymoon.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 День назад +4

      Sunday marks five years since he left us.

    • @damien5138
      @damien5138 День назад +1

      Orr was the catalyst

  • @TerrickTerran
    @TerrickTerran 2 дня назад +56

    Can't go wrong with The Cars. I do like how they blended so many styles together. It made them stand out in a crowded scene.

    • @Code.Name.V
      @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад +4

      One of a kind! I love rare and unique things!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +5

      Rock on Terrick!

    • @MinnMorke
      @MinnMorke День назад +1

      I was really impressed with “Sad Song” from 2011. Before that The Cars hadn’t released an album since 1987, crazy.

    • @MadSlantedPowers
      @MadSlantedPowers День назад +1

      @@MinnMorkeAgreed. That was a good album. It probably would have been a big hit if it had come out in the late 80's.

    • @commentfreely5443
      @commentfreely5443 День назад

      door to door for me is the best, but i love all ric albums

  • @Code.Name.V
    @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад +77

    The Cars were more than a band, they were a force that changed music for the better. The 80's were the best decade for music and it was all "jump started" by their creative, fun, unique sound.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +8

      I couldn't agree more!

    • @Modernaire
      @Modernaire 2 дня назад +2

      That’s an overstatement. The cars are just part of the early 80s sound but then became like a really synthetic and annoying band. The only redeeming member of the band was Benjamin. His songs are the best of the cars. He was fantastic.
      But when the 80s started, it was journey escape it was Michael Jackson. It was Prince. It was a whole new wave thing it was Missing Persons. We can go on and on the kickstart that decade, including other big hits Ghostbusters end Lionel Richie jams I mean, it’s such an amazing first part of the 80s, but the 80s were over by the late 80s in fact they might’ve been over by 86, 87.
      In retrospect 80s as a decade was half utterly fantastic and half horrid.

    • @beverlywilliams7278
      @beverlywilliams7278 День назад +3

      NO WAY!! The 60's and 70's were THE BEST DECADES for music 😊 ❤

    • @Raggmopp-xl7yf
      @Raggmopp-xl7yf День назад +2

      They were a band made for MTV. I loved their videos and I think Magic stands out for me. Things must've been going good b/c that song and video brings nothing but happy thoughts for me.

    • @kafkal2281
      @kafkal2281 День назад

      Musn't forget Blondie! 😉

  • @stnwrd
    @stnwrd День назад +27

    The early 80's summers would not be for me without The Cars playing in the background on the radio.

  • @fondasarff9701
    @fondasarff9701 День назад +48

    Ben Orr's solo album is a jewel. Hunt it down!!! We were denied such wonderful future music with his and Ric's passing.

    • @michaelrouthier8491
      @michaelrouthier8491 День назад +7

      I had both The Lace and Ric’s This Side of Paradise in heavy rotation back in ‘86. The Lace is one I still play til this day. Great, underrated album!

    • @Joel-gh3qn
      @Joel-gh3qn День назад +5

      @@michaelrouthier8491Stay the night was a top 40 “pop” hit and a top “10” rock hit. I wish others would have charted. “Too hot to stop” was really good.

    • @tshouse2782
      @tshouse2782 День назад +4

      Stay the night still sounds soooo good!

    • @EphemeralProductions
      @EphemeralProductions День назад +1

      I remember “stay the night”

    • @wendyfowler3536
      @wendyfowler3536 13 часов назад +1

      The Lace is a great album!

  • @chuckmann3593
    @chuckmann3593 День назад +26

    The Cars first two albums were truly historic. I can attest as I was 18 in 1978, and I'm sure most will agree: a college freshman from any pre-2000 generation had their finger on the pulse of what was cool... NOBODY sounded like the Cars in 1978, it was such a new and fresh sound!

    • @christophervanburen8923
      @christophervanburen8923 День назад +2

      Absolutely. I was 16 in 1978 and I remember these incredible albums. They really did take popular music in a new direction -- ushering in the Punk era and the New Wave era. They were the first.

  • @raremage
    @raremage День назад +17

    I basically bought the first album by mistake when I was around 12 years old, and immediately fell in love with this band. The Cars are criminally under-appreciated in the rock world.

    • @larrystevens7410
      @larrystevens7410 День назад

      I'm not so sure I would agree. At least not up here in the great white north. I doubt I could find anyone who doesn't love them. I would bet at least one in 3 from my generation have st least the Greatest Hits.
      Canada loves the Cars. I kinda claim them as my own as do many Canucks.

  • @freezer8530
    @freezer8530 2 дня назад +71

    The cover art of the Candy-O album was painted by Alberto Vargas, who has retired a few years earlier, bu was persuade to take on the assignment by his niece who was a huge Cars fan.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +12

      That's right! You know your history!

    • @gerrylambert5225
      @gerrylambert5225 День назад +7

      Thank you A brilliant cover

    • @komitkazi
      @komitkazi День назад +5

      What he didn't mention was that Vargas drew a "bunny" in color for Playboy magazine for many years. Tasteful if course

    • @jameshakola3603
      @jameshakola3603 День назад +11

      His legendary pinup art was featured in nearly every issue of Playboy from 1959 to around 1975 when he retired. They were often printed on the reverse side of the centerfold. But he actually began painting this type of art in the 1920s!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 День назад +1

      I thought that was an image of a real woman.

  • @Mike-jv4rz
    @Mike-jv4rz День назад +26

    Benjamin Orr was a gift- very talented guy.....was definitely my favorite Car.

  • @dirtworshiper2800
    @dirtworshiper2800 День назад +10

    One of the greatest bands. So many hits and the writing was 2nd to none. Amazing. Thanks guys.

  • @kbusby4824
    @kbusby4824 День назад +15

    Benjamin had me at Let's Go. Definitely one of my favorite musicians of that era. RIP Ben and Ric. Their performance at Live Aid was masterful.

  • @davidmorse3190
    @davidmorse3190 День назад +18

    The Cars and Blondie rode that crossover wave like surf pros. Two of the best out of that era. Love your content, sir.

    • @C2C.
      @C2C. День назад +1

      💗

  • @danzader1
    @danzader1 День назад +9

    The Cars were the band that my father and I bonded over the most. My most cherished memories are driving around in my dad's 1977 Dodge Dart blasting Let's Go along with all the other songs from the first two albums. We never got tired of those cassettes. The Cars are in my DNA. Always will be.

  • @april2043
    @april2043 День назад +6

    I always love the band. After my brothers death last year. I stumbled back on The Cars and haven't looked back. I loved Benjamin Orr then and still to this day. The Cars fandom has really helped me get through the grief process for my brother. 17 months to the day i lost him, i lost me dad. Again, i have The Cars music bringing me the only bit of joy i can count on. This group of 5 men will never know how much they have helped me and I''m Sure countless others like me make through the rough patches of our lives. Thanks for highlighting them!

  • @rossmurdock4590
    @rossmurdock4590 День назад +19

    To me "All Mixed UP" will always be the greatest Cars song. Both sad, and happy, great drumming, and a sublime Alto Sax jam at the end. Gives me the chills every time. A song worthy of an episode unto itself. I think The Cars would be hugely popular if they just busted onto the scene now. Great episode.

    • @floydsghost
      @floydsghost День назад +1

      There's a really great cover of All Mixed Up. Red House Painters. Very different from the original but it works well.

    • @michaelrouthier8491
      @michaelrouthier8491 День назад +2

      I love All Mixed Up! Strangely I think it’s their one song off the debut that still sounds like it’s from the 70’s…the rest of those songs sound like “the future”. 😂

    • @gloriagardner439
      @gloriagardner439 День назад +2

      I agree that All Mixed Up is worthy of an episode too. I listened to their first 2 albums endlessly, both sides - all the songs! All Mixed Up has a special place in my heart though! ❤️

    • @kittensanddaisies5615
      @kittensanddaisies5615 День назад +2

      All Mixed Up is one of my favorite Cars songs. An entire episode would be great.

    • @ArkansasPilgrim
      @ArkansasPilgrim День назад +1

      Definitely agree. It wraps the album up beautifully. It's also their hardest and darkest song.

  • @brettkoranda3922
    @brettkoranda3922 2 дня назад +24

    The Cars are truly one of my all-time favorites. Candy-O was my introduction to them and remains my favorite Cars album. The triplex of Double Life to Shoo-be-Doo to the title cut of Candy-O with each song transitioning seamlessly into each other is one of the greatest moments of mixing and recording in my opinion. And of course I loved Let's Go as well.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +4

      Thanks my friend!

    • @jakeformerlyofthelp2407
      @jakeformerlyofthelp2407 День назад +1

      I love that 8 minute, 3-song sequence. When Ocasek yells "JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO" and then that Candy-O riff starts up, how do you not go nuts?

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 День назад +2

      The album is like ear candy!

    • @chrisbenson6683
      @chrisbenson6683 День назад

      YES. That medley is incredible. It starts off so nonchalantly but yeah, the transition between the last two songs hits HARRRD. 💥

  • @tb6791
    @tb6791 2 дня назад +13

    When I hear 'Just what I needed', it immediately puts me in my grandparents' backyard with my cousin trying to convince him it was a new band that gonna blow up🤯 1978 is one of the years for landmark albums.😎

  • @ritaroach3491
    @ritaroach3491 День назад +11

    Love Benjamin Orr. Love "Drive". One of my favorite songs ever. So sorry that he's gone. And those beautiful, sleepy eyes.

    • @lynnestamey7272
      @lynnestamey7272 11 часов назад +2

      Benjamin Orr, wow. He had the voice, the looks. He just looked chill. Still love him, and I'm 70 now.

  • @theduel007
    @theduel007 2 дня назад +31

    I Love The Cars! I love every track of every album! My favorite track is "Heartbeat City." That song is not only a sonic adventure, Jacquie was the name of a young woman that I loved, and things just didn't work out for us. Benjamin Orr does not get enough credit as a phenomenal vocalist.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад +6

      Amen! He was one of a kind.

    • @LazyIRanch
      @LazyIRanch 2 дня назад +7

      I put on my vintage Cars Heartbeat City T-shirt this morning, and was delighted to see Benjamin Orr's handsome face on this video's thumbnail! Oh yeah! The Cars forever!!

    • @Code.Name.V
      @Code.Name.V День назад +2

      ​@@LazyIRanchHe looked like the love child of Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 День назад +1

      Heartbeat City is amazing as a song!

  • @cammygram1
    @cammygram1 2 дня назад +13

    So great to be alive back then! Loved the Cars

  • @steveturner3999
    @steveturner3999 22 часа назад +3

    I got married in November 1979 and my wife and I took our first road trip in June 1980. We followed her parents and siblings to Disney World. They were towing a travel trailer and the National speed limit was 55. We drove a ‘77 Camaro LT that I had recently installed a new radio / cassette deck in. It was a Sanyo Bi Amp unit and had Sanyo Triaxial speakers. I couldn’t afford the Jensens. The only thing that allowed us to keep our sanity on that slow ride was to let Candy O loop over and over. When I hear Let’s Go and It’s AllI Can Do I’m right back on that trip with the love of my life. I lost her to cancer 3 years ago. Now when I hear these songs I’m elated at first and then end up in tears before they finish. R.I.P Ben, Ric and my beautiful Rhonda Lynn.

  • @Polyphemus47
    @Polyphemus47 День назад +20

    Their song, "Drive" is magic for me. It's one of those that should have been, oh, a half hour long. It has a calming, soothing effect on me somehow, even the lyrics seem to offer the comfort of an old friend always looking out for you. It sings to me.

    • @TheBigDumbWhiteGuy
      @TheBigDumbWhiteGuy День назад

      One of the greatest songs of all time. It should be on every classic rock playlist.

    • @BluDynamo
      @BluDynamo День назад +4

      It's my favorite from them, as well. I met Benjamin Orr back in the early 90's and he was just the coolest dude. Very genuine.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 День назад +2

      It’s only 4 minutes long but the music alone should be like 30 minutes.

    • @ms.m9337
      @ms.m9337 3 часа назад

      Yes, it is ethereal

  • @flavellinator
    @flavellinator 2 дня назад +26

    The Candy-O album had a vibe to it that was like no other... So unique

  • @seanmcgrail701
    @seanmcgrail701 День назад +7

    I can listen to The Cars any time, anywhere! So great! Such a loss of Benjamin Orr and Rick Ocasek.

  • @gregwasserman2635
    @gregwasserman2635 2 дня назад +39

    My favorite song by the Cars is, by far, "Moving in Stereo". That synth intro is a ethereal, while a guitar riff is very catchy.

  • @StuartBiliack
    @StuartBiliack День назад +11

    Another great Cars handclapper is Bye Bye Love! So many of their songs are addictive, quirky, with fun lyrics and weird synthesizer and guitar riffs, but great musicianship.

  • @mitchellbaker9434
    @mitchellbaker9434 2 дня назад +15

    Definitely one of the top 5 American bands in my estimation. Jumping from one triumph to the next from the start, and with the stones to switch directions on Panorama, then change up again.

  • @JBowman-ps2ri
    @JBowman-ps2ri 2 дня назад +15

    I've always loved the cars! 80s magic!

  • @fivestring65ify
    @fivestring65ify День назад +5

    These guys were so good. I'm so glad they got into the hall. They were pioneers. Fantastic music. Two vocalists. Hours of great music. Thanks for this episode, professor.

  • @reesutube
    @reesutube День назад +8

    One of my favorite songs is a Benjamin Orr solo song called Stay The Night. I was going through a breakup with my first love at that time as she just wanted something else, and I was wrecked. I used to drive around listening to music that spoke to me, and this song used to tear into me and tore me down, but for some reason going into the pain deeper always helped get me through it. This song was both haunting and genius, and to this day, it brings back that sadness that I actually cherish because somehow being able to feel deep emotions just feels so healing - even sad ones.

  • @constipatedinsincity4424
    @constipatedinsincity4424 2 дня назад +37

    I first met the members of the Cars in 1982 at the US Festival in San Bernardino Heart, Cheap Trick, The Motels, Pat Benatar Santana, B-52, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Eddie Money 💰 and the the Kinks.

  • @1kenders
    @1kenders День назад +6

    The Cars are my guilty pleasure, their music just makes you feel good. It takes me back to a more innocent time as a kid in the 70s. They had a sound all their own that has not been duplicated, I am I got to experience their music from the beginning. RIP Ric and Benjamin

  • @JohnEBoldt
    @JohnEBoldt День назад +4

    The Cars took me along for the ride during my college and post college years. I started college in September of 1978. I remember walking into the student union building and hearing Just What I Needed on the jukebox. My reaction was "Whoa! What the hell is this???" I knew I was hearing the future, and it was so refreshing to listen to something other than the Bee Gees. Fast forward to March, 1984. I finally finished college and started the process of becoming an adult. I moved to the Dallas/Ft Worth area to start my post college journey. I had no family or friends nearby and even though I was excited, I was also a bit lonely. I was driving down the freeway and You Might Think came on. It felt like an old friend had shown up and it really put me at ease. The rest of the album took me through the glorious summer of 1984 and beyond - what an incredible piece of work! Thank you Elliot, Greg, and David. Ben and Ric, y'all are sorely missed!

    • @fsinjin60
      @fsinjin60 День назад +1

      I entered BC Sept 78. They were already old hat in Boston, but breaking all over the US.

  • @dalehusar3018
    @dalehusar3018 17 часов назад +2

    Great episode. I'm 71 years old and the Cars were one of my favorite bands back in the day. But shockingly, today is the first time I ever heard of Benjamin Orr. 😳😳

  • @carolmartin4413
    @carolmartin4413 День назад +4

    One of the classiest rock bands ever. Miss both Ric and Benjamin...

  • @asynchronicity
    @asynchronicity День назад +4

    It's funny… I clicked on this out of nostalgia but then realized just how timeless uniquely great music truly can be.

  • @WolfRun59
    @WolfRun59 День назад +4

    Benjamin Orr singing Drive makes me stop whatever I’m doing and sends me back to a certain place in time with a certain girl. That moment is forever frozen in time and never changes. Hope you are well Nancy.

  • @bartbluemusic
    @bartbluemusic 2 дня назад +13

    My first introduction to The Cars was their 1984 album, "Heartbeat City". But, through classic rock stations and the release of their Greatest Hits album, I became familiar with their older material, and "Let's Go" was one of my favorites among those. And, yes, I admit that I was clapping along with it too. LOL

  • @mbgrafix
    @mbgrafix 2 дня назад +28

    Benjamin Orr always looked like he could be Christopher Walken's brother.

  • @tracygutierriez5569
    @tracygutierriez5569 День назад +8

    Had a great stereo in my car the Cars always rocked in it!! Love them!!😺

  • @chrisbodi6470
    @chrisbodi6470 День назад +3

    Always been proud & admired The Cars from my Boston early years! Benjamin Orr deserves all the accolades for his co-founding the band & his exceptional vocals and bass playing….♥️🎶

  • @tgill521
    @tgill521 День назад +8

    In my eyes the cars saved rock and roll from the disco funk. And agree that Benjaman Orrs voice was smooth and awesome. Great memories for me listening to them while cruising.

  • @tonitemperance9960
    @tonitemperance9960 День назад +5

    It's all mixed up ❤ Met Benjamin Orr in the elevator at an Insurance Co. I worked at and he was renewing a policy, he was physically beautiful and so sweet and yes, soft spoken ❤️

  • @bishdizzle67
    @bishdizzle67 День назад +7

    Oh man, The Cars is at the top of my favorites list on any given day. I remember cruising Main Street in high school with my friend listening to all the Cars music. It crushed me when Ben passed. Of course I bought his excellent solo album. Extraordinary band that I never tire of.

  • @goodbonezz1289
    @goodbonezz1289 День назад +8

    Always liked ‘Cruiser’ off Shake it up…perfect tune for a nighttime cruise in my ‘77 Trans Am.

  • @rogertemple7193
    @rogertemple7193 2 дня назад +9

    the Cars music was really awesome and all of the band members made their sound perfect and their lyrics were easy to sing along with and I never considered them new wave they were just a great
    rock n roll band thanks for the great rock n roll memories Professor.
    🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶

  • @NickWebber-vp4pd
    @NickWebber-vp4pd День назад +6

    Let’s not forget to pay homage to one of the greatest guitarists in rock history…Mr. Elliot Easton…Didn’t know he was from Brooklyn, NY until i saw a ‘free’ concert in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY back) in the late ‘90’s. The headliner was Creedance Clearwater Revisted (a reformed CCR) they introduced the guitarist as “and on guitar, you’ve probably heard of this group, he played with THE CARS, one of Brooklyn’s own…Elliot Easton”. Being from Brooklyn, i thought that was so cool at the time. Elliot is an amazing guitarist, musician, songwriter, who was inducted into the RRHOF with THE CARS back in 2018

    • @stevepierce2457
      @stevepierce2457 День назад +1

      CC Revisited played for a company function where I worked. They introduced Elliot the same way

  • @jmvioli
    @jmvioli День назад +2

    Let's Go is my favorite Cars song! There is no other band like them. I used to have trouble telling Ric and Ben's voices apart, but after enough listens, it becomes more obvious. Great video, Professor!

  • @spencerfrancis3223
    @spencerfrancis3223 День назад +3

    The Cars always takes me back to high school. I graduated in '84 and my friends and I would listen to all of their cassettes/albums, not quite incessantly!

  • @kevins4254
    @kevins4254 День назад +2

    I saw The Cars in Denver in 1983. I didn’t expect much because I wasn’t a big fan. They put on a great show. All five members are brilliant musicians and the vocals were outstanding.

  • @tlmiraglia505
    @tlmiraglia505 День назад +3

    POR you forgot to mention the Cars induction into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame in August 2018. I remember watching it. Sadly Benjamin Orr had already passed on Oct 4, 2000. Rick OCasek and the remaining band mates gave a heartfelt tribute to Benjamin. I had tickets to see the Cars back in January 1983 at Richfield Coliseum here in Ohio. Our winter weather was so bad with icy roads. The concert was cancelled. I was heart broken! The Cars were one of my favorite & still is! Oh how I would have loved to see them in concert with Benjamin. To fill the void, I'm reduced to finding their performances on YT that others have graciously uploaded. Benjamin Or is buried about an hour or so drive from where I live. It's one of my Bucket List items to go pay my respects!

  • @alexandriacolonialtours1269
    @alexandriacolonialtours1269 День назад +3

    Another good video, thank you. Orr was a great talent. The Cars were terrific and much needed in the late 70s and early 80s.

  • @paulendicott9151
    @paulendicott9151 2 дня назад +6

    The Cars were a, just have fun group. They, like most of the good group's, had a very individual sound. When you heard a new song, you knew who it was, very quickly. Grat show.

  • @TheNecronacht
    @TheNecronacht День назад +4

    Good memories of The Cars. My buddy in HS introduced me to their first album. The day Candy-O was released I picked it up and that evening I went cruising with my buddy (RIP Doug) cranking Let's Go in my 75 Chevelle's tape player. 🎼🎶🎵🎶🤙 Good Times!

  • @catserver8577
    @catserver8577 2 дня назад +4

    If I could go back in time for just one day, I would want to be put in a bar where they were playing live in 1978.

  • @sherrimoore9668
    @sherrimoore9668 День назад +1

    Fell in love with the cars. Couldn’t drive anywhere without their cassette playing.

  • @tb6791
    @tb6791 День назад +6

    "Touch n Go"or as my gear head buds and I say 'Clutch n Go' 😅 is my favorite Elliots guitar 🎸 lick is so addictive 👌

  • @davecurda2350
    @davecurda2350 День назад +1

    Such a great band sure do miss those days..the 80s were the greatest time to be alive

  • @mournblade1066
    @mournblade1066 2 дня назад +13

    The Cars are my all-time favorite band. _Candy-O_ is an amazing album, and contains what might be my favorite Cars tune: "Dangerous Type." _Heartbeat City_ is my favorite album of theirs.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  2 дня назад

      Very cool!

    • @walterchappel180
      @walterchappel180 2 дня назад +2

      I caught Greg Hawkes in Annapolis a few months back and was *soooo* thrilled that “Dangerous Type” was on his set list

    • @Code.Name.V
      @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад +2

      Heartbeat City doesn't get the recognition it deserves!

    • @mournblade1066
      @mournblade1066 2 дня назад +1

      @@walterchappel180 Nice. As a synth fanatic, he's one of my music heroes.

    • @SD9Driver
      @SD9Driver 2 дня назад +4

      Dangerous Type has one of the best fade out endings in rock & roll.😎

  • @deanlaterza9675
    @deanlaterza9675 2 дня назад +1

    As someone who liked rock, alternative and pop music, the Cars fit those 3 categories perfectly.

  • @duromusabc
    @duromusabc 2 дня назад +7

    I just watched a interview with KISS that aired on Halloween 1979 - Ace Frehley has the most hilarious sense of humor and a signature laugh that’s infectious 🤣🤣🤣🤣
    Professor you gotta interview Ace !

    • @blaws6684
      @blaws6684 2 дня назад +2

      I love ace’s best line “if the devil’s gonna deal the cards, he’s gonna do it without an Ace in his deck. “

  • @Opiemus
    @Opiemus День назад +2

    Cars remains one of my favorite bands ever and I always thought Rick Ocasek did most of the singing. It wasn't until several years of listening to them that I realized that Benjamin Orr was the lead singer on most of the songs that I really liked. I'll tell you what, it's something special to crank up "Moving in Stereo" on a great system and listen to it while you have been smoking a left-handed cigarette. I even had Rick Ocasek's solo album on cassette. 😁👍

  • @georgedolen1486
    @georgedolen1486 День назад +3

    The Cars are part of the soundtrack to my life.

  • @ChadGriffey-w9m
    @ChadGriffey-w9m День назад +2

    Love the Cars! Steve Miller’s “Go On Take The Money and Run” has a famous clap part in it twice and me, my wife and son always participate. One day in a small collectibles store it came on and when the three of us clapped along the entire store started laughing and commenting how cool it was that we all do it no matter where we are. Keep up the great work Adam, I really enjoy your channel.

  • @Code.Name.V
    @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад +22

    Greetings melomaniacs! Happy 74th Birthday to one of my all time favorite frontmen Fee Waybill!

    • @TerrickTerran
      @TerrickTerran 2 дня назад +2

      Greetings and salutations.

    • @AlanSpringer2074
      @AlanSpringer2074 2 дня назад +3

      Hell yes! White punks on dope was my anthem in high school. I wasn’t on real dope, just weed. They came through town and I missed them. My buddies rubbed it in bad!

    • @Code.Name.V
      @Code.Name.V 2 дня назад

      ​@@TerrickTerran Unto you as well ✌️

    • @Whisper_292
      @Whisper_292 2 дня назад +1

      Good morning@

    • @TerrickTerran
      @TerrickTerran 2 дня назад +1

      @@Whisper_292good day Whisper

  • @clarkem4119
    @clarkem4119 День назад +1

    What an incredibly solid album The Cars was. It's not often that an album has a page in Wikipedia for EVERY SONG on it, aside from Beatles or greatest hits albums.

  • @cherylreichardt
    @cherylreichardt 2 дня назад +7

    I was a fan of Benjamin Orr's vocals! Followed his solo career. Sad we lost him! I absolutely loved Let's Go's vibe! Definitely a hand clapper, toe tapper song! 👍

  • @gradybird3336
    @gradybird3336 7 часов назад

    I loved this band! As an old guy, we never knew how good we had it musically from the '60's through the '80's.
    R.I.P. Ben and Ric.

  • @constipatedinsincity4424
    @constipatedinsincity4424 2 дня назад +6

    The Cars 🚗 are fun to experience

  • @RobertPotts-i7c
    @RobertPotts-i7c День назад +2

    My earliest memory of The Cars was hearing "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Best Friends Girl" on AM radio. Great band, and not a single bad song on their greatest hits!!!

  • @waynevia6976
    @waynevia6976 2 дня назад +9

    I agree Ben was the best singer in the band. I love moving in stereo it makes me think of Phoebe Cates famous scene in fast times at ridgemont high. Drive is my favorite cars song sang by Ben. Candy O is a great album. Let's go is one of there best songs.

  • @richtercreative
    @richtercreative День назад +1

    I love your enthusiasm for The Cars, my favorite band since my older brother Tim introduced me to their debut album sometime in the late 70s. Thanks for once again doing them proud with your incomparable commentary on one of the greatest songs in Rock N Roll.

  • @shanestewart4814
    @shanestewart4814 2 дня назад +7

    Now that I know The Cars' "Let's Go" has caused people to wreck their cars, I wonder how many wrecks the hand clapper song "Centerfield" by John Fogerty caused.

  • @wirepatch
    @wirepatch День назад +1

    The Cars came along in my life when I was first out on my own in the big world in 1978-79.
    Candy-O was my go to album for feeling good and loving life.
    Benjamin Orr was my favorite.
    I always have tears when I think of him or hear him sing.
    He had such an influence on me during my youth.
    And he was so beautiful!💔

  • @CasualSpud
    @CasualSpud 2 дня назад +4

    Cars represent Summer to me.. Heartbeat City on a big ass boom box heading to the beach.

  • @coachgregc
    @coachgregc День назад +2

    At my 25th HS reunion (this year is #40), some of my buddies and I were still playing in bands - oldies, rockabilly, etc. We set up the instruments just for kicks, and we'd look through the fake book and pick one out to play. My choice? My Best Friend's Girl. From there, is was a Cars Fest. They affected so many of us with their cutting edge sound and lyrics. Love it all, and yes, we do all have the Greatest Hits album! Thanks, Prof.

    • @stevepierce2457
      @stevepierce2457 День назад +1

      This is my 40th. We are having it next month. I'm on the planning committee

    • @coachgregc
      @coachgregc День назад

      @@stevepierce2457 it surely got here in a hurry

  • @MichaelGackler
    @MichaelGackler 2 дня назад +3

    IMHO The Cars equates to The Beatles in terms of originality, uniqueness, and powerful songs and albums. "Let's Go" was a staple of my early teenage years. My dad commented on a song called Let's Go by a group called The Cars as being hilarious. In later years, I told him about 'Drive.'
    I've confused Benjamin Orr with Ric Ocasek. But I guess I've confused Lennon and McCartney as well! I don't have a favorite group, but The Cars are in my top 5.

  • @jmm14534
    @jmm14534 День назад +1

    Great band. They held their own in a period of great music.

  • @Jims_Camera_at_dawn
    @Jims_Camera_at_dawn 2 дня назад +7

    Let's Go is a great song and words of wisdom. Don't wait, LET'S GO!! Trust me, you will regret the things you didn't get around to doing. LET'S GO!!
    ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

  • @ponzo1967
    @ponzo1967 День назад

    Being a teen in the 80's I took The Cars for granted. Now I can look back and see how unique and important they were and wish I had appreciated them more in their time. It was just a fact of life The Cars would have one song or another playing on the radio.

  • @odditiesparanormalmysterie1723
    @odditiesparanormalmysterie1723 2 дня назад +4

    The city of Boston saved Rock and Roll from disco with Boston and The Cars

  • @maggiep3263
    @maggiep3263 День назад +2

    Love, love, love The Cars!

  • @pskarnaq73
    @pskarnaq73 День назад +1

    I'm 51 years old. Grew up in the Rock Era. Never heard a Cars song I didn't love..... that being said, I was today years old when I learned that Rick wasn't the only vocalist. 🤷‍♂️🤘

  • @cozmicpfunk
    @cozmicpfunk День назад

    If you were growing up listening to the radio in the late 70's and 80's, you could not avoid the Cars! Common cassette tapes in ghetto blasters and compact cars, this band was a staple of fun rocking music. There is no way to not smile or tap a foot while listening to them. The other thing, for a hit single pop band, the instrumentation is insane. Every member pulls their weight and arrangements are so well done for short radio friendly tracks. As a guitar player, you can't Not give props to Elliot Easton: he shreds and sculps melodies and progressions that sit in clean well sculpted pocket that fully services the song. His solos are so amazing and tight note for note like they were machined for precision timing. I love every aspect of this band, there is no other like them. Thank you sharing about them

  • @latmcb9863
    @latmcb9863 День назад +1

    The Cars were such an excellent band - really innovative as well as being phenomenal musicians. Elliot Easton was fire on the guitar! RIP sweet Ben.

  • @JOEKPOND
    @JOEKPOND День назад

    I’ve always marveled at the way every song on the album blends into the next. The transitions were lost when the CD was born.

  • @matthewmcguire5217
    @matthewmcguire5217 12 часов назад

    You got it right about the perfect music for driving with your friends. Growing up at that time was a blast and bands like the cars made it even better!

  • @blueellusionl.l.c.1498
    @blueellusionl.l.c.1498 День назад

    As a professional Bass player, Benjamin Orr,,is One of the reasons I sing and play too. Thank you.😊

  • @rossatlan5348
    @rossatlan5348 16 часов назад

    Let's Go is one of the best songs ever...the first two Cars records are so amazing... nothing like them ever, even from them :) Love these guys!!!

  • @RGreen-rt1fk
    @RGreen-rt1fk 2 дня назад +1

    That 1st Cars album helped set my taste in music. Everyone has preferences, but all the variety of sounds kept me centered and to learn to appreciate most genres of music. At 14, it was the perfect album to listen to with our neighborhood crew. We would soon all go different ways, but that album with every track a perfect listen, really set the stage for my appreciation of every musical style... well most lol. Thx for the memories!

  • @vandalorianvandalorian4769
    @vandalorianvandalorian4769 5 часов назад

    The Cars are in my top 5 favs. I’ve covered ‘Let’s Go’ so many times over the years in my band days.
    RIP Ben and Ric!

  • @OneEye-m4u
    @OneEye-m4u 12 часов назад

    I just sent a vinyl copy of this to my daughter a few weeks ago. Her reply was, "How they going to put out 3 bangers in a row on the first side." She regrets missing Rock 'n Roll.

  • @paulaann7543
    @paulaann7543 День назад +2

    Professor of Rock you're a man after my own heart!!! My Fave Band Hands Down...yep Ben has more of a country voice the way he says words I think and Ric a Buddy Holly type way of singing...Benjamin Orr The Most Gorgeous Guy To Ever Live...Thank You POR For Honoring Them Again ❤🏁🚗💨💯

  • @barackmycat9448
    @barackmycat9448 День назад +2

    They were big here in New England. So sad Rick and Benjamin are gone. Their albums were masterfully recorded and mixed.

  • @LowEarthOrbitPilot
    @LowEarthOrbitPilot День назад +2

    I listened to the Cars on WBCN in Boston in 1977, before they were signed to a label. ❤️