Thanks for all the requests for this video tonight, I'm looking back at Ric and the guys live in 1978 where it all started. Original Video - • The Cars - My Best Fri...
I was 12 and this was the POOP to me! The lead guitar on any Cars song is an Eddie Van Halen itching to break through the well defined walls put in place by the demands of the song.
I was 11. My older 17 year old cousin had the album. His younger brother who was my age said to me “ check these guys out”.I saw the memorable album cover with the lipstick filled lips and was hooked on the music. They seemed different. This was the summer of 1979. I was just entering junior high school. I immediately fell in love “my best friends girl “and especially “just what I needed”.
Elliot Easton demonstrates the lost art of comping: carrying the rhythm, chords and/or partials and foreshadowing the chord changes with arpeggios, or, connecting the changes with arpeggios that land squarely on or carry on through the beat and blend back into the progression. No small feat here as he's got momentum and rhythm, mixing perfectly with the keyboards and not getting into sonic collisions with the drums or Ric Ocasek. And what can be said about Ric that hasn't been said? He is a great songwriter who provided big pieces of the soundtrack for our lives going through high school into the work world and college. He could deliver the big hook, the big chorus, musical clarity, and he had the 'it thing' going for him--that unique special something or other--and sang in a way that sounded unnaturally good; pretentious or unpretentious depending on your viewpoint. Whatever the case, it stood out perfectly and still does. Rock In Peace.
I really enjoyed these guys back in the day. Hit after hit! They were so golden. Ric had that quirky edge to his voice which made him so unique. RIP Ric! 🙏
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am so happy to have lived my youth and young adulthood in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Such great music! Recently, I had to go to get some surgery in a city about 2 and half hours away and my son drove me. He had the Sirius on the contemporary station and every single singer sounded the same. Curse you, autotune! All the individuality is gone and nothing left but blandness. The Cars were never bland. RIP Ric, you and the band gave me a lot of fond memories.
@@paulsigmon7263 - yes. He played or still plays with Credence Revisted or whatever they call it. At first you think the Cars and CCR couldn't be more different, but not really. Image, yes. Musically? Its strange.
Hard weekend for rock n roll. First Eddie and now Ric. Rocked out to The Cars in high school every morning on the way there and back in the afternoon. So much fun. RIP Ric.
I loved Ric, but I was a little more partial to Benjamin Orr's voice. Moving in Stereo, and Candy O are perfect examples of songs that his voice was absolutely hypnotic. Cars are still one of the greatest new wave bands of the late 70's, and 80's. Lightning in a bottle they were. All our heroes are dying, and it Sucks! Great review. Love how you analyze it perfectly. I am a drummer since 1976, and they are one of the band's that I would have given anything to play with.
The Cars. What a talented band. Ric was amazing. A shout out also to bass guitarist Benjamin Orr who as you mentioned passed away in 2000. He was the lead singer on several of their big hits, including their biggest, Drive.
The Cars first two albums were awesome back in 1978 and 1979, I wore them out back then and I still love them today. Too bad these great rock artists are leaving us and in my opinion not many great ones taking their place if any.
Absolutely love the Cars!! Such a tragic loss. They really carved out a unique sound with Ric and Ben’s voices and fantastic songs! And Elliot Easton’s guitar playing is absolutely awesome! Thanks for posting! ✌🏻😎🎸
I saw the Cars in a small club, the Shaboo Inn, in Wilamantic, Connecticut when they were touring behind thier first album. They started and ended with, "Just What I Needed." I remember the keyboardist Greg Hawkes playing a central part and lead guitarist Elliot Easton playing clean and energetic. They were a tight band who seemed truly grateful for the attention.
Fil, you have such an adorable look on your face whenever you hear something that appeals to you. 🥰 I get just as much enjoyment from your reactions as I do listening to your insightful and respectful analysis of each of the artists that you showcase. You are such a sweetheart, and you and your channel deserve all the attention you get. Thank you for paying homage to Ric. 🙂xx
Such a fantastically unique sound. I was 24 when they hit it big and I instantly fell in love. Ric's death hit me hard and it took me back to 2000 when Ben died. I haven't been able to listen to them without crying. So glad you did a critique of them. I think they all were so underrated. I will love them forever.
What a great band The Cars, all the songs were very catchy, one of my favorite songs was Moving on Stereo, that was featured in the movie Fastimes at Ridgemont High, the classic scene when Phoebe Cates dives into the pool, comes out of the pool and takes her top off, in the background you hear that tune is was just amazing, great funky punky edgy sound that made them unique, here in the US, You might think from Heartbeat City was one of the most popular videos ever played on MTV, One of the 1st video to have computer animations , won video of the year at the MTV awards. Great analysis Fil like always.
@@HarryWebb46 I could tell by his singing style and other little hints in his music. Since I'm soon to be 67, maybe I have it in my memory to pick up on that more than those who didn't live through that era of Buddy Holley, Everly Brothers, etc. I always liked how Ric took the Everly Brothers song title "Bye Bye Love" and created a totally different song, and Ben nailed it as a hit with is vocals.
How the hell could someone come up with a solo like that? So many dynamic elements in their sound and mix of instrumentation. Good God I love the Cars! RIP RIC and Ben...such cool guys it is like they were from another planet...
I remember that like it was yesterday such a great band and when they hit the scene it was party time ! Phil I have to say with all sincerely your the best music reviewer on the internet not just you tube I'm happy I found your channel a while back , and I'm going to try to see if I can hear some of your own stuff I can only imagine how good it must be . I'm a little older now I'm 60 but I still love my rock n roll even though I'm bald now and what hair I do have is white as snow hahahaha
Love the Cars!! They are such a gem! That wonderful contradiction of really tight instrumentals and harmonies overlaid with unexpected (and delightful) quirky vocals - it just works. Their sound never fails to make me smile. So glad you featured them. Now, please, please feature INXS - another band with a number of influences to achieve a one-of-kind sound. So much talent to delve into there. Cheers!
Loved The Cars! Infectious melodic songs. Very creative. Had The pleasure of seeing them live in 1979 and 1984. Ric was another one of those guys who did it all.. Wrote all The Cars material, guitarist and that unique voice. Very Sad to hear of his passing. Thankful for the great music he left behind with The Cars and his solo albums as well❤ Thanks for a great review my friend! 😎🎼🎵🎶
Fil, you are such a treasure. I love all your analysis videos for depth of knowledge and your evident love for all kinds of music. Plus you are a very classy and liikeable fellow. Thanks for honoring Ric and the cars, you definitely distilled the greatness of this unforgettable and incredible band. Thanks for all you do.
Ric O always appeared so comfortable in his skin. Not a standard look by any standards, but he always seemed so cool about it. And, not for nothing, I believe he married a model. Great review as always, Fil, of another fallen music hero. Your commentary always is like time travel, as you fill in the pallet. Outstanding.
Keith Shirey Best Friends Girlfriend is my favorite all-time song. Very unique. Punk, power pop then comes the new wave organ and the happy delivery of Eastons rocakabilly guitar. The Cars delivered us from one genre to another.Definitly the most influential group of their time. I miss 1978 and will never forget Ocasek, Orr and the rest. RIP Ric and Ben.
I'll be correcting my spelling and grammatical issues, my brain was firing far faster than my finger could type. Sadly, the "In Memorium"s will be becoming far more frequently startind now. Time waits for no man. Thank you for both this and the Eddie Money tributes. I lost one of my highest held musical heroes a few years ago in Allen Lanier. We can't help what life brings, all we can do is roll with the punches as they come, one day that punch will have my name on it too.
When I first heard the Cars, I thought the English rock band Be-Bop Delux had reformed with a new name. It hadn't, but the influence is obvious when you hear Ocasic sing.
Yes, exactly right. I haven't been thinking about it much, but I need to come to terms with it. Mick Jagger's health issues were a real wake-up call. With that said, so long to Rick. I loved the Cars, they had some of the best songs ever.
@@sydnick6696 can't disagree. When I'd first heard this, I had already been heavily influenced by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Nazareth, Thin Lizzy ad infinitum. Even James Taylor, Poco, including very early Journey, pre Steve Perry. This actually threw me a bit off balance. I was never a huge fan, but I also never turned it off when the radio played it. They really made a style that was their own. Very few bands actually did that. Hell, as a kid, I loved the Monkeys and that wouldn't have been possible if I didn't already love the Beatles. They caught me, I was good with it, it literally "hooked" me and isn't that why we love the music we love? I actually enjoyed these songs through out my life and it's a huge loss to the music that could come forward. He produced lots of stuff, that made him a gigantic influence to those that didn't even know it. This really is a loss to humanity.
@@idiotxx1 Nothing but love for Fil, absolutely nothing but. He's a great kid, he deserves my absolute respect. and I wish I had just a touch of his skills. I'm an old man who's midlife came with a desire to play guitar that I'd neglected almost all my life, so I'm a tad envious, but I won't for a minute think badly towards those who didn't have to do it early, I just hate myself for not making it a higher priority, That's all on me, not for a minute on those that sorted themselves better.
Thanks so much Fil. You are a totally classy guy to feature Ric and the Cars the day after his passing. I remember walking into one of my favorite record stores back in 1978. The store clerk put on their debut album. I hadn't heard of them and when the first track hit my ears it was "WOW" is this ever amazing! I'd never heard anything that sounded quite like it, it was like hearing something so new it was as if it was music from another planet! I immediately bought the album of course and every one they released over the following decade. So many great albums/songs. I remember those years fondly when great bands were still the norm, not the exception. It's with a mixture of great thankfulness and sadness that I remember how great he and the Cars were. Thanks Ric! Eternal respect. Rest In Peace!
Fil 🎶 I love how you honed in on so many factors with Ric that many do not see.. So Blessed & Unfortunately, our music world has lost yet another 💔 Ric is such a gifted genius with such great artistical insights & talent.. Much love and respect for Ric ... Thanxs Mega, for your incredible analyses Fil ...🎶🙏🕯💞...
Even at this early date for the band, they were all masters of their craft. As a fan of melodic rock, The Cars were definitely in heavy rotation on my turntable back in the late 70s to early 80s. Ric was a musical genius, Ben a great vocalist and Elliott a beast on guitar although I would say vastly underrated. So glad Ric was still with us when they were inducted into the RRHOF last year. Thanks, Fil for your analysis of The Cars; I always enjoy your videos.
Excellent analysis. You’re right on the money. I can tell you as someone who was a teenager in 1978 that it seemed like a fresh sound. We were awash in studio bands like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Supertramp, etc. Punk as you know was, among other things, a response to these studio “sound perfection” bands (side note: I appreciate those bands now more than I did then).
OK, but the Cars' studio music was flawless too...? (I listen carefully to music. Studio recordings for me, please! Live stuff is very secondary to my ears; I enjoy it if it's done well, but it's less essential IMO.)
Nick you have great taste. That bass line and bens backing vocals are gold. Shake it up and panorama are great albums. Go listen to don’t tell me no. Cruiser live 82” masterpiece and bens ad lib is powerful.
My two cents about Ric. About 16 years ago I was at Griffith Park with my wife and kids. We were at the entrance of the park, at the place were the little trains and horses are. I noticed Ric and his wife were also among the people visiting the park that day. I turned to my wife and told her that Ric Ocasek of the cars was in line to ride the little train. My wife, at that time, did not know who Ric or the cars were. I did not approach him. Seeing him was enough for me. PS: Griffith Park is in Los Angeles CA
Creating an original sound in a band is extremely difficult. The CARS did that vary thing. Live band great band LONG LIVE THE CARS. Ric&Ben together again. Thank you Fil.
The news of Ric's passing breaks my heart. I was in my 20's then. The music covers so many memories, good and bad. I loved this band! Damn they were excellent! Now I am going to cry. I always cry over the rockers passing away. I love the lead guitarist. Beautiful music. I love you guys and I still love that cute Fil. Fil is a sweetheart! ❤️🌹❤️💋
Thank you Fil ! I’m glad you reviewed and analyzed The Cars. Glad you pronounced Ric’s last name correctly. I loved this band since my junior and high school years. So many great songs. I still play them in my to go to playlist. Especially on long car trips. Starting September 8th 2001, I made it a point to listen to The Cars daily to commemorate Benjamin Orr’s birthday until October 3rd, his death in 2000. Starting next year I’ll begin listening daily March 23rd (Ric’s birthday) through October 3rd (Benjamin’s death ). Now he’s in Heaven jamming with Benjamin (his silver).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Ric. He was a unique singer and performer. He will be missed. Thank you for these tribute videos. It is very generous of you to share your insights and memories with all of us who follow you.
Durung my childhood days my older brothers always listen to this band the cars,,when i grew up they became my favorites too,,so sad to hear ric passes away but that's life,,thanks fil for featuring them on your channel God Bless you🙏
I was 10 when The Cars debuted and it was the first band I'd heard that bridged my life from my earliest love of pop music into my rock maturity. They were unique but classic. They were familiar but new. Punk but Pop. And I thought Ben's vocals on "Just What I Needed" sounded like the cliched Dracula voice and have heard it that way since. It was sad when Ben died and equally as sad this week.
Great tribute and analysis Fil! Regarding your commentary of the different genres and year’s covered I definitely picked up on that. One example is in Ric’s vocals which had elements of the 50’s Buddy Holly sound. Great Musician for sure!
You bring up some informed and critical aspects to Ocasek's behind the scenes skills . Even as someone who was firmly in the fusion and post be-bop music camp I explored , the overall production values, as you put it Phil, made me listen and appreciate the CARS package . Good vocals, intelligent lyrics with reality-based story lines, and clean arrangements without surplus notes or showy solos , all packaged with catchy rhythms . I like it more today than then .Put another way, it was the best club music for finding a chick to dance with , the main reason I sought out this stylish groove. Ocasek went on to produce albums for Weezer, including the rock band's 1994 self-titled debut album. The only reason I know this is a former girlfriend listened and followed much of this music style, something I never would seek out myself . I suppose Pat Benatar might be included in this style. I do recall the mixture of reggae with rock and enjoyed General Public's debut album . Hell, I never knew the names of many rock artists at their peak popularity. With Ric, it was his solo and production credits I saw on other people's records that really got my attention. He knew how to shape the qualities that make a band successful, a point you bring up where background vocals were a necessary part of the group stage presence . --Overall a nicely personalized exploration that highlights Ric Ocasek's multiple talents beyond the initial success of the band . Great video tribute !
Funny story...went to a Robin Trower concert, Music Hall, Boston, pretty sure it was '77. Cars were the opening act. Never heard of them and the crowd wasn't having it, unknown new wave band not a good fit with the acid rock Trower crowd. They cut their set short amidst many boos. A few months later everyone in Boston heard of the Cars. Great analysis as always, Fil!
That's a sad story but whoever was promoting them should have known better not to stick the cars with Robin. In Philadelphia Upper Darby we have the Tower Theater so we had Robin Trower at the Tower. '78 or '79. Didn't go was still a bit young.
Love the cars since I first heard him as a teenager back in 78. So unique so awesome. It's a bummer when we lose the good ones. Thanks for the Memories. Peace
Fil The expression on your face says everything about your feelings about music and the knowledge you are giving comes from the heart ❤️. RIP Ric Ocasek
Such such sad , sad news.. Rick was the epicenter of great music emanating in my early college day's , chock full of happy memories playing their songs with my then cover band. I guess you're just what i needed Rick. Thank You Heeps. Rest Well🙏🌹🙏
Got three of their albums in my vinyl collection. 'All I can do' and 'Just what I needed' are my absolute favorite Cars-songs but there's so much great songs they made. From an interview with Elliot I learned that he tried to mix his rockabilly influences in his guitar playing into new wave and look how that worked! Especially in this song. It's the coming together of all those diferent styles that must have made it hard for music journalists to categorise this band so one can only describe them as being unique! No other band sounds like the Cars! And what a name for a band to start with! Such a shame that the passing of Ric had to lead to this (once more: great) analysis video. I was so surprised to learn he reached 75!?? He was one of those guys you couldn't put a label to on his age. Thanks for not only honouring Ric here but the whole band, Fil.
Sad to see another one go. Ric had a unique voice. My favorite song and their best IMHO is "Dangerous Type" from the Candy-O album. Thanks for featuring Ric and the band Fil. Great tribute.
There's no, "I think I love you," lyric in Candy-O, bullshit artist. It's "Candy-O I need you (so). Of course you've got a lot of likes by people who jump on the bandwagon after a musician dies.
RIP Ric. Sad but exelent analysis on a great band. The cars always delivered a unique sound that you could recognize quickly. The music will live on ........ !!!! As always, great analysis Fil ....... !!!! ROCK !!!!
Thank you Fil. I kind of get the feeling that the years he was trying to be successful allowed him the time to develop his unique style. No one sounded like the Cars. Especially his vocal sound and his really intricate song style covering his look at genres of music. Music listeners always like something fresh and Ric gave us that. I liked his solo work too. ROCK! RiP Ric, with thoughts for his loved ones.
Thank you for covering a great of all time! When they first came out I was 17 years old. I loved them and played them all of the time and my friends thought I was crazy. Ha Ha
Hard to pick a favorite song by The Cars, but this one is up there. I always loved, them always will. Thank you for this video Fil, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
Another great musician gone up in the clouds. The Cars were a great band and Ric with his unique look and singing voice just completed the band. Yes Ric looks punk for sure and always did, but that was his look. RIP Ric, thank you for great music. Thanks for sharing Fil and a great analysis as always.