Classic Album of the Day- The Cars- Candy O (1979). ****
Bands like The Cars, The Police, Elvis Costello, among another put a big dent into the AOR Arena Rock era,. They called and identified the genre soon afterwards as New Wave. So we ditched our long hair and Tee shirts for sunglasses, Oxford shirts, and skinny ties for a few years. In retrospect, it was kind of embarrassing. My own outhouse critical opinion or definition of what New Wave was? To me it was a stab at commercializing Punk Rock. Not just like punk rock, but an attempt at including melodic and songwriting structure that was more palatable, versus say the 4/4 grinding 3 chords, and screaming that patented Punk Rock........... especially at its inception from 1975 to 1978.
There could be arguments of one of a half dozen bands which were the best, or best reprsented the era. IMO... The Cars fit the bill best there. Pick for album?
You want stylistic splash and the height of innovative songwriting, their Harmonies, the catchy tunes? I'd go with the debut album. But for ultra pure world class song writing skills, I have to go with Candy-O.. Here the Orr- Ocasek collaboration seems to click the best, almost a class of how to augment two styles into a musical Kraken. The album art of including a Playboy artist (Vargas) was a nice touch too.
Finally of observational interest is how lopsided by side this LP was. Side 1 is so overwhelmingly better. Never understood why the band and producers didn't mix it up better. In any case, especially enjoy the best of Side 1, and a trip back to 1979-1980. And as usual, I have ranked and preferenced my preferences in blue
Side 1-
Let's Go- Neuvo Wavo right out the gate- Start seems much in. style like the '78 gem. Heavy syn, and strong new wave beat. Huge hit after release. Topping out at No. 14 Orr's voice was never stronger- 3
Since I Held You- Same theme, syncopated rthyms effective. Vintage Cars, for certain- 4
It's All I Can Do.- My all time favorite Cars tune, and a masterful exercise of song writing- There is a point half way through the song, where there are 4 very specific and intricate melodic lines beautifully blend in, like none other I have ever heard before. Absolutely incredible song and feat, and a must have to anyone with a Cars "Play List"- 1
Double Life- Wow, what a followup- Slow rhythmic melodic roll, when Ocasek's voice beautifully and hauntingly focused at first distal to mic. Harmonies are first rate too. What a great side 1- 2
Shoo Be Doo- Synth Gibberish- Didn't say this album was perfect either- 11
Candy-O - Solid Rocker, that has some traditional rocking licks, while obviously incorporating new wave tinges and themes- 6
Side 2-
Night Spots- Maybe the best song on the weaker album side- Ocasek fare, with some of the better synth and guitar work on the LP- 5
You Can't Hold Too Long- Weak Filler (next)- 10
Lust for Kicks- Organ based ditty- Not bad, Not great either- 8
Alot on My Head- Chaotic upbeated and unnecessary- 9
Dangerous Type- Thankfully the Cars closed with a strong tune. Nice intertwining of guitar and synth at points in the tune. 7
Bands like The Cars, The Police, Elvis Costello, among another put a big dent into the AOR Arena Rock era,. They called and identified the genre soon afterwards as New Wave. So we ditched our long hair and Tee shirts for sunglasses, Oxford shirts, and skinny ties for a few years. In retrospect, it was kind of embarrassing. My own outhouse critical opinion or definition of what New Wave was? To me it was a stab at commercializing Punk Rock. Not just like punk rock, but an attempt at including melodic and songwriting structure that was more palatable, versus say the 4/4 grinding 3 chords, and screaming that patented Punk Rock........... especially at its inception from 1975 to 1978.
There could be arguments of one of a half dozen bands which were the best, or best reprsented the era. IMO... The Cars fit the bill best there. Pick for album?
You want stylistic splash and the height of innovative songwriting, their Harmonies, the catchy tunes? I'd go with the debut album. But for ultra pure world class song writing skills, I have to go with Candy-O.. Here the Orr- Ocasek collaboration seems to click the best, almost a class of how to augment two styles into a musical Kraken. The album art of including a Playboy artist (Vargas) was a nice touch too.
Finally of observational interest is how lopsided by side this LP was. Side 1 is so overwhelmingly better. Never understood why the band and producers didn't mix it up better. In any case, especially enjoy the best of Side 1, and a trip back to 1979-1980. And as usual, I have ranked and preferenced my preferences in blue
Side 1-
Let's Go- Neuvo Wavo right out the gate- Start seems much in. style like the '78 gem. Heavy syn, and strong new wave beat. Huge hit after release. Topping out at No. 14 Orr's voice was never stronger- 3
Since I Held You- Same theme, syncopated rthyms effective. Vintage Cars, for certain- 4
It's All I Can Do.- My all time favorite Cars tune, and a masterful exercise of song writing- There is a point half way through the song, where there are 4 very specific and intricate melodic lines beautifully blend in, like none other I have ever heard before. Absolutely incredible song and feat, and a must have to anyone with a Cars "Play List"- 1
Double Life- Wow, what a followup- Slow rhythmic melodic roll, when Ocasek's voice beautifully and hauntingly focused at first distal to mic. Harmonies are first rate too. What a great side 1- 2
Shoo Be Doo- Synth Gibberish- Didn't say this album was perfect either- 11
Candy-O - Solid Rocker, that has some traditional rocking licks, while obviously incorporating new wave tinges and themes- 6
Side 2-
Night Spots- Maybe the best song on the weaker album side- Ocasek fare, with some of the better synth and guitar work on the LP- 5
You Can't Hold Too Long- Weak Filler (next)- 10
Lust for Kicks- Organ based ditty- Not bad, Not great either- 8
Alot on My Head- Chaotic upbeated and unnecessary- 9
Dangerous Type- Thankfully the Cars closed with a strong tune. Nice intertwining of guitar and synth at points in the tune. 7
