The Cars

When it comes to new-wave, one band towers over the rest of the field. With a sound that’s synonymous with great 80s pop and arena-sized hooks, the Cars became a veritable greatest hits factory. Ric Ocasek’s songs were influenced by the Velvet Underground and the punk rock movement, but had a slick pop/rock sheen which proved very successful. After a demo version of “Just What I Needed” became a listener favourite on WBCN in Boston (the bands’ homebase), they were pursued by record companies. THE CARS was recorded in 2 weeks in London, England. This ranks as one of the best debut albums from a rock band. The Cars are filed under rock, but they are closer to power pop than any other genre. Ric Ocasek sounded like a cross between the Raspberries and Television, punk sound with a pop attitude. The giveaway was the irresistible harmony-ridden hooks in just about every one of his songs. Listen again to “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”, “Just What I Needed” or “My Best Friend’s Girl” and be thrilled. Lots of chunka chunka guitar and Mamas And Papas harmonies, and rarely a dull moment. They managed only six albums in 20 years, but they never bettered this.