Ric Ocasek was one of the all-time great American songwriters: the spirit of Buddy Holly in the body and mind of Mr. Spock, a new wave eccentric who always wanted to brush your rock & roll hair. That’s why the world is in mourning at the news of his death yesterday, at the age of 75. With the Cars, the Boston legend scored hit after hit, yet he also wrote vulnerable ballads about teen angst with his own distinctive blend of compassion and humor, plus his authentic geek-gulp of a voice. Who else could sing the line “alienation is the craze” and still sound cool? Nobody.
* I will never forget the night that I arrived at a bonfire party just outside the Landstuhl military base where my family lived. This song was playing on somebody’s boom box…
I had heard the song before, but I hadn’t really “heard” it. You know what I mean? The song just seemed perfect that night in that setting with those people (my high school friends). There were so many great tracks on that album…
“It’s funny, but when I wasn’t a so-called star, I still used to get recognized a lot, although for other reasons. I’ve felt rather like an outcast for most of my life, and I became comfortable with it at a young age. But it’s not easy sometimes telling yourself that there’s hope for your future, there’s a reason to go on.” Ocasek sits quietly for several seconds, staring down at his long, bony hands. “I used to think about how it would be turned around someday.”
“Moving in Stereo” is my favorite song from the first album. And the song is the background music for a famous fantasy scene in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
His music is timeless and was such a huge part of the soundtrack of my teen years. Hearing ‘The Cars’ now always takes me back to bonfires and road parties. RIP Ric. Your genius will live on.
One of those bands that could get played on multiple radio formats. I never truly appreciated The Cars’ new wave creds until I later realized they were new wave before I knew what new wave truly was.
Great band. Underrated in my opinion. Bridged Rock and Roll with New Wave and yet so original. Great catalog of songs. Ocasek and Orr are both gone now. What a shame.
I was born in 71. The Cars were a staple of my formative years. This was a hit to the gut on par with Prince. Just makes me think I better get out and start seeing some of these people while I can.
My buddies older brother had a clunky Ford Comet with what we thought was a really good stereo in it. “The Cars” and “Candy O” we’re without a doubt some of the favorite cassettes in the big brown vinyl case. Rest In Peace, Ric. You made me smile many times.
- OneMan - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 12:57 pm:
Amen…
- A Jack - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 12:59 pm:
“Moving in Stereo” is my favorite song from the first album. And the song is the background music for a famous fantasy scene in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
- Anon E Moose - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:05 pm:
He recorded Weezer’s Blue Album, which is pretty perfect.
- Not Robert Peel - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:05 pm:
Don’t forget Drive and Magic
- Cubs in '16 - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:06 pm:
His music is timeless and was such a huge part of the soundtrack of my teen years. Hearing ‘The Cars’ now always takes me back to bonfires and road parties. RIP Ric. Your genius will live on.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:11 pm:
What a great band. One of my all time favorites. Many great teenage memories of blasting their tunes in the car. Rest in peace and thanks Mr. Ocasek.
- City Zen - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:11 pm:
MTV Year 1 and “Shake It Up”. Over and over.
One of those bands that could get played on multiple radio formats. I never truly appreciated The Cars’ new wave creds until I later realized they were new wave before I knew what new wave truly was.
- DK. - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:12 pm:
An incredible pop genius. SO many catchy songs and the first album is one of the greatest debuts ever. Will be missed.
- Wensicia - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:48 pm:
MTV can thank the Cars for much of their fan base in the eighties. “Moving in Stereo” is also one of my favorites.
- Jake From Elwood - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 1:50 pm:
Great band. Underrated in my opinion. Bridged Rock and Roll with New Wave and yet so original. Great catalog of songs. Ocasek and Orr are both gone now. What a shame.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 2:12 pm:
Maybe it’s just me, but MGMT seems like it had a lot of inspiration from The Cars.
- Amalia - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 2:28 pm:
Candy O was intense. The Cars were big, and good, and made newer (to this 70s gal) music interesting for me. RIP Ric.
- NoGifts - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 4:10 pm:
THEY WERE SO GREAT!
But 75 good years and died from natural causes (as reported) is a good finish. Too young but still ok.
- Han’s Solo Cup - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 4:31 pm:
I was born in 71. The Cars were a staple of my formative years. This was a hit to the gut on par with Prince. Just makes me think I better get out and start seeing some of these people while I can.
- Vote Quimby - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 6:40 pm:
RIP Ric…. many hours and many beers and many dances attempted at your songs. Thanks
- Winderweezle - Monday, Sep 16, 19 @ 8:01 pm:
My buddies older brother had a clunky Ford Comet with what we thought was a really good stereo in it. “The Cars” and “Candy O” we’re without a doubt some of the favorite cassettes in the big brown vinyl case. Rest In Peace, Ric. You made me smile many times.