STUCK IN THE VINYL AGAIN - THE CARS - THE CARS

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Good morning Wednesday warriors and welcome back to Stuck In The Vinyl Again. Today we remember producer, singer songwriter, rhythm guitarist, vocalist and founding member of the New Wave band The Cars, Ric Ocasek, on this, the 2 year anniversary of his passing. Ric died in 2019, age 75 of natural causes while recovering from surgery. He is severely missed. With him in mind, we shine a light on the group's self titled debut, The Cars. The LP was released June 6, 1978 on the Elektra label and produced by Roy Thomas Baker. It peaked at #60 in Canada, #35 in Australia, #29 in the UK, #18 on the Billboard 200, and #5 in New Zealand. The 6X Platinum record spawned three popular singles ; "Just What I Needed" (#27 Hot 100, #24 Cash Box, #17 UK) , "My Best Friend's Girl" (#44 Cash Box, #35 Hot 100, #3 UK), and "Good Times Roll" (#74 Canada, #60 Cash Box, #41 Hot 100). The cover model is a Russian poet, writer, singer, and frontwoman named  Nataliya Medvedeva. She passed away in 2003. 

1. "Good Times Roll" Ocasek Ocasek 3:44

2. "My Best Friend's Girl" Ocasek Ocasek 3:44

3. "Just What I Needed" Ocasek Benjamin Orr 3:44

4. "I'm in Touch with Your World" Ocasek Ocasek 3:31

5. "Don't Cha Stop" Ocasek Ocasek 3:01

Side two

6. "You're All I've Got Tonight" Ocasek Ocasek 4:13

7. "Bye Bye Love" Ocasek Orr 4:14

8. "Moving in Stereo"
OcasekGreg Hawkes
Orr 4:46

9. "All Mixed Up" Ocasek Orr 4:14

The Cars

Ric Ocasek – vocals, rhythm guitar
Benjamin Orr – vocals, bass
David Robinson – drums, percussion, Syndrums, backing vocals
Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
Greg Hawkes – keyboards, percussion, saxophone on "All Mixed Up", backing vocals

Technical

Roy Thomas Baker – production
Geoff Workman – engineering
Nigel Walker – second engineer
George Marino – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York City)

Artwork

Ron Coro – art direction
Johnny Lee – design
Elliot Gilbert – photography