The 1980s were a confusing time to grow up musically.
In hindsight, knowing everything associated with adolescence is unsure, they were a great time to come of age. It was the beginning of the end with open format FM radio.
Sadly, it’s time to add Ric Ocasek to that jam session in the sky that, between Michael Jackson, Prince and Tom Petty, pretty much summarizes the FM dial of youth.
The Cars were that rare breed that shattered preconceptions and appealed to everyone, from the mainstream to metalheads. Then again, considering Ocasek produced everyone from Bad Brains to Weezer, his cool quotient seemed eternal. That he married Paulina Porizkova — and remained with her until 2016 — gave hope to every male that wasn’t born with matinee idol looks.
Upon reading of his death late Sunday night, I did what has unfortunately become a too frequent sort of musical death tradition, I went directly to Spotify to reminisce. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot. My sister and I were just vollying a Top 3 of The Cars’ songs conversation and quickly realized three was much too limiting a number.
I’ll give you a jump start without the overtly obvious: “Magic,” “Let’s Go,” “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight,” “Hello Again,” “Dangerous Type” and “Tonight She Comes.”
Thankfully the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame helped with some renewed interest last year. It might have taken them awhile, but they got it right.
Listen with headphones. It’s worth it.
