This first Cars record was part of a group of records I collected from a local broadcasting company that didn't play rock and roll. I picked it up with the bunch that gave us the first Devo record. I was just starting to get an interest into the "new wave" but I didn't take it seriously so this record just became one of the pack added to Big FUD's collection in September 1978.

One Saturday night I was at home listening to Gardner Campbell's Deaconlight and he played a really pretty song called "All Mixed Up." When he extro'd the song I was surprised to hear it was that "new wave band" I had been passing over. This prompted me to give the record a listen. In addition to "All Mixed Up" I discovered the song "Moving In Stereo," which I found to be very cool.

It wasn't long before I loved this record. I can honestly say The Cars (along with The Ramones) were instrumental in pulling my out of my prog rock haze. The songs on this record are catchy, innovative, fun. As much as I came to loath the term "new wave" once I made the jump, I must say The Cars were the definitive "new wave" band in the most excellent sense of the term.

So while I was all involved in the end of Side Two of this record, I think the songs on Side One were giving The Cars a name - "My Best Friend's Girl," "Good Times Roll," and "Just What I Needed." When I went back to work for WKZL in 1982, I was happy to also find "You're All I've Got Tonight" and "Bye Bye Love" in rotation as well.

Even though I have iTunes listed here, forget the individual songs, the greatest hits. This record is a perfect example of an album full of great songs positioned properly. All the songs on Side Two segue into each other beautifully, making playing "Moving In Stereo" and "All Mixed Up" together essential.

As I say this, however, I must confess my only copy is the radio station version, which spaces out the songs for easier queuing. I really should get the CD so I can hear it the right way. Although there is something about slapping on Side Two and staring out with that ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch of "You're All I've Got Tonight" as opposed to just having it stuck in the middle of the CD.....

-- 23 February 2006 (DD)