He was and still is one of the most influential modern musicians on the planet. An innovator of an entire sub genre of rock that still inspires people to pick up the guitar. He may not have been a particularly insane guitar player, but his writing was truly prolific. I’m talking about rhythm guitarist, lead vocalist and leader Ric Ocasek of The Cars.
His image was instantly recognizable. Super tall, super lanky with that long rocker face. Always wearing some sort of eccentric suit, new wave outfit or leather jacket. Which fit perfectly during The Cars’ prime during the height of the MTV era. After all, they did win the first ever music video of the year at the first annual MTV Music Awards in 1984 for the song ‘You Might Think.’ But even before that The Cars were pretty successful. Their signature debut album would eventually become a smash (although at first it was anything but mainstream). And it produced many of the eponymous staples of classic rock radio that we enjoy today: ‘You’re All I’ve Got Tonight,’ ‘Just What I Needed,’ ‘Good Times Roll,’ and ‘My Best Friends Girl’ were all featured on the first album; released in 1978. Not only that, but it was that album led by those songs that would change the rock community forever.
The Cars became known as a ‘New Wave Dream Machine’ by the time the were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame just last year. Which makes sense considering they basically invented the sub genre. The sound they created, led by Ocasek, even started to bleed into heavy progressive bands like Rush and Yes. But The Cars weren’t just some lame ‘new wave’ band. They were a kick ass new wave band!! A lot of heavy music listeners, including myself, don’t really care for the new wave sound. But The Cars were always an exception. Maybe it’s because of the authentic vibe they always had. Who knows. But what I do know is that I always crank The Cars when they fill the speakers.
The Cars eventually broke up in 1988 and Ocasek went on to produce some great bands: Weezer, Bad Brains, No Doubt and Bad Religion just to name a few. The Cars reunited in 2010 and released the comeback ‘Move Like This’ in 2011. Unfortunately it would be the bands last album. The Cars were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Which is way too late if you ask me. But at least they got in there before Ocasek’s death.
Honestly, I was never a huge Cars fan. I always liked their music, but never really invested in it. But I always had mad respect for what they created. And they stayed true to who they were until the end. Despite a gigantic hiatus. And their stamp on rock was and is forever engraved. Along with chief architect Ric Ocasek’s vision.
