I met Elliot and Ben outside The Cars Synchro Sound recording studio on Newbury st. in Boston in 1982. They were the nicest guys and even though I was a nervous as hell 8th grade fan they talked with me and my friends for about 10 minutes and signed autographs for all of us. Great memories...
How lucky you were born at that time and being North American, because I was born in the mid-nineties, I've been a fan of The Cars for eight years and I'm Brazilian.Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek are alive in my parallel reality, in fact Benjamin Orr and Elliot Easton are two of my few famous crushes.
The Cars' live performances were so perfect, it's ridiculous. I love how they weren't showy or flashy. With their talent, it just wasn't necessary. All they had to do was play.
This music was heaven on earth.......I would'nt trade 1 year of the 70's & 80's for a whole decade of this CRAP music now .... 40 years and still listening......Thank god for this era !!!
Sirius RushFan Yeah they nailed it. Backing vocals too far down in the mix is the only flaw I hear. Ric's satisfaction is obvious but you can also see and hear Ben go WOOOOOOO at the end. Eliot perfect.
No other band has ever showcased the talents of each individual member so perfectly equally in virtually every song. Drums, bass, rhythm and lead guitar, vocals, each stand out.
Every member of this band was so integral to their sound, these five guys were such a fine tuned machine.the drummer and guitarist really fuel this band.Orr,Ocasek,Easton,Robinson and Hawkes amazing band that have a rightful place in the annals of all time killer groups
Elliott and Rick needed each other musically - Rick gave the songs eerie edgy space and Elliott provided necessary professional fills so the listener felt they knew what they were doing even if it was on the edge. Ben provided image and credibility with strong vocals. What an amazing band.
Both Ric and Ben were great singers and they split up the songs perfectly. I can't see Ben singing this song just like I can't see Ric singing Bye Bye Love. I don't get why people always argue about it when they both very talented musicians. Also, we can't forget about Elliot, Greg and David. Everyone in the band brought something unique and that's what made the cars so great. It was never good because of one person.
Absolutely right, and true of any real band....so much for the dough-heads who trash talk the Beatles/Chicago/Eagles, etc., saying, "...the band was such-and-such person, and without them, bleah bleah..." another prime example (sometimes overlooked): Elton John, in his heyday (early to mid 70's) and his BAND (Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, Nigel Olsen)...EJ gets the credit and fame, but his band at that time were phenomenal...
I never paid much attention to the parts that created the whole back when these songs were new, but now... wow. Just waiting for Easton to be let off his chain is an incredible build up and when he goes off, it's damned near a religious experience.
I had heard through the years that the Cars were either a boring live band, a bad live band, or both. In the last couple of years I have regularly watched live Cars footage and been very pleasantly surprised. All of the live stuff I have seen pretty much kicks ass. "Touch and Go" is not an easy song to replicate live, and they nailed it here !
I think people say that they were boring live (never heard anyone say they sounded bad) because they don’t run around the stage like buffoons. To some people that equals “boring.”
Ranked number by 2 Gibson Guitars as best leftie ever ! He IS the Best Left handed if not the most talented guitar player ever (left) I've heard every Easton lick out there , this lick in Touch n Go was awesome , live . Saw em three x3s 80/81/82 San Diego Sports arena . Incredible
This is one of the best live recreations of a song ever! Actually,with Elliot's amazing guitar work, I like it better than the album version. The whole band kicks major ass in this performance. I've watched this many times. Thanks for posting.
The poetic romantic tragedy song writing and the always ever soul melting licks of Elliot Easton , throw in the mysterious ladies man Ben Orr with two solid musicians in D Robinson & Greg Hawkea ......1 unforgettable rock band . The Cars
dave keenan That was an incredible performance! And that beautiful smile of Ric at the end is priceless! And what about the crowd? WOW! It was Awesome!
This is my favorite guitar solo from Elliot Easton by far very constructed & just some damn tasty fills & great tone! A very underated guitarist lost in the time of well,the best guitar players in history!
32INCHSTRIPER And yeah, that kinda matters, when you're a 14-year-old kid with your first electric. Looks. Who was cooler than Elliot Easton? He even made the best solo album, by writing with Jules Shear and putting real songs on it, instead of guitar marathons. He wasn't a singing sensation, but his voice sounded sincere and in tune with great lyrics. Unfortunately, he was always too fast and tricky for me to imitate. I have two tabs of this song, and that means nothing. My fingers just don't go that fast. I had to settle for imitating David Gilmour. :)
Ben Culture hey Ben, always enjoy your comments on one of my all time favorite bands. On his solo tour, Elliot played at UMass at their Spring Concert in 85 if I remember correctly. He was the opening band followed by a few other bands then the Tubes headlined. He did a nice 40 minute or so set. I took a good pic of him on stage and some security dude told me to put my camera away. Cool story, in 2004 I saw the Tubes play at what was once the excellent venue in Farmingdale, LI called the Downtown. At the end of the show, Fee, Rick Anderson and Roger Steen came out and hung out with those of us who stayed on for a while and I mentioned I saw them play UMass in 85 and he said, "Yeah I remember that, Elliot Easton opened up that day". I thought that was a real cool connection of events!
This has to be the finest performance of this song by them. They were near perfect. (no one is perfect,but this was real close) The guitar solo gets you playing air guitar EVERY TIME.......Thanks for sharing this!!
I cried my eyes out when Ben passed. I still mourn his loss and it's been 14yrs.! Oct. 4 is coming up..Weird how just a few days before Sept. 8th 2014 I had the urge to listen to The Cars. Then I realized Benjamin's Birthday was coming up..The love and loss went through me for days...Not sure why, I never had the pleasure to meet Ben..(He was 16 when I was born) I did go to the US Festival back in 1982.. They rocked it as always....This band by far was the best and still is in my humble opinion...R.I.P Benjamin..♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Each time I hear this I love it more. Dave's crisp drumming, Ben's fat bass licks, Elliot's crackling solos, Greg's anxious keyboard and Ric's tortured yet unusually emotional vocal. Probably my favorite Cars tune ever, thanks for posting!
The Cars always make me happy. Never disappoints. Catalogue is filled to the brim with radio classics. They did the impossible: a sound all their own. Nobody sounds like The Cars.
I saw these guys in 1979 in Madison. It was the best concert I ever saw. These guys were fantastic. I only wished the concert was longer. I've seen dozens of concerts including Eric Claptop, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and none will rival that performance I saw in 1979 from the Cars.
The song's verses feature the use of polymeter. Kind of a spooky almost backwards drum beat. Instead of the standard 2-1-2 beat, this 1-2-1, So cool...The bass and drums are playing in a time signature of 5/4, while the vocals, keyboards, and guitar are playing in 4/4.[1] For the lengthy pre-chorus and chorus, all instruments (and vocals) conform to the 4/4 signature. The guitar solo was played over music similar to the chorus, but with some sections extended to give Elliot Easton more measures on the chords E minor, F major, and G major, to build his flashy, melodic solo which resolves to a C major seventh chord.
Obviously acmecompany you know music and time signatures. must be a musician . I Have to admit I bought this on cassette tape when it was released and remember driving in my car across the Bay Bridge into San Francisco listening to this at dusk and it seemed so modern and futuristic and made me feel like I was living in a Modern Age. And I thought that music was going to develop into something phenomenal . Sadly to say it didn't instead of progressing it regressed into ?
The Cars really seemed to find a home on Fridays. One wonders why they were never on SNL (or invited?), and was Ric's stellar singing and stage presence on Fridays a middle finger of sorts.
John Lennon in his December 1980 interviews said he liked the song Touch and Go by the Cars. He thought it had the same 1950s sound as his song Starting Over.
***** True, John Lennon shouted out to this song in his last interview, but he said the same about Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" in the same breath. Do those two songs have anything in common, besides being _good?_ Either way, he's right. Ric Ocasek was only nine years younger than Lennon, and was just as influenced by Buddy Holly as Lennon himself was. It's heartbreaking to read about John Lennon's excitement to do another album and plan a tour. How epic would that have been, a real 1980s Lennon tour? Hey: The Cars opening for John Lennon. John Lennon opening for the Cars! I don't fucking care!! Unceasing awesomeness.
These guy's music kept me from having a total catastrophe mental breakdown in 1980, I played their music on a boom box on our stairs of our apartment complex in Mesa, Arizona back then, their music helped ease my soul from my tribulations''''
It's amazing what power music can have over us. I'm a different person than I was when I recorded this clip. Both my parents were still alive and I was still living at home. Watching this takes me back to those happier times. Thanks for sharing your story. Dave
Great video. I have listened to this group since the 70's and I still do even their new single "Free." Just an all round great group with great staying power. Too bad that Benjamin Orr is gone. Thank you for the upload.
I watched this when it was on that night so long ago. Thanks for posting a great memory. It was my senior year of high school. What a great time that was! The early 80s was an awesome time in my life! I joined the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii! Lots of clubs and GREAT music! Wish I could do it all again!
So ahead of their time - took me a while to appreciate it back in the day. Love em more every year. I love these old videos with none of today's sampling, harmonizers, or vocal correction technology. Just raw imperfect backup vocals. Now the LEAD vocals - that's a different story. Incredible!
Was 16 when the Cars released their debut album, and I was hooked instantly. Had never heard anything quite like their sound, and I thoroughly enjoyed each of their albums, as well as the way the band's sound evolved through each one. Panorama was their most experimental and this is a really underrated great song. Miss Ben Orr tremendously.
I remember watching faithfully Fridays, but... I think I did something at home where I lost my late night TV privileges that week... I missed this epic episode of The Cars performing that week. I remember seeing all the DEVO performances, but... Wow. I'm glad morrisonAV caught this on video tape and put it up for all to enjoy. Kudos, morrisonAV. You The Man.
Amanzing that this was performed 30 years ago last week.... and still looks and sounds crisp. The girl I was good friend's with came to my parents house to watch this, and would scream everytime they showed the drummer. I miss those carefree days.
I still marvel every time I see this video, the clarity, the quality. Awesome for how old it is. My all time favorite song but my all time favorite group. Thanks so much morrisonAV for posting this, it makes my millennium ...
Beautiful! What a great vocalist Ric Ocasek was! Rest in peace Ric Ocasek. Maybe you will come back to us in another life as another great 👍🎶✨😌 performer.
I loved this song since the first time I heard it back in Summer after graduating HS. Most of my friends didn't like Panorama, but I still like that album the most out of all of their masterpieces...Thank you The CARS for making my late teens to mid 20's the best musical time period I've ever had. And a nice shoutout to the B-52's also...#1 & #2 of my Top10 bands of all time.
Coming from a man whose favorite band has been The Cars since he was 15 & heard Moving In Stereo in 1978, you have made my day as well! WOW! Thank you for posting this incredibly clear video of a rare moment of the Greatest Band there ever was or ever will be!!!! RIP Benjamin, we miss you.
David Gillaspie Sr I'd argue the "talented" part of your commented, but I had several things working for me. I was using my brand new, 4-head Panasonic, was recording everything at 2-hr. (or SP) speed, used the best videotape available at the time and recording OTA from the station's transmitter which was only 20 miles away.
Man! How I remember this song! It is now one of my favorite Cars songs! It was on the "B" side of a 45 RPM single I bought back in 1981 of, I believe, Shake it Up, and I ended up liking the B side better than the A side! I got my drumset that same year, still have it and love it--a classic Rogers R-380 set, now with all Paiste 2002 cymbals, and how I struggled to get the odd-time parts of this song down! (during "All I need is you tonight"....) I can play this with my eyes closed now, but I still think this is a groundbreaking song! It is a mix of new wave rock and country on the choruses. These guys were (are) some of the best rockers of the 1970's! (and 1980's too) They broke some serious ground! The very first real rock n' roll LP I ever owned, and still do, was "The cars"--their first album, and I know all the songs in chronological order and love playing the WHOLE album on drums! I got "Shake it up", the whole album, on cassette tape in 1982, along with a Stuart single-speaker boom box, and literally wore that tape out! I still have the Stuart, and after sitting since 1987 in a shed out back, it still works today! (the volume and tone pots need cleaning though) Thing is, did they ever have a BAD song on any of their albums? It seems that I learned all their albums in chronological order back then and still prefer it that way. I learned alot of drum licks from them, and honed my chops on their music, as well as Journey, Van Halen, you name it! Nowadays, when I listen, I tend to get a little emotional---sometimes to tears, when listening, because those memories hit you in the stomach like a big fist! They are great memories, and hopefully, we will all take them with us into heaven someday when we leave this world! For now, this stuff is heaven on earth for me! Cheers! Rick Delair.
I'm only 41 man, I remember as a kid , going with my older neighbor/babysitter out on Friday or Saturday nights to the roller rink and skatin to this stuff....that probably went on from 79 till about 84 when the place folded up.....good tunes back then, not like nowadays. Good stuff is hard to find.
i wonder if the cars will ever get into the rock and roll hall of fame, they were the kings of new wave rock, when it came to new wave rock, it was the cars who put new wave rock on the map
it is when a guitarist makes it all look so damn easy that makes him really really great. My son sat next to Steve Morse ( Deep Purple) while SM ran through a few chords etc. at a public interview. He was just so so so good and it looked so easy - even though very hungover - it was hard to believe. Elliot Easton is in this class. He is so gifted it is not fair.
Elliot is still a very talented guitarist and performer today, with The Cars (when they are active - Here's hoping for another new follow up album to 2011's) and his other current project The Empty Hearts = (Wally Palmer-The Romantics, Clem Burke - Blondie, Andy Babiuk - Chesterfield Kings)
It doesn't get better than this, I rate this as their "BEST" Live performance (One of many), Ric's vocals on Key, Ben Orr hitting that Bass, David rocking the Drums and, last, but certainly the Best in this Vid, Elliot Easton, playing as good as I've ever seen !! Can't get enough of this Video....Wish there were more...
MrJacMac1986 Oh, good call. Really good call. People forget how Seventiesy the 80s were for quite a few years. It was 1984 and I was 13 when _Heartbeat City_ caught my attention, but after that, I went straight to the first album and worked my way through chronologically. _Panorama_ is the album that excited me the most. I wouldn't try to argue with a critic that it's their best, but it's the one that made me feel like, there's a theme going here, and I want to be IN it! Literally, "I just want to be in your _Panorama"_! I've never taken my thoughts to that point before! You just saw it happen, because of something you said four months ago.
MrJacMac1986 I remember getting Panorama when it was first released, and I didn't think it had a lot of disco or late 70s stylings in it. What I heard was a lot of pop stylings with a hard rock, almost icy, and crystalline edge to it. The uptempo bridge and chorus of Touch and Go reminds me of country songs, for some strange reason. The album overall was so fresh and new compared to anything else I'd ever heard at the time, so it seemed quite avant-garde to me. Then again, I was 17 at the time, so I was still somewhat impressionable. And yes, I would agree that Touch and Go was ahead of its time, and the kind of music The Cars were making in the early 80s really wouldn't become mainstream until 1985 or so.
Ric's smile at the audience during the applause is one of the most genuine things I've ever seen! Knowing that they've been accepted when all they were hoping for was to make enough money to do another album!!
5 hugely underrated musicians, making a damn fine band. First live concert I ever saw in 1982. Was a standout band in Philly at Live Aid in '85, which I saw live. Terrific band.
31 years ago today this video aired.....and it still looks as fresh, crisp and edgy as ever. I remeber watching The Cars perform this great song. My girlfriend was at my house to watch them, and every time drummer David Robertson was shown, she'd let out a love-struck school-girl scream. I miss those simple care-free days:)
I met Elliot and Ben outside The Cars Synchro Sound recording studio on Newbury st. in Boston in 1982. They were the nicest guys and even though I was a nervous as hell 8th grade fan they talked with me and my friends for about 10 minutes and signed autographs for all of us. Great memories...
WOW!!!! What a great story! You're sooooo lucky!!!! Do you still have their autographs? 😁
How lucky you were born at that time and being North American, because I was born in the mid-nineties, I've been a fan of The Cars for eight years and I'm Brazilian.Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek are alive in my parallel reality, in fact Benjamin Orr and Elliot Easton are two of my few famous crushes.
@@s.d.haddock1678 Isso que eu também gostaria de saber.
Лично потрогать The Cars, это невероятно и удивительно, привет всем из России.
que suerte....
The Cars' live performances were so perfect, it's ridiculous. I love how they weren't showy or flashy. With their talent, it just wasn't necessary. All they had to do was play.
This music was heaven on earth.......I would'nt trade 1 year of the 70's & 80's for a whole decade of this CRAP music now .... 40 years and still listening......Thank god for this era !!!
Criminally underrated band. I just love the way the song gallups.
It's like a new wave polka. Makes sense - Ben Orr was a Cleveland boy.
Dumb ass.
They may fly under the radar, but they are "HALL OF FAMERS" ..... AND RIGHTY SO!!
This performance was so damn tight! That look on Ric's face at the end says it all. RIP Ric and Ben, and thank you for so much joy!!!
Them at their quirky pop-art best. No wonder Warhol's featured in their music videos.
A rare and gorgeous smile!
@@Lisa-pl6gvyes, it was so nice to see. That's the way I want to remember him. I think he really enjoyed this performance.
One of the best songs done live that I've ever heard. I keep finding myself coming back at least once or twice a month to view this one.
You and me both, Sirius. Glad you've enjoyed it and I'm very glad I taped it 34(!) years ago.
lol I am too! And I remember those Fridays!
guilty lol i listen to it 20 times before i go
Sirius RushFan Yeah they nailed it. Backing vocals too far down in the mix is the only flaw I hear. Ric's satisfaction is obvious but you can also see and hear Ben go WOOOOOOO at the end. Eliot perfect.
morrisonAV Thank you! brings back good memories
Every single member of this band was talented as hell.
No other band has ever showcased the talents of each individual member so perfectly equally in virtually every song. Drums, bass, rhythm and lead guitar, vocals, each stand out.
Every member of this band was so integral to their sound, these five guys were such a fine tuned machine.the drummer and guitarist really fuel this band.Orr,Ocasek,Easton,Robinson and Hawkes amazing band that have a rightful place in the annals of all time killer groups
79steelymatt yet you didn't mention Benjamin Orr. you're NOT a TRUE CARS fan.
my bad 79. sorry
Agreed.
Elliott and Rick needed each other musically - Rick gave the songs eerie edgy space and Elliott provided necessary professional fills so the listener felt they knew what they were doing even if it was on the edge. Ben provided image and credibility with strong vocals. What an amazing band.
a perfect puzzle...to be framed
Both Ric and Ben were great singers and they split up the songs perfectly. I can't see Ben singing this song just like I can't see Ric singing Bye Bye Love. I don't get why people always argue about it when they both very talented musicians. Also, we can't forget about Elliot, Greg and David. Everyone in the band brought something unique and that's what made the cars so great. It was never good because of one person.
Absolutely right, and true of any real band....so much for the dough-heads who trash talk the Beatles/Chicago/Eagles, etc., saying, "...the band was such-and-such person, and without them, bleah bleah..." another prime example (sometimes overlooked): Elton John, in his heyday (early to mid 70's) and his BAND (Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, Nigel Olsen)...EJ gets the credit and fame, but his band at that time were phenomenal...
perfection!!!!!
They chose perfectly who should sing which song.
The Cars were at their best here...especially Elliot!
I never paid much attention to the parts that created the whole back when these songs were new, but now... wow. Just waiting for Easton to be let off his chain is an incredible build up and when he goes off, it's damned near a religious experience.
@@annabellelee180 And to express so much with his solos, some of them 3 seconds long!!
The guitar on this is beyond amazing
RIP Ben.
I had heard through the years that the Cars were either a boring live band, a bad live band, or both. In the last couple of years I have regularly watched live Cars footage and been very pleasantly surprised. All of the live stuff I have seen pretty much kicks ass. "Touch and Go" is not an easy song to replicate live, and they nailed it here !
Saw them in Dallas TX on the Door To Door tour and they were a very good live band. I feel fortunate to have seen them !!
I think people say that they were boring live (never heard anyone say they sounded bad) because they don’t run around the stage like buffoons. To some people that equals “boring.”
Goodnight RIC the world is much weaker now. R.I.P
That bass line is awesome
Well, that was just about perfectly performed. Everybody's locked in tight.
Stunning
Truly incredible musicians. And no lip syncing.
Benjamin Orr= Bass perfection...
I have always loved their guitar solos. Short, but with a lot of substance.
Just a great live version of this tune. Easton was a very under rated guitar player.
Ranked number by 2 Gibson Guitars as best leftie ever ! He IS the Best Left handed if not the most talented guitar player ever (left) I've heard every Easton lick out there , this lick in Touch n Go was awesome , live . Saw em three x3s 80/81/82 San Diego Sports arena . Incredible
under-rated?... Cars?... try Greg Hawkes!!
the mans keyboard patches and riffs Inspired a GENRE!
mike mostad Easton is one of my favorites.
This is one of the best live recreations of a song ever! Actually,with Elliot's amazing guitar work, I like it better than the album version. The whole band kicks major ass in this performance. I've watched this many times. Thanks for posting.
+D Roman Agreed, this version is better than the album...Elliot's guitar playing is awesome
The guitar on this is beyond amazing
i don't care what anyone says the Cars were F"ing GREAT! HOF Material 100%
The poetic romantic tragedy song writing and the always ever soul melting licks of Elliot Easton , throw in the mysterious ladies man Ben Orr with two solid musicians in D Robinson & Greg Hawkea ......1 unforgettable rock band . The Cars
As Of APRIL OF 2018, HALL OF FAME!?!?!
Boy did they deliver here. Crowd goes nuts at the end, Rick obviously pleased with the reaction. Such a talented band they were.
dave keenan That was an incredible performance! And that beautiful smile of Ric at the end is priceless! And what about the crowd? WOW! It was Awesome!
Ric cracks a smile at the end. A rarity indeed, from Mr. Gloomy. R.I.P Ric.
Eliot Easton is going off on the guitar!!! What a total, under-rated guitarist! That guy rocked!!!!
This is my favorite guitar solo from Elliot Easton by far very constructed & just some damn tasty fills & great tone! A very underated guitarist lost in the time of well,the best guitar players in history!
***** And he looks bad-assed doing it..
32INCHSTRIPER And he's a Lefty!! (so am I...just had to add that, LOL!)
32INCHSTRIPER And yeah, that kinda matters, when you're a 14-year-old kid with your first electric. Looks. Who was cooler than Elliot Easton?
He even made the best solo album, by writing with Jules Shear and putting real songs on it, instead of guitar marathons. He wasn't a singing sensation, but his voice sounded sincere and in tune with great lyrics.
Unfortunately, he was always too fast and tricky for me to imitate. I have two tabs of this song, and that means nothing. My fingers just don't go that fast. I had to settle for imitating David Gilmour. :)
Ben Culture hey Ben, always enjoy your comments on one of my all time favorite bands. On his solo tour, Elliot played at UMass at their Spring Concert in 85 if I remember correctly. He was the opening band followed by a few other bands then the Tubes headlined. He did a nice 40 minute or so set. I took a good pic of him on stage and some security dude told me to put my camera away. Cool story, in 2004 I saw the Tubes play at what was once the excellent venue in Farmingdale, LI called the Downtown. At the end of the show, Fee, Rick Anderson and Roger Steen came out and hung out with those of us who stayed on for a while and I mentioned I saw them play UMass in 85 and he said, "Yeah I remember that, Elliot Easton opened up that day". I thought that was a real cool connection of events!
Elliot was a master. His solos were always tight, compact, melodic, and biting...every songwriter should meet a guitarist like that!
Fantastic performance what a band!
This has to be the finest performance of this song by them. They were near perfect. (no one is perfect,but this was real close) The guitar solo gets you playing air guitar EVERY TIME.......Thanks for sharing this!!
I cried my eyes out when Ben passed. I still mourn his loss and it's been 14yrs.!
Oct. 4 is coming up..Weird how just a few days before Sept. 8th 2014 I had the urge to listen to The Cars. Then I realized Benjamin's Birthday was coming up..The love and loss went through me for days...Not sure why, I never had the pleasure to meet Ben..(He was 16 when I was born) I did go to the US Festival back in 1982.. They rocked it as always....This band by far was the best and still is in my humble opinion...R.I.P Benjamin..♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
now that's fan
Cried my eyes out too, what a wonderful human being he was, it was sad beyond words.
Each time I hear this I love it more. Dave's crisp drumming, Ben's fat bass licks, Elliot's crackling solos, Greg's anxious keyboard and Ric's tortured yet unusually emotional vocal. Probably my favorite Cars tune ever, thanks for posting!
The Cars always make me happy. Never disappoints. Catalogue is filled to the brim with radio classics. They did the impossible: a sound all their own. Nobody sounds like The Cars.
I saw these guys in 1979 in Madison. It was the best concert I ever saw. These guys were fantastic. I only wished the concert was longer. I've seen dozens of concerts including Eric Claptop, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and none will rival that performance I saw in 1979 from the Cars.
The song's verses feature the use of polymeter. Kind of a spooky almost backwards drum beat. Instead of the standard 2-1-2 beat, this 1-2-1, So cool...The bass and drums are playing in a time signature of 5/4, while the vocals, keyboards, and guitar are playing in 4/4.[1] For the lengthy pre-chorus and chorus, all instruments (and vocals) conform to the 4/4 signature. The guitar solo was played over music similar to the chorus, but with some sections extended to give Elliot Easton more measures on the chords E minor, F major, and G major, to build his flashy, melodic solo which resolves to a C major seventh chord.
Obviously acmecompany you know music and time signatures. must be a musician . I Have to admit I bought this on cassette tape when it was released and remember driving in my car across the Bay Bridge into San Francisco listening to this at dusk and it seemed so modern and futuristic and made me feel like I was living in a Modern Age. And I thought that music was going to develop into something phenomenal . Sadly to say it didn't instead of progressing it regressed into ?
acmecompany
WOW they did all that ❓. 🙏
acmecompany
WoW Acme, way to say it, what it is. I just knew it was a whole lot ‼️
Actually, I have the Panorama songbook from 1981 and the bass is 6/4 while the drum is standard 4/4. Its quite a strange and unique (?) beat.
In other words, a damn zippy tune.
The Cars really seemed to find a home on Fridays. One wonders why they were never on SNL (or invited?), and was Ric's stellar singing and stage presence on Fridays a middle finger of sorts.
Because even back then SNL started to suck.
OMG.... I think I just saw ric ocasek SMILING!!
Lol a rarity.
He knew that they absolutely nailed it!
I grew up during this era and The Cars were second to NONE ! Thanks for posting. :)
John Lennon in his December 1980 interviews said he liked the song Touch and Go by the Cars. He thought it had the same 1950s sound as his song Starting Over.
***** True, John Lennon shouted out to this song in his last interview, but he said the same about Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" in the same breath. Do those two songs have anything in common, besides being _good?_ Either way, he's right. Ric Ocasek was only nine years younger than Lennon, and was just as influenced by Buddy Holly as Lennon himself was.
It's heartbreaking to read about John Lennon's excitement to do another album and plan a tour. How epic would that have been, a real 1980s Lennon tour?
Hey: The Cars opening for John Lennon. John Lennon opening for the Cars! I don't fucking care!! Unceasing awesomeness.
Live umann
Live ullma
Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Great performance ! I love how Ric is having fun with this. Easton is superb on that guitar! I still listen to The Cars & I always will.
RIP Ric Ocasek . I could not believe he was 75. Music videos freeze you in time forever.
They were a GREAT band,theres a certainly humility about them,none more so than the late Benjamin Orr....RIP
These guy's music kept me from having a total catastrophe mental breakdown in 1980, I played their music on a boom box on our stairs of our apartment complex in Mesa, Arizona back then, their music helped ease my soul from my tribulations''''
It's amazing what power music can have over us. I'm a different person than I was when I recorded this clip. Both my parents were still alive and I was still living at home. Watching this takes me back to those happier times. Thanks for sharing your story. Dave
Great tone! Car killing it!
Damn fine version. Better than the record.
Brett Houston Tube they seem amazingly better live, didn't have UA-cam when I was growing up, loving this rediscovery of the band🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Brett Houston Tube Agreed! I've been loving the live versions more!
Amazing performance by one of the greatest rock bands since the golden age of the 60s.
oh god quite possibly the best video quality of the year 1980!
One of the best performances I have ever seen by any band. Surely not an easy song to play. Pure Joy!
Great video. I have listened to this group since the 70's and I still do even their new single "Free." Just an all round great group with great staying power. Too bad that Benjamin Orr is gone. Thank you for the upload.
R.I.P. Ric Ocasek. the whole music industry is going to have to step it up now your gone.
I watched this when it was on that night so long ago. Thanks for posting a great memory. It was my senior year of high school. What a great time that was! The early 80s was an awesome time in my life! I joined the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii! Lots of clubs and GREAT music! Wish I could do it all again!
This is a flawless performance start to finish.
One of the best guitar solos ever laid down. And under appreciated
So ahead of their time - took me a while to appreciate it back in the day. Love em more every year. I love these old videos with none of today's sampling, harmonizers, or vocal correction technology. Just raw imperfect backup vocals. Now the LEAD vocals - that's a different story. Incredible!
Ric smiled at the end because he knew that was pure perfection.
God, I LOVE this performance! These guys are so crazy talented. Ric really looked like he was having a great time here :)
When late nite television was awesome and actually worth waiting up for to see hear feel.
Was 16 when the Cars released their debut album, and I was hooked instantly. Had never heard anything quite like their sound, and I thoroughly enjoyed each of their albums, as well as the way the band's sound evolved through each one. Panorama was their most experimental and this is a really underrated great song. Miss Ben Orr tremendously.
Groups like The Cars and Yes were mad scientists when it came to experimenting with sound .
wow....... that was clean...... awesome.
I remember watching faithfully Fridays, but... I think I did something at home where I lost my late night TV privileges that week... I missed this epic episode of The Cars performing that week. I remember seeing all the DEVO performances, but...
Wow. I'm glad morrisonAV caught this on video tape and put it up for all to enjoy.
Kudos, morrisonAV. You The Man.
Classic song from the The Cars. I was 14 when I first heard this song early 80s Classic. Music way better back then.
Elliot is a crazy good guitarist
Amanzing that this was performed 30 years ago last week....
and still looks and sounds crisp. The girl I was good friend's
with came to my parents house to watch this, and would scream
everytime they showed the drummer. I miss those carefree days.
I liked both Ben and Ric's singing. Always dug this ditty
I still marvel every time I see this video, the clarity, the quality. Awesome for how old it is. My all time favorite song but my all time favorite group. Thanks so much morrisonAV for posting this, it makes my millennium ...
Who s going to drive me home ?RIP Ben and Ric
Beautiful! What a great vocalist Ric Ocasek was! Rest in peace Ric Ocasek. Maybe you will come back to us in another life as another great 👍🎶✨😌 performer.
I really miss when the great bands roamed the Earth.
Some real tasteful departures for E. E.’s lead progressions.
1978, 1979, and 1980 they made 3 great albums!!!!
I use to blast them in my car in the 80's driving around for hours lol .....Love them ❤️
How Lucky it was for whoever caught Ric's pick at the end.
Just watched this. Makes you love The Cars even more.
I loved this song since the first time I heard it back in Summer after graduating HS. Most of my friends didn't like Panorama, but I still like that album the most out of all of their masterpieces...Thank you The CARS for making my late teens to mid 20's the best musical time period I've ever had. And a nice shoutout to the B-52's also...#1 & #2 of my Top10 bands of all time.
RIP Ric Ocasek. Thank you for the music.
Coming from a man whose favorite band has been The Cars since he was 15 & heard Moving In Stereo in 1978, you have made my day as well! WOW! Thank you for posting this incredibly clear video of a rare moment of the Greatest Band there ever was or ever will be!!!! RIP Benjamin, we miss you.
awesome guitar solo
Awesome post; thanks for allowing this to live on forever.... thanks Ben.. everyone misses your music and your voice dude.
These guys were so much fun to watch and listen to-thanks so much for sharing your talents !
I love the Cars, let me say that first, but when i watch this video, and see ric ocasek dancing around like that, it just cracks me up!
such a cool bass line by ben orr, r.i.p brother
it sure is a cool bass guitar line, along with the great drums and keyboards and guitars
RIP Ben. No one ever bested you
I remember watching this live on Fridays. Why are not the Cars in music hall of fame?
I have always liked this group since the first time I heard them in the 70's.
tjerwin1 it jumped out of the radio and made hard rock obsolete.
I have always liked this group since the first time I heard them in the 80's.
@@MrFrendan And killed Disco. THANK GAWD.
I loved how The Cars had color themes for Candy-O & Panorama LP's...both in clothing,instruments and stage sets...Elliotts solo in this is badass!
You are very talented to have recorded this in 1980 and post it looking so good today. Amazing really.
David Gillaspie Sr I'd argue the "talented" part of your commented, but I had several things working for me. I was using my brand new, 4-head Panasonic, was recording everything at 2-hr. (or SP) speed, used the best videotape available at the time and recording OTA from the station's transmitter which was only 20 miles away.
@@davemorrison8677 please post more from this!
Wow, that's fantastic! I don't recall even having a television signal this good in the 1980s. Thanks for recording and sharing this!
Man! How I remember this song! It is now one of my favorite Cars songs! It was on the "B" side of a 45 RPM single I bought back in 1981 of, I believe, Shake it Up, and I ended up liking the B side better than the A side! I got my drumset that same year, still have it and love it--a classic Rogers R-380 set, now with all Paiste 2002 cymbals, and how I struggled to get the odd-time parts of this song down! (during "All I need is you tonight"....) I can play this with my eyes closed now, but I still think this is a groundbreaking song! It is a mix of new wave rock and country on the choruses. These guys were (are) some of the best rockers of the 1970's! (and 1980's too) They broke some serious ground! The very first real rock n' roll LP I ever owned, and still do, was "The cars"--their first album, and I know all the songs in chronological order and love playing the WHOLE album on drums! I got "Shake it up", the whole album, on cassette tape in 1982, along with a Stuart single-speaker boom box, and literally wore that tape out! I still have the Stuart, and after sitting since 1987 in a shed out back, it still works today! (the volume and tone pots need cleaning though) Thing is, did they ever have a BAD song on any of their albums? It seems that I learned all their albums in chronological order back then and still prefer it that way. I learned alot of drum licks from them, and honed my chops on their music, as well as Journey, Van Halen, you name it! Nowadays, when I listen, I tend to get a little emotional---sometimes to tears, when listening, because those memories hit you in the stomach like a big fist! They are great memories, and hopefully, we will all take them with us into heaven someday when we leave this world! For now, this stuff is heaven on earth for me! Cheers! Rick Delair.
I'm only 41 man, I remember as a kid , going with my older neighbor/babysitter out on Friday or Saturday nights to the roller rink and skatin to this stuff....that probably went on from 79 till about 84 when the place folded up.....good tunes back then, not like nowadays. Good stuff is hard to find.
ricksbulbs--.2 different albums---Panorama and Shake it Up were released consecutively.Don`t think they were on the same pressing.....?????
My favourite too....great melody and skill
They wer so awesome dam
plus lets not forget the awesome guitar solo from elliot easton
Easton is so underrated, always have been
i wonder if the cars will ever get into the rock and roll hall of fame, they were the kings of new wave rock, when it came to new wave rock, it was the cars who put new wave rock on the map
it is when a guitarist makes it all look so damn easy that makes him really really great. My son sat next to Steve Morse ( Deep Purple) while SM ran through a few chords etc. at a public interview. He was just so so so good and it looked so easy - even though very hungover - it was hard to believe. Elliot Easton is in this class. He is so gifted it is not fair.
Elliot Easton was and is still one of the most underrated guitarists ever in the 1980s new wave rock movement
Elliot is still a very talented guitarist and performer today, with The Cars (when they are active - Here's hoping for another new follow up album to 2011's) and his other current project The Empty Hearts = (Wally Palmer-The Romantics, Clem Burke - Blondie, Andy Babiuk - Chesterfield Kings)
oh that g solo!!! rocks so hard!!!
STILL THE BEST SONG AND THE BEST VERSION OF IT. NUFF SAID !!!!
It doesn't get better than this, I rate this as their "BEST" Live performance (One of many), Ric's vocals on Key, Ben Orr hitting that Bass, David rocking the Drums and, last, but certainly the Best in this Vid, Elliot Easton, playing as good as I've ever seen !! Can't get enough of this Video....Wish there were more...
This song was slightly ahead of its time.1980 still had a lot of disco and late 1970's styles.This style and look wouldnt really be popular til 1984-5
MrJacMac1986 Oh, good call. Really good call. People forget how Seventiesy the 80s were for quite a few years.
It was 1984 and I was 13 when _Heartbeat City_ caught my attention, but after that, I went straight to the first album and worked my way through chronologically. _Panorama_ is the album that excited me the most. I wouldn't try to argue with a critic that it's their best, but it's the one that made me feel like, there's a theme going here, and I want to be IN it! Literally, "I just want to be in your _Panorama"_! I've never taken my thoughts to that point before! You just saw it happen, because of something you said four months ago.
MrJacMac1986 I remember getting Panorama when it was first released, and I didn't think it had a lot of disco or late 70s stylings in it. What I heard was a lot of pop stylings with a hard rock, almost icy, and crystalline edge to it. The uptempo bridge and chorus of Touch and Go reminds me of country songs, for some strange reason.
The album overall was so fresh and new compared to anything else I'd ever heard at the time, so it seemed quite avant-garde to me. Then again, I was 17 at the time, so I was still somewhat impressionable. And yes, I would agree that Touch and Go was ahead of its time, and the kind of music The Cars were making in the early 80s really wouldn't become mainstream until 1985 or so.
LOL, great video. I was there in the audience that night at the show. I remember it like it was yesterday.
That is TIGHT! Great live performance.
Ric's smile at the audience during the applause is one of the most genuine things I've ever seen! Knowing that they've been accepted when all they were hoping for was to make enough money to do another album!!
5 hugely underrated musicians, making a damn fine band. First live concert I ever saw in 1982. Was a standout band in Philly at Live Aid in '85, which I saw live. Terrific band.
31 years ago today this video aired.....and it still looks as fresh,
crisp and edgy as ever. I remeber watching The Cars perform
this great song. My girlfriend was at my house to watch them,
and every time drummer David Robertson was shown, she'd
let out a love-struck school-girl scream. I miss those simple
care-free days:)
Ben Orr was such a great lead singer. What a fun band.
Elliot is one of the most underrated guitarists. I was pretty amazed at how good this is as its a very Live performance.
love this song. RIP Ben.