Glory Daze would be only half a site if no mention was ever made of this great band The Cars, who could forget the storming debut of this Boston band back in 1978.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: The Cars
ALBUM: The Cars
LABEL: Elektra
SERIAL: 6E-135
YEAR: 1978
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Benjamin Orr – vocals, bass * Ric Ocasek – guitars, vocals * Elliot Easton – guitars * Greg Hawkes – keyboards * David Robinson – drums
<TRACK LISTING: 01 Good Times Roll * 02 My Best Friends Girls * 03 Just What I Needed * 04 I’m In Touch With Your World * 05 Don’t Cha Stop * 06 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight * 07 Bye Bye Love * 08 Moving In Stereo * 09 All Mixed Up
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Glory Daze would be only half a site if no mention was ever made of this great band The Cars. Who could forget the storming debut of this Boston band back in 1978. How many times have I heard this album played at parties I’ll never know. Countless no doubt. An interesting sound, and one which was definitely caught in the middle ground of melodic rock, and a strong hint of power pop/new wave.
Though on this debut, one gets the impression that melodic rock won the day, as their follow up albums swayed more in the new wave/pop direction. Would you believe then that this album took all of twelve days to produce in London UK, with ex Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker in control? Incredible.
The Songs
Benjamin Orr’s vocals proved to be the winner on most of these timeless classic rock anthems, though Ocasek provides the touches on ‘My Best Friends Girl’ and ‘You’re All I’ve Got Tonight’. The clever production techniques of Roy Thomas Baker also get a mention, especially on the triage of ‘Bye Bye Love’, the awesome ‘Moving In Stereo’ as well as the finale ‘All Mixed Up’.
It’s the sort of album that has defined a place in rock history, and deservedly so. Great songs, very special musicianship and the production by Thomas Baker secured his reputation as one of the best of the era. The album still sells by the boatload, and is oft-heard on many classic rock stations around the world.
In Summary
As we all know, The Cars went on to become one the biggest acts of the 80’s, with albums such as ‘Candy O’, ‘Panorama’ and the platinum-selling duo of ‘Shake It Up’ and ‘Heartbeat City’ all contributing to their success. But it all started here.
Video
Entire Album (Select Tracks)
