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New Cars

Johnny Dickshot Jun 05 2006 09:59 AM

At Jones beach this Friday w/Blondie. I won't be there, but, you know, tell me how it went... ]New Cars roll off line, rock into town Ari Bendersky the Associated Press June 5, 2006 What would the Cars be without all its original members, including the most famous one? Well, the New Cars. The Cars, arguably the most influential New Wave band, have regrouped, but without lead singer/songwriter Ric Ocasek, drummer David Robinson and bassist Benjamin Orr, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2000. So, they only kind of regrouped. Original members Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes enlisted legendary singer/songwriter/producer Todd Rundgren to fill Ocasek's role and will hit the road this summer on a double bill with Blondie, including a June 13 stop at Orlando's Hard Rock Live. Easton recently talked about the New Cars. Question: When did you decide to regroup? Easton: We initially tried to do it with the remaining original members. It became apparent that Ric and Dave didn't wish to be involved. Ric has never really enjoyed touring, in my view. And so when it became apparent that they weren't going to do it, Greg and I did want to do it, and Todd's name came up. We all got together back in November. Q: Why call yourselves the New Cars? Easton: Greg and I basically gave our youth to making this music popular and have a right to not have to start all over again from scratch with a different name. We are playing the Cars' music, and we had a lot to do with creating the sound. We have a right to call it the Cars -- it is the Cars -- only in 2006. Q: What if they decide to come back -- do you say goodbye to Todd? Easton: I don't think that will happen. Q: Do you think you'll pick up any new fans or rely on old fans? Easton: I've read interviews with new bands, and they'll name-check us as an influence -- the Strokes, Vines, Jet and some other bands. I would think that perhaps some younger people who are fans of those bands might actually enjoy the Cars and say this is really cool. Q: What do you miss most about the heyday? Easton: Creating new music. I loved being in the studio, in that sort of laboratory situation, where you have a batch of songs that the world hasn't heard. And then you unleash it. Q: Anything you miss that's nonmusical? Easton: I always loved visiting new places and traveling. I like shopping in strange places and sampling different food. Q: What sort of strange food? Easton: I remember having fried alligator tails in Louisiana; that was a first for me. We went to England to make [our] first record and none of us had really traveled. Talk about food -- being in London -- Indian food. I think I took one bite and drank a pitcher of water. Q: What are some things you can't tour without? Easton: A laptop, big pile of DVDs and lots of reading material. Q: What's your backstage-diva request? Easton: Seedless grapes and raw almonds.

MFS62 Jun 05 2006 10:12 AM

I was in first class on a flight from somewhere (don't remember) a few years ago. I noticed Ric in the row behind me. I said "Hi, Ric". He said "hi". That's all. He looked happy, not only because I noticed him, but probably because I didn't fawn all over him. ask for his autograph or try to engage him in idle conversation. Later

Vic Sage Jun 05 2006 12:53 PM

i think he looked happy because he's married to a hot Russian model.

Vic Sage Jun 05 2006 12:54 PM

Cars and Blondie were 2 of my faves from the late 70s / early 80s, when i was in college and still open to new music.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 24 2006 08:56 AM

While you all consider The Cars in the BLC, worth noting that the New Cars have now released an album -- live cuts with Rundgren singing, Kasim Sultan bassing (and singing some Ben Orr parts), the Tubes drummer and originals Hawkes and Easton. Plus Open My Eyes and I Saw the Light from Rundgren. I find the majority of these latter-day washed-up cash-ins to be disgusting and a waste of time but I have to say I've always enjoyed TR -- talented guy who did an excellent album back in the day ('Faithful') interpreting others' songs. Anyway, samples of the new record aavilable on Amazon and iTunes. Not half bad!

Edgy DC Jun 24 2006 09:24 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 24 2006 02:35 PM

You figure if Todd's going to front a classick No Wave Band, the song he'd pull out of his own catalog would be "Bang on the Drum All Day," which Ms. Edgy keeps thinking it was by Talking Heads anyway.

G-Fafif Jun 24 2006 09:56 AM

It goes on a touch too long, but Todd Rundgren's a capella cover of the Spinners' Top 500 Smash "Mighty Love" (No. 105) is very special indeed.

Vic Sage Jun 26 2006 01:20 PM

If i recall correctly, Rundgren also played the 'motorcycle guitar' in BAT OUT OF HELL.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 29 2006 10:34 PM

New video. Sounds like something Meatloaf would do. Lacks a strong countermelody by Hawkes on his keys -- not too much like the Cars.>

Johnny Dickshot Jun 30 2006 10:45 AM

Oh well. ]NEW CARS' ELLIOT EASTON GOES IN FOR REPAIRS NATIONAL ROAD RAGE TOUR TAKES A PIT STOP Los Angeles, CA (June 12, 2006) Elliot Easton, founding member and guitarist for The New Cars had surgery today for a broken left clavicle sustained during a near crash when their tour bus swerved to avoid a vehicle on Monday, June 5, while on the road for The New Cars Road Rage Tour 2006 with Blondie. Determined to not miss any dates, Elliot continued to play. I've been waiting 17 years for this tour, Easton told his doctor when was getting his x-rays, although, due to the severity of the break Easton requires surgery. Elliot is currently in New York under the care of Dr. Steven Yang following the procedure to repair the broken left clavicle with plate and screws as the bones are too far apart to mend properly without surgery. Without the surgery Elliot could have limited use of left shoulder. Said Debbie Harry of Blondie, "It was amazing that after the accident Elliot played four more shows in a brace and in constant pain. He really tried his best to keep on playing so he should be given a great deal of credit for that. We all wish him a speedy recovery." Ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for more information. Now in stores, The New Cars: It's Alive, a live greatest hits compilation of classic Cars hits with three new studio tracks performed by The New Cars (Eleven Seven Music). The New Cars are original Cars members guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes, vocalist/guitarist Todd Rundgren, fellow Utopia bassist/vocalist Kasim Sulton and former Tubes drummer Prairie Prince. "The live versions turned out to be every bit as enjoyable and in some cases, even more so than what's on The Cars old studio albums The smartest move of the night was that Rundgren didn't try to imitate Ocasek. Instead, he ran the music through his own filter and his own enhancer – and delivered roughed-up, rocked-out versions of the familiar fan favorites." Jim Harrington, The Oakland Tribune "a joyride...there's no shortage of chemistry amongst its players." Erik Pedersen, The Hollywood Reporter ]28-Jun-06 A Note From Elliot Well, as most of you know by now, the rest of the tour had to be cancelled or postponed because of my broken left clavicle. That's collarbone to you and me! I was determined to continue the tour and I actually played five shows with the broken bone. The pain was excruciating, but the adrenaline of performing got me through it. After the shows was another story. Exquisite pain of a sort that I hope none of you ever have to experience! When the tour got to New York I went to a specialist named Dr. Steven Yang, who specializes in my sort of injury and who patches the Jets football team up when they get injured. When he looked at my X-rays, he simply could not believe I was playing shows in my condition! I was operated on by Dr.Yang in New York, on June 12th. The two halves of the clavicle were so displaced that he had to use a metal plate made of titanium with little screws to hold the bone together! Well, to make a long story even longer, I've got my left arm in a sling now, and it will have to stay that way for around 8 more weeks. I want you , the loyal fans who have shown their support for The New Cars, to know how much it has meant to me. I met many of you at our little "meet n' greets at" various stops on the tour, and have really enjoyed these get-togethers, to have a chance to speak with you, take photos, and hear of your experiences of growing up with our music, as well as Todd's. We are so lucky to be blessed with fans like you! There will be some make-up shows in September at some of the venues that we were scheduled to play this summer, and also we are planning another leg of the tour for late autumn, which will not only bring us back to some of the cities we have already visited, but some new ones as well! In other news, this July at the summer NAMM convention(the musical instrument convention where all the manufacturers show their latest products) in Austin TX, the Gibson guitar company will finally unveil the Elliot Easton Signature Model SG that I played on the tour, and that many of you have asked about. It's truly an honor and I'm very excited at the prospect of seeing my guitar hanging on the wall at Guitar Centers everywhere! Well, that's it for now. I wish for you and your families to have a wonderful summer and I'm SO looking forward to performing for you again later in the year. See you soon! All the best, Elliot

Edgy DC Jun 30 2006 11:03 AM

I got a snapshot of the accident scene:

Zvon Jun 30 2006 09:06 PM

lol^ (thks for the link JD-this is how slow I am-Im just seeing this) This is ashame--I guess. I have to hear some of this stuff before I make any snap judgements (which I kind of already did based on things I read). But now im reading conflicting reports. An early review said Todd was trying very hard to sound and sing like Rick 'O, even on the remakes of his own tunes. The report above indicates otherwise- so im gonna have to give this disc a listen. I am and have been for many years, a HUGE Todd fan. back in the late 70's/ early 80's my girlfriend turned me on to his stuff, and we used to see him any chance we got, from NYC to Phil, down to Balt. Anywhere,anytime he played around these areas. With and without Utopia. Todd was the first time Id seen an artist perform for 3 to 6 shows over a period of a week or two, and it was an interesting experience. Cuz sometimes he was "on" and sometimes he wasnt. Sometimes his voice sounded perfect and sometimes it sounded like shit. And he knew it,---and he'd say it. He'd apoligize when he was having a tuff vocal night---more so in the vein of joking about it, most times. Seeing him helped me gain the confidence it took to play out in public. Cuz I learned even the pros arent 100% all of the time, and the show goes on. Anyways, I own all his recordings. I saw Utopia, a great band, many many times, the best two shows were probly the one in Wildwood NJ and on the 16th street pier in NYC., both right around 1979/80. My favorite disc by them?--mmmmmm---Adventures In Utopia. Todd solo also, many times, and any show he played at the Tower Theater in Philly was always a great ticket. His 12 man vocal choir that reproduced the Accapella LP live was particularly stunning. That show blew me away. Todd studio(and video)stuff, his strong point, has always been enjoyable to hear from Something/Anything- thru Faithful and all the way up to '89s Nearly Human. I wasnt too thrilled with his 'with a twist" remakes. My favorite work by him is,IMHO, his masterpiece release from 1981, Healing.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 30 2006 10:22 PM

I discovered what is Cars-like about that video/song above -- a couple things actually. They recycle the eighth-note beats from the beginning of "Just What I Needed" and the end of "Bye Bye Love" -- and the chorus: ...but not to-night! is a rhyming dead ringer for You're all I got to-night Anyway being a sucker for a dumb shiny pop song, it's grown on me already. It also should be candidate for the Greg 500 this year. I like Rundgren a lot too --- had most of his stuff up until the a capella record he did in the 80s then kinda stopped paying attention. Saw Utopia once and enjoyed it quite a bit: I enjoyed 'Adventures' and liked "Swing to the Right' but my most memorable record of theirs is the long out-of-print one with 3 sides -- 2 records, Side A & B, and the second record had two Side C's. I think it was just called Utopia -- full of idiotic pop songs loaded with pun lyrics sung mostly in harmony: Feet Don't Fail Me Now, Chapter & Verse, Hammer in My Heart, Neck on Up... fun times. Still listen to the Rundgren anthology put out by Rhino -- excellent collection. Of his albums I quite enjoyed 'Hermit of Mink Hollow' even though I know real fans are suppoosed to like Something/.Anything more (and it is a better accomplishment, but 'Hermit' is my soft spot. Bonus fun video I just found: FEET DON'T FAIL ME NOW

Zvon Jun 30 2006 11:16 PM

="Johnny Dickshot"]..... but my most memorable record of theirs is the long out-of-print one with 3 sides -- 2 records, Side A & B, and the second record had two Side C's. I think it was just called Utopia -- full of idiotic pop songs loaded with pun lyrics sung mostly in harmony: Feet Don't Fail Me Now, Chapter & Verse, Hammer in My Heart, Neck on Up... fun times. This was an excellent one. I forgot about this one. UTOPIA writtin in red and the rest of the cover was basically black and white. Hammer In My Heart kicked azz. This was a remarkable album(s). I always thought Kasim (Set Me Free, The Up) had the better singing voice of the band, and they did split those duties up rather well, tho I cant think of any other song Roger Powell sang besides Caravan. And I just remembered the last Todd solo album I ever bought- 2nd Wind. (thats vynil tho-I just got Back To The Bars CD set quite recently) I liked it, esp the song Change Myself. "...how can I change the world if i cant change myself----try again tomorrow." You might be right about Hermit (the classics-All The Children Sing and Can We Still Be Friends plus one of my fav Todd songs-Bread)- but Healer is the one I always pop in when I want to hear some old Todd. I guess cuz thats the only way Ill ever hear any songs off that album--if I play them myself. I get no sound with that vid--im sure its from a problem on my side here. But it is fun to see- Todd was really cutting edge when music vids came to the fore. Im gonna pop over to Limewire right now and see if I can get any of this New Cars stuff. Ill buy the CD too, but I dont wanna wait.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 30 2006 11:42 PM

Few copies left on Amazon I see... gonna be one less in a minute. Truly, every song on this record had something going for it. I was just learning how to write when I was listening to this (sophomore year in college -- 20 years ago!) and it affected my writing, not in entirely good ways, because for a while there I was trying to jam as many puns as I could into stories about student council meetings and the like. Fortunately I was also reading lots of Vonnegut, so I was also learning to be concise at the same time... The only problem with this record was, in addition to it being 3-sided, and unavialble in all the local record stores, was that after the success "Adventures' everyonme thought Utopia was a "progressive rock band" (and they were -- on that record) while this couldn't have been any more different -- a comedy power-pop new wave thing -- done fanastically too, but not identifiable as "Utopia". Really, that's the story of Rundgren's whole career -- was he a white soul balladeer (Hello It;s Me); fuzzy psychadelic (Open My Eyes); novelty song writer (Bang the Drum); Beatleite (Couldn't I Just Tell You); prog-rocker (Caravan); studio-video wizard or now the new Ric Ocasek? A blessing (seemingly capable of oing anything well) and a curse (where's the brand? The authenticity?) for sure. Ironically, the flipside of Todd's versatility might be the Cars, who were so good at only one thing they quickly ran out of ways to improve and were criticized at any attempt to stretch it out stylistically.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 01 2006 12:08 AM

Bread -- great song! You blasted me from the past. I recall being pissed off at Hands Across Americ & USA for Africa since they'd done that whole thing not only with shitty songs about hunger, but because they'd done so mostly beacuse it was fashionable, while TR had done this dynamite song about hunger in total obscurity and wasn't even invited to Live Aid. I wrote them a letter to tell em about it, and they wrote back essentially -- Thanks, now write us a check. True story! Bread ]Sleeping at night in a plaster board box Scratching the earth with the nails on my fingers And the ground pukes up rocks and rocks and more rocks And when the seeds finally reach the ground Its all been for nothing I hear the cries of children at night I watch their faces grow sallow with hunger Who draws the line between whats wrong and right And when I ask my life is for Its all been for nothing Save your regrets for the dead, but for the living Give them love and give them bread One more hungry mouth to be fed Remember the living Give them love, give them bread Standing in the light of the kitchen screen door Like some kind of untouchable stuck in calcutta I almost forget what Im standing here for And I dont know what to do but I know I wont leave with nothing Where are the days when life was carefree Why must I suffer this, what was my crime Begging or thievery, which shall it be Is there no other choice for me I cant live with nothing Justice only comes to the dead And when they ask me what life is for I must give them something

Zvon Jul 01 2006 12:34 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 01 2006 01:05 AM

Listening to NOT TONIGHT as I type. Not bad--very Carish. Todd is sounding like a cross between himself and Rick. Hes on like a fence. ]The only problem with this record was, in addition to it being 3-sided, and unavialble in all the local record stores, was that after the success "Adventures' everyonme thought Utopia was a "progressive rock band" (and they were -- on that record) while this couldn't have been any more different -- a comedy power-pop new wave thing -- done fanastically too, but not identifiable as "Utopia". Really, that's the story of Rundgren's whole career -- was he a white soul balladeer (Hello It;s Me); fuzzy psychadelic (Open My Eyes); novelty song writer (Bang the Drum); Beatleite (Couldn't I Just Tell You); prog-rocker (Caravan); studio-video wizard or now the new Ric Ocasek? Very good and true words very well put into perspective. Remember DEFACE THE MUSIC? (Alone/Life Goes On) Besides his remakes on Faithful, another nod to the Beatles. One track on Faithful, BLACK AND WHITE, still to this day a top 3 of all Todd rockers in my book. I have this great live version of that (I think its a bootleg). I appreciate you making me retouch base with this music. I have left it behind for too long,and it was such a big part of my musical experience from that period. And it does, like all songs do, ressurrect old feelings and memories long laid dormant. Im gonna give a listen to some slices from the New cars here and motivate me to make the trip to Best Buy tomorrow. http://www.mp3.com/albums/20102200/summary.html When the Cars first hit the scene, i really thought ,WOW!these guys are the new Beatles. Not in style (more synthesised) but in melodies and hits per album, bang for your buck. At least for their first 2 or 3 releases (maybe even up until SHAKE IT UP). I thought these guys can do no wrong. i thought of them as the "new age" Beatles of the late 70s/ early 80s. Probly my bad for setting the bar so high. Tuff to keep up that output for any band. My bad--no one will ever be able to rule and have the effect on music like the Beatles did then and have continued to do over time since-constantly being rediscover by new generations. And to them sounding as fresh as they did to us the 1st time around. I find this amazing. My 12 yr old son just recently showed interest in their music and after some lenghtly conversations between us (and me exposing him to a number of tracks -also the entire Yellow Submarine animated movie) they have taken up the spot as his #1 band (for this month, any way,lol). And considering i never tried to push them on him ( i was just giving him songs he was requesting), I find this totally thrilling. Especially when i kinda quizzed him he knew so many trivial facts about the band that i thought i was going to be able to introduce him to. I was just so happy that he found his way to the music by his own path. Im just babbling now, but this has been a recent developement that makes me very happy. My boy loves the Beatles! A chip of the ol block.

Zvon Jul 01 2006 12:40 AM

Bread ]Sleeping at night in a plaster board box Scratching the earth with the nails on my fingers And the ground pukes up rocks and rocks and more rocks And when the seeds finally reach the ground Its all been for nothing I hear the cries of children at night I watch their faces grow sallow with hunger Who draws the line between whats wrong and right And when I ask my life is for Its all been for nothing Save your regrets for the dead, but for the living Give them love and give them bread One more hungry mouth to be fed Remember the living Give them love, give them bread Standing in the light of the kitchen screen door Like some kind of untouchable stuck in calcutta I almost forget what Im standing here for And I dont know what to do but I know I wont leave with nothing Where are the days when life was carefree Why must I suffer this, what was my crime Begging or thievery, which shall it be Is there no other choice for me I cant live with nothing Justice only comes to the dead And when they ask me what life is for I must give them something This song was so short and quick, but it packed a punch that still hits me anytime i play it. I was decievingly wicked and heavy in its guitar work. Not a wasted word, not a wasted guitar lick.

Edgy DC Jul 01 2006 09:35 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 01 2006 12:24 PM

Don't forgoet Nashville balladeer and rock operettist, among Todd's hats. They'd have done themselves a favor if, instead of the New Cars, they called themselves Cartopia --- giving them a mostly recognizeable brand, and license to do Cars material, Utopia material, Todd Material, even an occasional track from the Elliott Easton solo catalog. Both bands have an opportunity to reunite with the wayward members, but this band has the opportunity to go forward simultaneously. By calling themselves "The New Cars," it's like there has to be a lifetime commitment to Todd or Ric.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 01 2006 09:53 AM

]I have left it behind for too long,and it was such a big part of my musical experience from that period. And it does, like all songs do, ressurrect old feelings and memories long laid dormant. Me too. ]When the Cars first hit the scene, i really thought ,WOW!these guys are the new Beatles. Not in style (more synthesised) but in melodies and hits per album, bang for your buck. At least for their first 2 or 3 releases (maybe even up until SHAKE IT UP). I thought these guys can do no wrong. Me three.

Edgy DC Jul 01 2006 12:27 PM

]I discovered what is Cars-like about that video/song above -- a couple things actually. They recycle the eighth-note beats from the beginning of "Just What I Needed" and the end of "Bye Bye Love" -- and the chorus The change going into the first bridge is right out of "You Might Think." Hear it --- when Todd sings "I could squeeze... you... in...," you half expect Ocasek to sing "And it was hard... ." The fact that they have a completely different second bridge, that's, well, that's totally Todd. It skips a lot on me. Pisses me off. Makes 'em sound poorly rehearsed.

Zvon Jul 01 2006 01:17 PM

="Edgy DC"] They'd have done themselves a favor if, instead of the New Cars, they called themselves Cartopia --- I said the same damn thing to my brother. Cartopia.lol.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 01 2006 09:37 PM

Edgy DC wrote: ]I discovered what is Cars-like about that video/song above -- a couple things actually. They recycle the eighth-note beats from the beginning of "Just What I Needed" and the end of "Bye Bye Love" -- and the chorus The change going into the first bridge is right out of "You Might Think." Hear it --- when Todd sings "I could squeeze... you... in...," you half expect Ocasek to sing "And it was hard... ." Now to find the Cars song which the bridge "You Might Think" recycled...