{"title":"The Cars","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout The Cars\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cars formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976. The lineup was Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar; 1944-2019), Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass; 1947-2000), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). Ocasek was the band's principal songwriter. The Cars became one of the most commercially successful acts to emerge from the late-1970s new wave movement and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cars fused rock and pop hooks with new wave and synth-pop textures, marrying Ocasek's deadpan vocals and Orr's smoother delivery to polished, radio-ready production. The band helped define the sound of late-1970s and 1980s rock radio and MTV, balancing guitar-driven songs with prominent keyboards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Cars (1978, Elektra)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCandy-O (1979)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeartbeat City (1984)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMove Like This (2011)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe self-titled debut and Heartbeat City have been reissued in expanded and audiophile editions, and original Elektra pressings are collected. The band's catalog appears across anniversary editions and remasters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to The Cars often start with the self-titled debut (1978) or Heartbeat City (1984). For related listening, see \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/punk-new-wave-vinyl-records\"\u003ePunk \u0026amp; New Wave\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/classic-rock-vinyl-records\"\u003eClassic Rock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-cars-greatest-hits-rocktober-color-vinyl","title":"Greatest Hits LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Classic Greatest Hits Compilation by The Cars. Includes: \"Just What I Needed\", \"Shake It Up\" \"Magic\" and more. On Translucent Ruby Red Vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540840984759,"sku":"210000083919","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/cars.jpg?v=1781154454"},{"product_id":"the-cars-self-titled-vinyl","title":"Self-Titled LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cars is the debut studio album by American new wave band The Cars, released on June 6, 1978, by Elektra Records. The album was managed by longtime producer Roy Thomas Baker, and spawned several hit singles, including \"Just What I Needed\", \"My Best Friend's Girl\", and \"Good Times Roll\", as well as other radio and film hits such as \"Bye Bye Love\" and \"Moving in Stereo\". The Cars peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart, and has been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540891644087,"sku":"210000046131","price":28.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/5103ov7yrdl.jpg?v=1781154624"},{"product_id":"the-cars-shake-it-up-vinyl","title":"Shake It Up LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cars' Shake It Up (1981) fuses new wave cool with rock energy, featuring the infectious title track, which became the band's first Billboard Top 10 single.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540984475831,"sku":"210000098959","price":34.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/cars_e4284005-f1cb-42c1-ba13-50f4ab99c173.jpg?v=1781154964"},{"product_id":"the-cars-candy-o-vinyl-180g","title":"Candy-O LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eCars Candy-O with 180 Gram vinyl, heavyweight gatefold jacket, and an exclusive insert with commentary from Ray Thomas Barker! Limited edition too!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541045129399,"sku":"210000091173","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/cars_4b877c0e-6aef-44d4-bfd4-b687bcd83777.jpg?v=1781155201"},{"product_id":"the-cars-self-titled-vinyl-180g","title":"Self-Titled LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cars' 1978 debut brought a polished, hook-driven sound that reshaped rock radio. Featuring hits like \"Just What I Needed,\" \"My Best Friend's Girl,\" and \"Good Times Roll,\" the album was an instant success, peaking at No. 18 on the Billboard 200\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785830510775,"sku":"210000098722","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/cars_346748d3-db37-4705-a7f2-c55bcbf3d9ec.jpg?v=1783046041"},{"product_id":"the-cars-candy-o-expanded-edition-vinyl","title":"Candy-O (expanded edition) 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eEvery note of \"Candy-O\" bristles with urgency, a follow-up that stands overshadowed by its predecessor. The polished pop sensibilities clash awkwardly with raw tensions, especially evident in the frenetic pulse of \"Let's Go.\" This edition presents new mixes that reveal previously unseen complexities, but don't be misled; even its smooth exterior hints at a rebellious spirit that continues to push back against the mainstream.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785840865463,"sku":"210000082938","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3629194.jpg?v=1783046069"},{"product_id":"the-cars-panorama-vinyl","title":"Panorama 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 2LP edition of Panorama reintroduces The Cars' 1980 classic with a selection of previously unreleased tracks, offering deeper insights into their evolution. The remastering, overseen by Ric Ocasek, highlights dynamic pieces like \"Touch and Go\" while layering in the significance of B-sides such as \"Don't Go to Pieces.\" As this album peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts, it serves not just as a nostalgic revisit but as a critical reflection of the punk and new wave movements that shaped a generation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785841160375,"sku":"210000065614","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3629120.jpg?v=1783046070"},{"product_id":"the-cars-shake-it-up-vinyl-180g-expanded-edition","title":"Shake It Up 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cars rev up the scene with \"Shake It Up,\" like a vintage muscle car gliding through a sun-soaked street, all smooth with a punch. This vinyl edition rolls out remastered classics such as \"Since You're Gone\" and the catchy title track, while also unveiling gems like the demo for \"Shake It Up.\" Each spin sends a jolt of '80s rock right through your speakers; it hits you like a good head of steam on a summer day, nodding to both die-hard fans and fresh ears.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785841946807,"sku":"210000059763","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3767528.jpg?v=1783046075"},{"product_id":"the-cars-heartbeat-city-vinyl-180g","title":"Heartbeat City 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cars' \"Heartbeat City\" represents a critical evolution within the New Wave genre, skillfully marrying infectious pop melodies with rock dynamics. This robust 2LP edition features remastered tracks alongside revealing demos like \"Drive\" that highlight the band's creative trajectory. Accompanied by a booklet featuring insightful interviews with band members, the collection provides a deeper understanding of their chart-topping legacy, which includes hits that dominated the MTV landscape and defined a generation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785844142263,"sku":"210000076067","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3767526.jpg?v=1783046079"},{"product_id":"the-cars-candy-o-clear-vinyl-remastered-w-ocasek","title":"Candy-O LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the follow-up to their eponymous debut, The Cars teamed up once again with producer Roy Thomas Baker (Queen) to record Candy-O. The album was released in the summer of 1979 and became a huge hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Album Chart and eventually earning quadruple-platinum certification in the U.S. One of its singles, \"Let's Go,\" was the band's first Top 15 hit on the Billboard singles chart.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785950048439,"sku":"210000074435","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/ldc38284-09743-540x.webp?v=1783046372"},{"product_id":"the-cars-the-best-of-vinyl-180g-remastered-by-ocasek","title":"The Best of... 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Best of... 2LP compiles The Cars' essential tracks with a precision that echoes the cool, calculated fingerprints of Ric Ocasek. The weight of the 180-gram vinyl belies its straightforward function: it wants to be heard, not admired on a shelf. This is a catalog of hits that unapologetically demands volume and presence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48860513009847,"sku":"210000054663","price":45.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3162132.jpg?v=1783653974"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/the-cars.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}