Jimmy Higgins
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- Jan 31, 2001
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Ric Ocasek, better known by many as the lead "singer" of The Cars, has passed away. The Cars were a band that were at first innovative (ushering in new wave) and then became a popular 80s music band. The Cars first two albums are typically regarded as their best stuff before they got too concentrated on the synthesizer. I'd agree that their following albums had hit or miss songs, until their unsung Door to Door, which remains my favorite album of theirs.
Ocaek's Fireball Zone album would be the first album I'd pirate from the library... eventually buying a legit copy several years later in NYC. His solo work varies from high energy, loud to a bit too somber (earlier stuff). Fireball Zone and Troublizing (of which that Smashing Pumpkin lead was involved in) are among my favorite.
I think the most surprising thing about Ocasek is his age. This means he was in his mid 30s when their first album was released. He was a Cleveland native, born in the suburb of Maple Heights and he along with the Cars were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame which matters more to some people than others.
Ocasek wasn't a great vocalist, but good enough. Benjamin Orr would be the crooner on the softer vocal songs or occasional ballad. We sadly lost him nearly 20 years ago to I believe Pancreatic Cancer. The Cars weren't barrier breakers, but they were a fun band.
Ocaek's Fireball Zone album would be the first album I'd pirate from the library... eventually buying a legit copy several years later in NYC. His solo work varies from high energy, loud to a bit too somber (earlier stuff). Fireball Zone and Troublizing (of which that Smashing Pumpkin lead was involved in) are among my favorite.
I think the most surprising thing about Ocasek is his age. This means he was in his mid 30s when their first album was released. He was a Cleveland native, born in the suburb of Maple Heights and he along with the Cars were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame which matters more to some people than others.
Ocasek wasn't a great vocalist, but good enough. Benjamin Orr would be the crooner on the softer vocal songs or occasional ballad. We sadly lost him nearly 20 years ago to I believe Pancreatic Cancer. The Cars weren't barrier breakers, but they were a fun band.
