The Cars – Move Like This Album Review
Fans will be happy The Cars are back and that their new album, Move Like This sounds like a trip down memory lane. Despite Rick Ocasek’s former insistence that the band would never get back together the four surviving members reunited and picked up right where they left off. The album leads off with “Blue Tip,” which could be placed in a time capsule and easily mistaken for a hit song from the late 80′s. Other early favorites are “Too Late,” “Sad Song” and “Free” that all bring back the sounds of fuzzy guitars, catchy drum beats and well placed hand claps. Unfortunately, the album suffers from it’s slow songs “Soon” and “Take Another Look” that come across as cheesy and, unlike the rest of the album, slightly dated. Some think this is where the band really missed their late bassist and singer Benjamin Orr who made songs like “Drive” come to life. Ocasek said the band never considered bringing someone in from the outside to fill Orr’s place, which was probably the best decision for them and the album. Fortunately, the bands’ strength always rested in their poppy upbeat tunes anyway and Move Like This has plenty to satisfy new wave fans without coming across as a band trying desperately to recapture old magic. So if you were a fan of The Cars or just fun 80′s music in general pick this album up and “let the good times roll”… again.
The Cars “Sad Song” Video
The Cars provided the first taste of new music in 20+ years a couple weeks ago with “Blue Tip” and now we have a video for the first official single off their new album called “Sad Song.” The video has the same madcap borderline crazy psychedelic feel that fans of the new wave group have come to know and love, plus the song ain’t bad either. The boys seem to be right on track for a solid album with another catchy song that after one listen is already rolling around in my head – “It’s a sad song and it won’t take lo – on – ong.” The new album Move Like This is due out May 10th but for now trip out a little with their new video below.
The Cars “Blue Tip” Video
That’s right, it’s been 24 years since we’ve heard anything new from our favorite 80′s new wave band The Cars and it looks like they’re picking up right where they left off. “Blue Tip” has that classic Cars sound and even the video makes me want to run out and rent a John Hughes movie. Their album, Move Like This is due out in May, but for now enjoy the video below.
11 Most Anticipated Albums of 2011
It doesn’t seem like that long ago when we wrote about last year’s most anticipate albums and here we are again anxiously awaiting another round of great new releases. Last year’s bunch turned out seven really solid albums, and three other discs who have yet come to fruition. Let’s start with the holdovers and then get to a fresh batch of new albums we can’t wait to hear.
The Strokes – Angles – RELEASED
It might have taken a little longer than expected, but the new Strokes disc is right around the corner. Make no mistake this is a big studio album, and could go either way but I for one am hoping Julian, Al Jr. and co. can recapture some old magic.
Radiohead – RELEASED – Click Here for Review
Just last week after spending some time with Thom Yorke BBC 1′s Giles Peterson said “And there’s a new Radiohead album if you’re wondering. Just done I believe.” Hey he’s British, he must be right. Right?
U2 – Songs of Ascent – Mid 2011
Who knows for sure what the Irish foursome are up to as reports are scattered about different producers, material sources and even the possible inclusion of the ridiculous Spider Man broadway tunes. At the end of the day 2009′s NLOTH wasn’t terrible but lifelong U2 fans like myself are certainly hoping this next one is the grand finale.
Wilco – TBD
Fresh off of the news of Wilco’s newly formed dBpm Records comes a report from 24bit that Wilco is back in the loft working on the followup to 09′s Wilco (The Album). As the lead release for their very own record label, hopes are high for something really special.
Pete & The Pirates – One Thousand Pictures – May 23
According to their website the British indie rockers have finished recording and are in the final stages of their follow up to 2008′s Little Death, which NME referred to as “”perfect pop without the pretense”. A rarity with British bands these days.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Here We Rest – RELEASED – Click Here for Review
Following up 2009′s excellent Seven Mile Island, and some killer session work with Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell is back with a new full length this spring. The Muscle Shoals recording studio should make him feel right at home, so hopefully we can look forward to more rich Southern rock classics from the 400 Unit.
The Avett Brothers – TBD
Just last week, Paste magazine reported that the Avett Brothers were back in the studio with one Richard Rubin. And not just any studio, Echo Mountain studio in Asheville NC – which also happens to be the primary recording home of MOR fave Band of Horses. The band says they hope to have “something done” by mid 2011.
Robbie Robertson – How to Become Clairvoyant – RELEASED – Click Here for Review
The chief songwriting force behind The Band says he is dropping a new album we listen. When he puts out a really good lead single we get excited. The cherry on top are the reported guest spots from Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Robert Randolph and Trent Reznor.
My Morning Jacket – TBD
It’s been two and a half years since we last heard from what we hope is still Jim James’ day job, but all signs are pointing to a new disc in 2011. The band brought out a few new tracks during their last tour, and the band is currently posting daily “In The Studio Pics” to their facebook page. LP6 here we come.
The Cars – Move Like This – 5/11
First there came the rumors, then the facebook picture of the four surviving members in the studio and then the teaser of “Blue Tip,” which showcased the classic Cars sound and now it’s official. After a 23 year hiatus The Cars have reunited and their album is scheduled to be released this year. Fingers crossed it lives up to expectations.
The Jealous Sound – TBD – TBD
It’s been a while since their 2003 debut album “Kill Them With Kindness” and after a few canceled tour dates, one mediocre EP and rumors about lead singer Blair Shehan “going crazy and disappearing”, the band is officially back together again and in the studio recording tracks for their sophomore release.
Ric Ocasek & The Cars Reuniting For New Album
It looks like the rumors are true, and after a 23 year break The Cars are getting the band back together. After claiming that he’d never take part in a reunion, and actually being replaced by Todd Rungren in the “New Cars”, original frontman and songwriter Ric Ocasek is changing his tune.
Ocasek, who has always had a knack for dating pretty ladies and penning catchy tunes, is back in the studio with the other 3 surviving members of the band. They posted a clip of themselves in the studio working on a new track called “Blue Tip”, which you can listen to here on the band’s Facebook page.
