1984 - April: The Cars “Heartbeat City”

On Sunday, September 15th 2019, Ric Ocasek of The Cars passed away at his townhouse where he was recovering from surgery. This group was a staple of radio and video throughout the later 70's and 80's, and their album Heartbeat City propelled them to super-stardom both with the number of singles off the album and heavy video airplay on MTV. We covered The Cars' debut album on What the Riff?!? Ep. 28, but it seemed appropriate to make this group the first one we feature twice as a tribute to Ocasek and his work as front man of the group. We hope you enjoy this “Drive” down memory lane and keep Ocasek's family in your prayers.

“Magic” This is one of the five single hits produced by this album. The video featured Ocasek "walking on water" in a pool at the Hilton estate. During the production, the Plexiglas used to facilitate the stunt cracked, dumping Ocasek in the water.  

“Looking for Love ” This deeper cut has a more New Wave feel. Ric Ocasek was the songwriter for The Cars.   

“You Might Think” The funny and strange video for this cut is iconic, and beat out Michael Jackson's ultra-successful “Thriller” for MTV Video of the Year.  

“Heartbeat City” The title track received radio airplay as the B-side of “You Might Think” in the U.S., but was not actually released as a single. Who is Jackie, and what took her so long?  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The Theme from Friday the 13th” by Harry Manfredini This month saw the release of the fourth iteration of the Friday the 13th movies was called “The Final Chapter”... but obviously wasn't the end.  

STAFF PICKS:

“99 Red Balloons” by Nena This song had two versions, and English language version and a German version. The German version was surprisingly popular in America. The song itself tells the story of worldwide destruction from war initiated after mistaking 99 helium balloons for an aerial attack.  

“Balls to the Wall” by Accept The title of Wayne's heavy staff pick references the throttles on a jet fighter. Full throttle is pushing the ball at the top of the throttle all the way forward. It means going full out. Like Nena, Accept is also from Germany.

“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol This title track from Idol's second studio album. Though the song is about a one-night stand, the title was inspired by a late night session Idol had with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood taking swigs from a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon whiskey.

“So You Ran” by Orion the Hunter This group was made up of two artists from the group Boston, and the lead vocalist would actually join Boston to handle lead vocal duties on Boston's fourth album “Walk On” in Brad Delp's absence. This album is kind of hard to find these days — and the song is not on iTunes.

 

INSTRUMENTAL:

“Drive” by the Cars We finish off this week with an instrumental version of the biggest hit off “Heartbeat City.” This one was originally sung by Benjamin Orr (who died of pancreatic cancer in October of 2000) rather than Ocasek, but the voiceless version seemed appropriate. Rest in peace gentlemen, and thank you for the music!

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