The New Cars – It’s Alive – 2006 Okay, so this is a one off. But, I had to include it.First off, Rundgren has Ocasek’s nervous, forced, paranoia voice down.The backing harmonies, spot on.Easton’s Roy Thomas Baker/Brian May inspired solo…..The pulsating, driving beat…Hawkes’ layering synths…..the snarky lyrics…… THIS is what Continue Reading

Ric Ocasek – Nexterday – 2005 It took about 27 years but Ric Ocasek finally made his dream come true: An album of songs written by him, sung by him, produced by him and, most importantly, featuring instruments played by him. Well, not all. He didn’t play bass. And he didn’t Continue Reading

Ric Ocasek – Troublizing – 1997 four tracks produced by…. Billy Corgan? Really? The first thing I noticed on the very first track is that this sounds like a heavy, 90s era Cars tribute band. “The Next Right Moment” would have fit perfectly on Shake it Up, albeit without the Continue Reading