THE CARS – Anthology: Just What I Needed [2-CD Japanese release] *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ

”THE CARS Anthology; Just What I Needed [2-CD Japanese release]” is a fantastic two-disc set, career-spanning compilation double album of songs by the American new wave rock giants THE CARS. It features most of the band’s singles, as well as many album tracks, non-album B-sides and unreleased songs.
Whereas the 1985 Greatest Hits album contained the band’s most popular hit singles, ”Just What I Needed” includes deeper album tracks, demos, B-sides, and unreleased tracks, along with the requisite hits. The set contains the original album version of “I’m Not the One” from 1981’s Shake It Up, while the rendition on Greatest Hits was a 1985 remix.
Then there’s the really good unreleased / rare track: “That’s It” (B-side of 1979’s “Let’s Go”), “Don’t Go to Pieces” (B-side of 1980’s “Don’t Tell Me No” & 1981’s “Gimme Some Slack”) and “Breakaway” (B-side of 1985’s “Why Can’t I Have You”) are non-album single B-sides that appear on CD for the first time in this collection.
We find 8 previously unreleased tracks here: “Take Me Now”, “Cool Fool”, “Ta Ta Wayo Wayo” &”Leave or Stay” were recorded (very well) as demos in 1977. “Leave or Stay” and “Ta Ta Wayo Wayo” were eventually re-recorded for the band’s 1987 album Door to Door. The other two tracks were never re-recorded.
The previously unreleased “Slipaway” was recorded as a 24-track demo by The Cars between their first and second albums in 1979. Rather than record a finished studio version, the Cars gave the song to Ian Lloyd, who issued his version later in 1979.
The gem among these unreleased is “Cool Fool”, a wonderful rocker with lead vocals by the great Benjamin Orr. Love the vibe and feel which somehow reminds me of ~call me nuts~ Thin Lizzy. Being one of the few The Cars songs co-written by guitarist Elliot Easton give an idea of how guitar-driven “Cool Fool” is.

The early version of “Night Spots” from 1978 is an unfinished outtake from the band’s first album, featuring only Ric Ocasek and keyboardist Greg Hawkes. It was eventually re-recorded for 1979’s Candy-O.
Demo covers of The Nightcrawlers’ “The Little Black Egg”, and Iggy Pop’s “Funtime” were initially made as backing tracks for Bebe Buell to record vocals over for her 1981 EP Covers Girl. These versions feature lead vocals by Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, respectively, and were previously unreleased.

The Cars were one of the most influential and original acts from the ’70s / ’80s American rock scene. Fun music but there’s much more meat in the background of their songs than your typical pop-rock band.
”THE CARS Anthology; Just What I Needed [2-CD Japanese release]” is a must into any collection.

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ＷＰＣＲ～620-1
Elektra Traditions

Disc 1
01 – Just What I Needed
02 – My Best Friend’s Girl
03 – Good Times Roll
04 – You’re All I’ve Got Tonight
05 – Don’t Cha Stop
06 – Moving In Stereo
07 – Take Me Now (previously unissued)
08 – Cool Fool (previously unissued)
09 – Let’s Go
10 – Candy-O
11 – Dangerous Type
12 – Double Life
13 – Got A Lot On My Head
14 – It’s All I Can Do
15 – Nightspots [Early Version] (previously unissued)
16 – Slipaway (previously unissued)
17 – That’s It
18 – Panorama
19 – Gimme Some Slack
20 – Don’t Go To Pieces

Disc 2
01 – Touch And Go
02 – Don’t Tell Me No
03 – Shake It Up
04 – Since You’re Gone
05 – I’m Not The One
06 – Cruiser
07 – The Little Black Egg (previously unissued)
08 – Funtime (previously unissued)
09 – You Might Think
10 – Drive
11 – Magic
12 – Hello Again
13 – Why Can’t I Have You
14 – Breakaway
15 – Tonight She Comes
16 – You Are The Girl
17 – Strap Me In
18 – Door To Door
19 – Leave Or Stay [1977 Demo Version] (previously unissued)
20 – Ta Ta Wayo Wayo [1977 Demo Version] (previously unissued)

Ric Ocasek – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Benjamin Orr – bass, lead vocals CD1: 1, 6-10, 14, 17, 20; CD2 : 2, 6, 8, 10
Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
Greg Hawkes – keyboards, backing vocals
David Robinson – drums, percussion

out of print