All Mixed Up

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with The Zoo Crew as they spin the classic track "All Mixed Up" by The Cars from their iconic 1978 debut album, The Cars. This song, the final track on the album, is a fan favorite, often played alongside "Moving in Stereo" on classic rock radio due to their seamless bridge on the record. Written by bandleader Ric Ocasek, "All Mixed Up" features bassist Benjamin Orr on lead vocals in the studio version, though Ocasek took the mic for the demo. One cool tidbit is that keyboardist Greg Hawkes swaps his synths for a rare saxophone solo, the only one in The Cars' discography, giving the song a unique vibe. The track also showcases the Mu-Tron Octavider pedal, which Orr once said he "had to have," adding that distinctive gritty texture to the bassline. Fun fact: the song was released as the B-side to "Good Times Roll" and even got a single release in the Netherlands with "You're All I've Got Tonight" as its partner.

Another layer to "All Mixed Up" comes from its lyrical depth. Fans on SongMeanings have shared interpretations, with some seeing it as a tale of a complex, elusive relationship where the woman is "socially important, cagey and elusive," yet reassuring with lines like "leave it to me, everything will be alright." Others have read deeper, suggesting the song might hint at gender identity struggles, though it’s unclear if Ocasek intended this. The song’s emotional pull is undeniable, with Benjamin Orr’s vocals delivering a fresh, airy feel compared to Ocasek’s usual style. It was later covered by Red House Painters in 1996 on their album Songs for a Blue Guitar, showing its lasting influence. The Zoo Crew knows this track’s mix of new wave cool and raw emotion is perfect for keeping the Zoo Freaks vibing.

The Cars got their start in Boston in 1976, born from the creative spark of Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, who met in Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1960s. Ocasek caught Orr performing with his band The Grasshoppers on a local TV show, and the two hit it off, playing in various bands in Columbus and Ann Arbor before landing in Boston. There, they formed the folk-rock band Milkwood with guitarist Jas Goodkind, releasing an album, How's the Weather, in 1972 that didn’t chart. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr kept at it, performing as an acoustic duo and later forming Richard and the Rabbits with Greg Hawkes, who’d played sax on Milkwood’s album. Hawkes, a Berklee School of Music alum, brought his keyboard wizardry to the mix. The lineup solidified with guitarist Elliot Easton and drummer David Robinson, formerly of The Modern Lovers, and The Cars were born, blending punk’s edge, power pop’s hooks, and new wave’s synth-driven sound.

Their big break came when DJ Maxanne Sartori at Boston’s WBCN played their demo tapes, catching the ear of Elektra Records. In 1978, they headed to London to record their debut album with producer Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen. The result was a game-changer, with The Cars selling six million copies and charting for 139 weeks on the Billboard 200. Tracks like "Just What I Needed" and "My Best Friend’s Girl" became instant classics, and the band’s innovative mix of guitar riffs, synth textures, and lush harmonies earned them Rolling Stone’s Best New Artist title in 1978. The Zoo Crew loves how The Cars’ early hustle and genre-blending sound still resonate, making "All Mixed Up" a perfect spin for the airwaves.

Stay connected with The Cars through their official Facebook page, where they’ve shared updates like the 2018 expanded editions of albums like Shake It Up. You can also follow their Instagram for throwback pics and vinyl love, or check out their X account, where they’ve posted about milestones like the 42nd anniversary of their debut album recording in 2020. Fans can dive deeper at the fan-run site Cars Fan Central, a hub for news, forums, and memorabilia. Join the The Cars Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks who live for the band’s new wave magic. Keep the vibes high, and let The Zoo Crew keep spinning those records!