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Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Dangerous Type by The Cars from their iconic 1979 album Candy-O! This track, written by frontman Ric Ocasek, closes the album with a bang, blending new wave cool with a gritty edge. Fun fact: the song’s core guitar riff draws inspiration from T. Rex’s Bang a Gong, giving it that seductive, retro swagger. AllMusic critic Tom Maginnis called it a “musical epic,” noting its grand chord changes and how the band’s full sonic palette builds to a massive finish, much like All Mixed Up from their debut album. It’s no wonder this fan favorite, though never a single, has been a staple on compilations like Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology and Complete Greatest Hits. Posts on X from DJ Jake Rudh highlight its enduring love, often spotlighting it alongside other Candy-O gems like Let’s Go.
Another cool tidbit: Dangerous Type has been praised for its lyrical bite and instrumental interplay. Classic Rock History’s Brian Kachejian ranks it as The Cars’ 9th greatest song, loving how David Robinson’s muscular drum fills and Ocasek’s wry vocals (“Can I touch you / Are you out of touch”) drive the track. Rolling Stone even named it one of The Cars’ 17 essential songs, with critic Elias Leight pointing out Ocasek’s clever use of repetition—repeating the four-line hook 10 times in just four and a half minutes for maximum impact. The song’s dark, moody vibe also caught the attention of Johnny Monaco, who covered it for the tribute album Substitution Mass Confusion: A Tribute to The Cars. It’s the kind of track that makes you feel like you’re cruising down a neon-lit highway, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning vibes.
Now, let’s rewind to how The Cars got their start. Formed in Boston in 1976, the band emerged from a series of earlier groups led by Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. The two met in Cleveland in the late 1960s, bonding over their love for rock and folk. They played in various bands, including Milkwood, which released a folk-pop album in 1973 that flopped. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr relocated to Boston, where they hooked up with guitarist Elliot Easton, drummer David Robinson, and keyboardist Greg Hawkes. After years of gigging in local clubs and refining their sound—a slick mix of new wave, power pop, and synth-driven rock—they landed a deal with Elektra Records in 1977. Their 1978 self-titled debut, with hits like Just What I Needed and My Best Friend’s Girl, catapulted them to stardom, setting the stage for Candy-O’s success.
Want to dive deeper into The Cars’ world? Check out their official website for news and history. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback content. Fans should hit up Candy-O, a tribute band site that celebrates The Cars’ legacy with killer covers of tracks like Dangerous Type. For community vibes, join the The Cars Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect with other devotees to share stories, vinyl finds, and love for the band’s timeless sound. Spin that record, and keep it dangerous!
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