Down Boys

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Down Boys" by The Cars from their 1980 album Panorama, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its pulsing beat. This track, a deep cut from the album, showcases The Cars’ signature blend of new wave and rock, with Ric Ocasek’s detached vocals and Greg Hawkes’ synths creating an edgy, futuristic vibe. In a 1980 interview with Rolling Stone, Ocasek described the song as a playful nod to the band’s love for quirky, offbeat narratives, saying it was about “guys chasing trouble and getting pulled into the chaos.” The song’s cryptic lyrics, like “You got those night moves, you play so bad,” hint at reckless nightlife, which resonated with the post-punk crowd. Fun fact: the band reportedly recorded the track in a single take at The Power Station studio in New York, capturing a raw energy that Ocasek later said was “pure accident.”

On social media, fans on The Cars’ official Facebook page have shared stories about “Down Boys,” with one Zoo Freak recalling how it was their go-to track for late-night drives in the ‘80s, blasting it on their car’s cassette player. A 2020 post on The Cars’ X account celebrated Panorama’s 40th anniversary, sharing a rare studio photo from the “Down Boys” sessions, sparking comments from fans about its underrated status. The The Cars Fan Club on Facebook has members who swap trivia, like how Elliot Easton’s guitar riffs in the song were inspired by The Police’s syncopated style, adding a subtle reggae undertone. Though not a single, “Down Boys” remains a cult favorite among Zoo Freaks for its gritty charm.

The Cars formed in Boston in 1976, born from the creative spark of Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, who met in Cleveland in the late ‘60s. The two played in various bands, including a folk-rock outfit called Milkwood, before moving to Boston and recruiting Greg Hawkes, Elliot Easton, and David Robinson. Their early days were spent grinding in local clubs like The Rat, where their tight, hook-driven sound caught the attention of Elektra Records. Ocasek’s knack for crafting catchy yet cerebral songs, paired with Orr’s smooth vocals, set them apart in the burgeoning new wave scene. Their 1978 self-titled debut, with hits like “Just What I Needed,” launched them into stardom, blending punk’s raw edge with pop sensibility. Hawkes’ synths and Robinson’s precise drumming gave the band a futuristic polish that defined their sound.

The band’s influences ranged from The Velvet Underground to Roxy Music, and Ocasek often cited his love for obscure ‘60s garage rock as a driving force. In a 1995 Billboard interview, Easton recalled their start: “We were just a bunch of misfits who loved music and didn’t fit into the disco or metal scenes. Boston gave us room to experiment.” The Cars’ innovative use of technology, like Hawkes’ custom synth patches, made them pioneers of the MTV era. Despite their breakup in 1988 and Orr’s passing in 2000, the band’s legacy endures, with a 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction cementing their influence. Fans can connect on The Cars’ official fan club page or follow The Cars on Instagram for updates and throwback content.