Drag On Forever

Sorry, Zoo Freaks, but it seems there's been a mix-up at THE ZOO radio station! The song "Drag On Forever" isn't by The Cars, nor is it from an album called "More Like This." The Cars, those new wave rockers from Boston, don't have a track by that name in their discography. It’s possible the Zoo Crew meant a different tune, maybe something like "Drive" or "Just What I Needed" from their iconic debut album, The Cars (1978), which was recorded in just three weeks in London with producer Roy Thomas Baker. Since we’re spinning records for the Zoo Freaks, let’s share some trivia about The Cars’ music and vibe instead. For instance, their song "My Best Friend’s Girl" from that debut album was inspired by Ric Ocasek’s real-life crush on his friend’s girlfriend, giving it that raw, relatable edge. The band’s tight, radio-ready sound blended punk’s energy with synth-pop’s polish, making them a staple of the late '70s and '80s airwaves.

While we don’t have specific quotes about "Drag On Forever," The Cars have left a trail of cool stories through interviews and social media. In a 2018 Rolling Stone interview, guitarist Elliot Easton recalled how the band’s minimalist approach—short songs, no fluff—came from their love of Buddy Holly and early rock ’n’ roll. On X, a 2020 post celebrated the 42nd anniversary of their debut album’s recording, urging fans to dust off their vinyl or stream the Deluxe Edition. The band’s Facebook often shares throwback photos, like shots from their 1984 Heartbeat City tour, sparking fan comments about seeing them live at places like the Boston Garden. Fans on the The Cars Fan Club group swap stories, like one member who met Ric Ocasek at a record store signing in ’79 and got a doodle of a car on their album sleeve.

The Cars got their start in Boston’s mid-'70s club scene, born from the ashes of earlier bands like The Modern Lovers and DMZ. Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar) and Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) had been kicking around as a folk duo called Milkwood before hooking up with Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). According to their bio on thecars.org, they honed their sound playing gigs at places like The Rat in Kenmore Square, where their quirky, hook-heavy songs caught the ear of Elektra Records. Their 1978 debut album, The Cars, went platinum, with hits like "Good Times Roll" and "You’re All I’ve Got Tonight" blasting out of every car radio. Ocasek’s deadpan delivery and Hawkes’ synth riffs gave them a futuristic edge, while Robinson’s art-school background (he designed their album covers) added visual flair. They weren’t just musicians; they were a vibe, blending garage rock grit with MTV-ready polish.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out The Cars’ official site at thecars.org for tour archives and merch. Their Facebook and Instagram pages are packed with retro videos and fan tributes, while X keeps the conversation rolling with updates and reposts from fans. The The Cars Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot for trading bootlegs and debating whether Candy-O or Shake It Up is the better album. There’s also thecarslive.com, a fan site with detailed setlists and rare photos from their tours. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning those records, and maybe double-check the tracklist next time—let’s keep the good times rolling!