I’m in Touch With Your World

The Zoo Crew is spinning the quirky and electrifying I’m in Touch With Your World by The Cars from their seminal debut album, The Cars. This track, penned by Ric Ocasek, stands out for its eccentric sound effects, courtesy of keyboardist Greg Hawkes. In the liner notes for the deluxe edition of The Cars, Hawkes revealed that the song’s bizarre sonic palette made it a favorite to perform live, as it was visually engaging for audiences. One intriguing tidbit is the lyric “everything is science fiction,” which came about when Hawkes misheard Ocasek’s original line, “everything you say is fiction.” Ocasek embraced the mistake, adding a spacey sound effect to lean into the sci-fi vibe. The song’s playful absurdity, like references to a “psilocybin pony” and “flick fandango phony,” has been interpreted by fans on SongMeanings as Ocasek’s sardonic take on a psychedelic experience or even a cross-dresser in a club scene, showcasing his knack for cryptic, ironic storytelling.

Despite its cult status among Zoo Freaks, I’m in Touch With Your World received mixed reviews. Rolling Stone’s Kit Rachlis, in a 1978 review, criticized it alongside Moving in Stereo for giving psychedelia a bad name, while Billboard hailed it as one of the album’s best cuts. Jaime Welton, in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, noted its Looney Tunes-esque sound effects, adding to its offbeat charm. A Reddit post on the r/Music subreddit called it the album’s “weird” track but praised its perfect transition into a classic Cars chorus, highlighting its unique place in the band’s catalog. The song also appeared as the B-side to their debut single, Just What I Needed, giving it early exposure to fans tuning into The Cars’ new wave sound.

The Cars formed in Boston in 1976, emerging from the vibrant new wave scene. Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) met in Cleveland in the 1960s, bonding over music after Ocasek saw Orr perform with his band, the Grasshoppers, on a local TV show. The duo played in various bands in Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, before settling in Boston in the early 1970s. There, they formed the folk-rock outfit Milkwood with guitarist Jas Goodkind, releasing an album, How’s the Weather, in 1972 that flopped. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr, joined by Greg Hawkes (keyboards), who had played saxophone on Milkwood’s album, formed Richard and the Rabbits, a name suggested by Jonathan Richman. By 1976, with Elliot Easton (lead guitar) and David Robinson (drums), The Cars solidified, blending punk minimalism, power pop, and synth-driven rock into a sound that defined new wave.

The band’s big break came through their demo recordings, particularly Just What I Needed, which caught the ear of Boston radio stations. Their live performances in local clubs made them a staple, leading to a deal with Elektra Records. Their debut album, produced by Roy Thomas Baker, became a massive success, selling six million copies and charting for 139 weeks. The Cars went on to release six more albums, with hits like Shake It Up and Drive, before disbanding in 1988. They reunited briefly in 2010 for Move Like This and performed at their 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Sadly, Orr passed away in 2000, and Ocasek in 2019, but their legacy endures through fans on platforms like the official Facebook page and fan groups such as The Cars Fan Club.

For more on The Cars, visit their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can connect on The Cars Fan Club on Facebook or explore discography details on StudioDiscography. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking to I’m in Touch With Your World, a testament to The Cars’ innovative spirit.