Lust for Kicks

"Lust for Kicks" from The Cars' Candy-O album, released in 1979, is a track that Zoo Freaks would vibe with for its quirky new wave energy. While specific interviews or quotes about this song are scarce, a Reddit thread from 2023 highlights its mysterious allure. Fans note the song's unique production, with what sounds like a live audience chattering and applauding during the keyboard solo, giving it a raw, almost live-performance feel. This sparked speculation among fans about whether it was recorded with a crowd or if the sound was added for effect, but no definitive answer from the band has surfaced. The song was rarely, if ever, played live, according to setlist records, which adds to its enigmatic status among devotees.

Another tidbit about "Lust for Kicks" comes from its lyrical vibe, which captures the band’s knack for blending detached coolness with playful obsession. The lyrics, like “They’re crazy about each other / And they blame it all on the lust for kicks,” reflect the band’s signature mix of irony and romance, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist. While Ric Ocasek, the band’s primary songwriter, didn’t single out this track in interviews, he described the Candy-O recording process as more collaborative than their debut, with band members debating which songs made the cut. This democratic approach nearly left “Double Life” off the album, suggesting “Lust for Kicks” survived a similar scrutiny, hinting at its importance to the band’s vision.

The Cars formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976, evolving from earlier incarnations like Milkwood and Cap’n Swing. Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass) had been collaborators since the late 1960s, playing in various bands before meeting drummer David Robinson, guitarist Elliot Easton, and keyboardist Greg Hawkes. Their chemistry clicked after refining their sound in Boston’s club scene, blending punk’s edge with pop sensibilities. Signed to Elektra Records in 1977, their self-titled debut album in 1978, with hits like “Just What I Needed,” catapulted them to fame. The band’s innovative mix of new wave, rock, and synth-pop made them a staple of the late ’70s and ’80s music scene.

You can explore more about The Cars on their official website, though it’s more of a legacy site since the band’s activity slowed after Ocasek’s passing in 2019. Their official Facebook page remains active with nostalgic posts and fan engagement, while their Instagram shares throwback photos and album anniversaries. On X, the band’s account occasionally reposts fan content and tributes. Fans gather at sites like The Cars Fan Club, which links to community discussions, and the Cars Fanatics Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing vinyl finds and concert memories.