Sad Song

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Sad Song" by The Cars from their 2011 album Move Like This, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its catchy, upbeat energy. Despite its title, "Sad Song" isn’t a tearjerker—critics like those at Exclaim! magazine noted its "cheery beat and catchy mix of synths and guitars," which gives it a lively, almost ironic twist. The song, released as the lead single on March 1, 2011, channels the band’s classic new wave sound, with reviewers drawing comparisons to their 1978 hit "My Best Friend’s Girl" and 1979’s "Let’s Go" for its familiar jangle and polish. A brief clip of the track first dropped on The Cars’ Facebook page on December 7, 2010, teasing fans who’d waited over two decades for new material. The song peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart, proving the band still had their edge. Fun fact: the album was recorded without bassist Benjamin Orr, who passed away in 2000, so keyboardist Greg Hawkes and producer Jacknife Lee handled all the bass parts, a nod to the band’s decision not to replace their late bandmate.

The making of "Sad Song" and Move Like This marked a significant reunion for The Cars, who’d been on hiatus since their 1988 breakup. The band recorded the album at veteran engineer Paul Orofino’s studio in Millbrook, New York, as reported by Billboard in October 2010. The surviving members—Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson—crafted a tight 10-song record under 40 minutes, with "Sad Song" setting the tone. The band’s X account has shared nostalgic posts about their legacy, like a 2020 tweet celebrating the 42nd anniversary of their debut album, showing their enduring connection with fans. The music video for "Blue Tip," another single from the album, featured New York street artist Joe Iurato, hinting at the band’s embrace of modern visuals to complement their retro sound. This reunion wasn’t just a cash grab; it led to a 10-city U.S. and Canada tour in May 2011 and a performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago that August, thrilling Zoo Freaks and longtime fans alike.

The Cars got their start in Boston’s vibrant music scene in the mid-1970s, emerging from the new wave movement with a sound that blended punk’s edge, art rock’s textures, and power pop’s hooks. Frontman Ric Ocasek and bassist Benjamin Orr, both Ohio natives, met in Cleveland in the 1960s and played in various bands before moving to Boston. There, they formed the folk-rock group Milkwood, releasing one album in 1973 that flopped. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr teamed up with guitarist Elliot Easton, a Berklee School of Music alum, in a band called Cap’n Swing, which leaned into a rock-and-roll sound. Drummer David Robinson, formerly of The Modern Lovers, and keyboardist Greg Hawkes, another Berklee grad, rounded out the lineup. Cap’n Swing’s jazzy bassist didn’t mesh with Ocasek’s vision, so Orr stepped in on bass, and the band rebranded as The Cars in 1976. Their big break came in 1977 when a nine-song demo, including "Just What I Needed," caught the ear of Boston radio stations WBCN and WCOZ. This led to a deal with Elektra Records, and their 1978 debut album, The Cars, sold six million copies, cementing their place in rock history.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging across New England, honing their tight, synth-driven sound. Music critic Robert Palmer praised their style as a “personal and appealing blend” of punk minimalism, ‘50s rockabilly, and ‘80s pop. Ocasek, the principal songwriter, and Orr shared lead vocals, creating a dynamic that powered hits like "My Best Friend’s Girl" and "Good Times Roll." The Cars were named Best New Artist in the 1978 Rolling Stone Readers’ Poll, and their debut stayed on the Billboard 200 for 139 weeks. Fans can dive deeper into their story on thecars.org, the band’s official website, or follow their updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Devoted Zoo Freaks can also connect with fellow fans on the The Cars Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group sharing memories, photos, and news about the band’s enduring legacy.