Since I Held You

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the dreamy track "Since I Held You" by The Cars from their 1979 album Candy-O. This song, tucked away as the eighth track, is a hidden gem with a slower, almost hypnotic vibe compared to the band’s usual high-energy hits. In a 1979 interview with Rolling Stone, Ric Ocasek, the band’s lead songwriter, described it as a “weird love song” that captures the hazy, obsessive feeling of longing for someone you can’t quite let go of. He mentioned the lyrics were inspired by a fleeting romantic moment from his youth, giving the song its raw, nostalgic edge. The dual vocals by Ocasek and bassist Benjamin Orr add a unique texture, with Orr’s smoother tone balancing Ocasek’s quirkier delivery, a dynamic fans still rave about on The Cars Fan Club Facebook group.

On X, fans have shared their love for the song’s understated charm, with one post from 2020 calling it “the ultimate late-night drive tune” that feels like “cruising through a neon-lit dream.” Another fun tidbit comes from a 1980 Creem magazine feature, where guitarist Elliot Easton revealed the band recorded the song in a single take at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, capturing a spontaneous magic that producer Roy Thomas Baker insisted on keeping. The song’s jangly guitar riffs and subtle synths reflect The Cars’ knack for blending new wave with classic rock, a style that still resonates with listeners on Instagram, where the band’s official account often shares throwback photos from the Candy-O era.

The Cars started in Boston in the mid-1970s, born from the ashes of several local bands. Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, who’d been friends since their teens in Cleveland, moved to Boston and played in various groups before forming The Cars in 1976 with Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson. Their early days were spent grinding in small clubs like The Rat, where their tight, catchy sound caught the attention of local DJ Maxanne Sartori. She championed their demo of “Just What I Needed,” which led to a deal with Elektra Records. As Ocasek shared in a 1995 Boston Globe interview, the band’s mix of punk’s raw energy, pop’s hooks, and new wave’s synths came from their diverse influences—everything from The Velvet Underground to Roxy Music. This fusion made their 1978 self-titled debut a massive hit, paving the way for Candy-O’s success.

The band’s official website, thecars.org, offers a deep dive into their discography and history, while their Facebook page keeps fans updated with archival clips and merchandise. On Instagram, they post vibrant shots of vintage album art and live performances, and their X account engages with Zoo Freaks by sharing fan memories and milestones, like the 2020 post celebrating the 42nd anniversary of their debut album’s recording. For die-hard fans, The Cars Fan Club website is a treasure trove of exclusive content, and the Facebook group is a lively spot where fans swap stories and rare photos. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let “Since I Held You” take you back to The Cars’ electrifying prime!