You Can’t Hold On Too Long

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some tasty trivia about "You Can't Hold On Too Long" by The Cars from their 1979 album Candy-O, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track, nestled on side two of the album, is a lesser-known gem that captures the band's signature new wave vibe with a touch of playful quirkiness. Written by frontman Ric Ocasek, the song features lead vocals by bassist Benjamin Orr, whose smooth delivery adds a bittersweet edge to the lyrics about fleeting romance. In a 1979 interview with Trouser Press, Ocasek described the song as a "new wave ballad," noting its blend of rock energy and tender melancholy, a nod to Roy Thomas Baker's production that gave it a polished yet raw feel. The track's infectious rhythm and Elliot Easton's sharp guitar riffs make it a standout, though it never hit the charts like "Let's Go." Fans on Reddit have called it a highlight of Candy-O, praising its unique time signatures and creative sound, with one user noting it as part of the album's "fun ride" that keeps them coming back.

Another cool tidbit comes from the album's recording process at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, where The Cars took a more democratic approach compared to their debut. Ocasek shared in a 1979 interview that the band would vote on songs, and "You Can't Hold On Too Long" almost didn't make the cut, much like "Double Life." Drummer David Robinson, the band's artistic director, also influenced the album's iconic vibe, pushing for the Alberto Vargas pin-up cover that became a cultural staple. On X, the band once posted about their time with Baker, hinting at the experimental spirit that shaped tracks like this one. The song's placement after the frenetic "Shoo Be Doo" and the intense title track "Candy-O" creates a dynamic flow, with its mid-tempo groove offering a moment to catch your breath before diving back into the album's darker edges, as noted by a reviewer on Post-Punk Monk.

Now, let's rewind to how The Cars got their start. Formed in Boston in 1976, the band emerged from the vibrant new wave scene, blending punk's edge with pop's catchiness. Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, the band's core, met in Cleveland in the 1960s after Ocasek saw Orr performing with his band, The Grasshoppers, on a local TV show. They clicked, playing in various groups in Ohio and Michigan before landing in Boston in the early 1970s. There, they formed Milkwood, a folk-rock outfit with Greg Hawkes on keyboards, releasing an album in 1972 that flopped. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr kept at it, later joining forces with Elliot Easton, David Robinson, and Hawkes to form The Cars. Their big break came in 1977 when a demo of "Just What I Needed" caught the ear of Elektra Records, leading to their self-titled debut in 1978, which sold six million copies. The band's mix of Ocasek's minimalist songwriting, Orr's emotive vocals, and Hawkes' synth wizardry made them pioneers of new wave, as noted in their Wikipedia bio.

Stay connected with The Cars' legacy through their official channels and fan communities. Visit their official website for news and merch, and check out their Facebook for throwback photos and updates. Their Instagram offers glimpses of vintage memorabilia, while X keeps the conversation alive with posts about their history. Fans can dive deeper on sites like Last.fm, which catalogs their discography and concert history, or join discussions on the The Cars Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over Candy-O and more. Keep spinning those records, and let "You Can't Hold On Too Long" take you back to 1979!