The Cars

As the band has referred to & joked about, and many fans would agree, this release has the songs that would go on to dominate the Classic Rock FM format/genre for decades. Kind of unfair, since some of their later releases, such as 'Candy-O' & 'Panorama' had some hits & undiscovered gems as well.Bought this on CD in late 80's or early 90's, but the sound was always compressed and weak, unlike when I used to hear it on vinyl growing up in the 70's. No weak songs on here at all.This re-issue does the proper respect and brings up the sound, particularly the bass. Only quibble I would find is that some of the keyboards/synths are not as prominent, but sorta pushed down a bit (exception to this is "You're All I've Got Tonight"...that Greg Hawkes synth line still sounds powerful as ever).Outakes are interesting & enjoyable. They confirm that the group had pretty much honed their chops on these songs in the year prior to recording this.So buy, enjoy & "let the good times roll!"

Both discs have their value. After hearing the excellent remastering of the album, the demo versions sound ... well, more like a real band, less like a perfect product. Not something you'll listen to a whole lot, but interesting nonetheless. Typical "deluxe re-ssue" fodder really.But - But! Then we get five demos of unreleased songs -- half an album of songs which COULD have been on that first album, but were not. And they're just fine! It's like getting volume 2 of the first Cars album -- which it is, so that's justice. And since there are four more on the 2-disc JUST WHAT I NEEDED compilation (plus one more song properly recorded but not released), you can put them together for a "lost" Cars album that could have been released between the first two albums. IT'S LIKE GETTING ANOTHER 1978 ALBUM. For those who liked the first two albums best, this is Cars manna.

I have the vinyl LP that is signed by all members of the band, including Benjamin Orr. I decided to buy the CD since it is their best, in my opinion, and I enjoy taking it out from time to time. A cracking good album featuring some of the CARS best songs. It's a shame Drive came later..now THAT would have been a juicy addition to this already amazing album. The demos aren't that big a deal, but all in all, this is a very worthwhile purchase. RIP, Benjamin. You were missed at the RRHOF induction ceremony.

This definitely one of the best albums ever released. The Cars had a great ear for backup vocals and melodies in their sometimes complex arrangements. Elliot Easton is an underrated guitar player and Greg Hawkes really made their sound with the great keyboard talents he was able to spread out all over each song.

Absolutely love the additional demos! As a huge Cars fan I really appreciate hearing and feeling the growth of the band from their beginnings, to this Polished Major breakout freshman album. Sure wish Ric O. & the boys would put together another one. Sure miss their music, sure miss Benjamin Orr.....sigh...

The Cars first album is perhaps, by far, their best album!One could argue it's the real Cars "Greatest Hits Album".

I recently saw this album for sale; I love The Cars but didn't know that this album had been re-issued as a Deluxe Edition. You get the original as-released album, plus a second disk of "demo versions". It is great to hear these earliest versions - and some will surprise you. To be sure, the demos by definition are not studio-massaged, but there is so much to hear - and I think that some of the demo versions have parts which should have made the cut and been on the release. If you like The Cars, then this is a must-have for your collection! On a side-note - the Cars Anthology is also a two-disker; one loaded with things not on the released albums. That set will be another 5-Star purchase you can look for on Amazon!

This is my all time fav album of The Cars! I missed hearing the great tunes..now I can listen whenever I want to!

Ending the 70s, this album stands as one of the great rock records released. The station i use to listen to played almost every song off the album. In fact it became something of a summer tradition when they started to play Cars songs. Most subsequent releases never achieved the greatest of the original release. I would maybe put Heart Beat City as perhaps close.

Already had the vinyl (single disc) album and love it. Decided to upgrade to CD and in the process get the 15 bonus tracks which I found very interesting.

If you already love this album, better sound with added bonus tracks. You can't go wrong. Still the best Cars album made.

I have had and worn out two vinyl albums so wanted to make it easy to rip and store on my phone for travel. A decent job of remastering but it can be a little bright sounding at times if listened to on a decent stereo. Altogether, not the best release of the album but a decent effort.

ok