45 years ago today (6/6/78), Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Cars released their debut self-titled album on Elektra Records. The album, which featured the three charting singles “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Good Times Roll,” as well as several album-oriented rock radio hits, was a major success for the band, remaining on the charts for 139 weeks. Their sound was led by musicians who had already been veterans of other bands (David Robinson- The Modern Lovers), while Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, and Elliot Easton had all played the club circuit for years in various outfits. By adding the secret weapon Greg Hawkes and his new wave keyboard work, The Cars were the right band at the right time and still sound as cool today as they did back in ’78. Watch The Cars live in 1978…
