“He’s never done a band like us; he’s done a lot of heavy metal. But I thought the two could mix”: How AC/DC’s producer and synthesizers reinvented The Cars

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(via LouderSound)

“I always wanted our songs to pop and kick,” The Cars’ Ric Ocasek told me in 2005. And on the band’s fifth album, Heartbeat City, they did just that. 

You might think of the pop in Pop Art terms: bold colours, sleek lines; bang-vroom choruses, the kick of a lyrical subversion that sneaks up on you, hinting at fragile mental states, with elliptical drug references and some kinky S&M. 

Of that contrast in his songs, Ocasek said: “One kind of holds you down to earth, while the other takes you somewhere else.” 

After running the album-tour track annually from 1978-81, The Cars were looking to go somewhere else. The title of their fourth album, Shake It Up, hinted at just what they needed to do. 

The first major shake-up for Heartbeat City was bringing in producer Mutt Lange, best known for his high-gloss hit-making on AC/DC’s Back In Black and Def Leppard’s Pyromania. “I thought that the combination of the sound he gets and what we do would mingle pretty nicely,” Ocasek said in 1984. “Mutt’s never done a band like us; he’s done a lot of heavy metal. But I thought the two could mix.” 

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/he-s-never-done-a-band-like-us-he-s-done-a-lot-of-heavy-metal-but-i-thought-the-two-could-mix-how-ac-dc-s-producer-and-synthesisers-reinvented-the-cars/ar-BB1l2Irj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=99a38044cd604cd094c1e29851787288&ei=35

Video of the Week: Billy Joel – Live in Uniondale (December 29, 1982)

Quora: Does George Harrison even know how to play lead guitar compared to the likes of Eric Clapton?

(Answered by Rik Elswit)

Harrison had a rare ability that’s cherished in studio players like Louie Shelton, Brent Mason, and Larry Carlton. He could craft an unforgettable two bar phrase that becomes the signature to the song. Elliot Easton of the Cars and Keith Richards of the Stones, had this as well.

The classic example is Harrison’s intro to “Something”. Six notes with a released bend, all on one string. Anyone can do it. Even your little sister can do it. But he thought of it. This is a gift.

On a Lighter Note…