Door to Door by the Cars (Elektra cat # : E1 – 60747).
Let me just start by saying I really like the Cars. Their unique sound capitalizing on Ric Ocasek’s vocals stood out in an ocean music to me. Further, this one has an amazing album cover showing off Italian artist’s Emanuel DiLiberto’s painting.
Door to Door is the final studio album for the group before disbanding and was released in 1987. Although they did make a come back album (Move Like This) in 2011. In this final attempt they decided that to get back to their original sound by reinserting drummer David Robinson instead of using samples and sequenced back beats.
The music, however, is not their best. It is well produced and easy on the ears, but is, in my opinion, suppressed. The Cars sound I love is something that hits you in the back of the head and says, “pay attention this is going to be really good.” Most of the cuts here seem to be saying, “thanks for listening just one more time.”
There are exceptions, but the general tone of the album is something that you could spin at a gallery opening or wine tasting for some up beat but not overbearing music.
For me, when I listen to the Cars I want overbearing. I want the assault and I want to be smacked in the back of the head.
As previously stated, there are some notable exceptions here. The album has a couple of charted hits in, “You Are The Girl” and “Strap Me In”. Although “You Are The Girl” charted higher, my vote would be for “Strap Me In,” which was more vintage Cars. “Ta Ta Wayo Wayo” is also well done and had a more traditional Cars feel to it.
There are a couple of other hidden gems that are well worth a listen. The first is “Fine Line” which has almost an ethereal quality and is a very cool tune. The other is “Go Away” which has Ric Ocasek delivering some really good vocals.
Although the title track would get some votes for the cool song of the album (you finally hear some of the old Cars attitude), my pick would be Double Trouble. It is not off of the Cars playbook, but is well put together and a lot of fun to listen to.
You need this to finish your Cars collection and you can enjoy it at your next wine and cheese party.