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The Cars Live - Musikladen 1979 | 
| Actors: Ric Ocasek, Ben Orr, Greg Hawkes, Elliot Easton, David Robinson
Studio: Rhino / Wea
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $13.15
as of 11/28/2009 02:03 CST details
You Save: $6.83 (34%)
New (17) Used (11) from $8.95
Seller: -importcds
Rating:  52 reviews
Sales Rank: 28639
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Live, NTSC
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 93 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.6
MPN: RHID6605D
UPC: 603497660520
EAN: 0603497660520
ASIN: B00004YS4O
Theatrical Release Date: October 24, 2000
Release Date: October 24, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 10/24/2000 Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Nr
Amazon.com
This complete, live, television concert, recorded for the long-running German pop music series Musikladen, captures the Cars in their late '70s ascendancy, offering ample evidence of the young Boston quintet's rock-solid performing skills and formidable instincts as writers and arrangers. Poised between arena-rock bombast and punk aggression, the Cars were canny, concise stylists who proudly unleashed hit singles in an album-dominated era, an achievement that could mislead serious-minded rock aesthetes to assume the band was a studio invention. In fact, their major-label deal arose only after the band had honed its playing in Beantown clubs and cracked local airwaves with self-produced prototypes of the songs that popped up on their self-titled debut album. The 11 songs here tilt toward that collection, with a nod to its sequel, and all share the band's shrewd synthesis of tightly crafted songs that explore a tension between romantic yearning and neurotic anxiety. Principal songwriter Ric Ocasek swaps vocal leads with bassist Ben Orr, establishing their familiar yin and yang, with Ocasek mining neurosis while Orr plucks the heartstrings. David Robinson's muscular, uncluttered drumming transcends its frequent use of electronic drums, Greg Hawkes's keyboards deftly stretch the sci-fi possibilities of then- primitive synths, and not-so-secret weapon Elliot Easton, a southpaw guitarist, tightens the clockwork interplay between his versatile lead guitar and Ocasek's crisp rhythm work. If the band's choral work sounds thinner than on their recordings, it's less an indictment of the band than a measurement of how far producer Roy Thomas Baker carried the heavily layered vocal stamp he had refined with the Cars' labelmates, Queen. The original program source confines the audio to a monaural mix, and the video transfer suffers from some intermittent raster patterns. Such artifacts are minor handicaps given the caliber of the performance. --Sam Sutherland
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 52
 Wow November 18, 2009
A reader (New York City)
Most, if not all, of the songs performed on this DVD are available for viewing free on various video sites, so I wondered: is it really worth it to own the thing? The answer: yes, definitely. The sound quality and visuals are way better on DVD, and it's nice to have the continuity of the recording, since it was taped for German TV without editing. This live, raw performance of the very early Cars is a rock 'n roll masterpiece. They demonstrate their technical skill, tight ensemble and sophisticated, quirky material with an intensity and focus that knocked me out. This is hardcore rock 'n roll with a new wave sensibility, and very exciting to listen to.
Dressed in red, white and black, The Cars already have some of the fashion sense that would characterize their later shows. They don't speak except to introduce the songs, and they drink beer, wander around the stage and fiddle with the amps. The lighting is weird, and the sound is not well-modulated, although it captures the feel of a show in a small club. Never mind about any of that, or about the young, dazed German crowd who clearly don't get it. Focus instead on those catchy songs with great hooks and deep grooves. Notice the brilliant guitar playing of Elliot Easton, whose eclectic mix of 1960's references keeps the band solidly in the rock vein; the Energizer-Bunny dynamism of drummer David Robinson, who barely breaks a sweat; and Greg Hawkes' multi-tasking of synth/guitar/saxophone/vocals and assorted analog sound effects. Then there are the signature vocals of composer/frontman Ric Ocasek and especially bassist Benjamin Orr, a really fine singer. There's great chemistry between Easton and Orr, who sidle up to each other on the instrumental breaks, stare into each other's eyes and make a whole lot of guitar love.
The 2000 interview that follows was The Cars' last as a group, since Orr died shortly thereafter. I cannot imagine the emotions they had to grapple with, knowing their task was to reminisce about the good old days while Ben was wasting away from cancer and barely able to talk. But they pull it off with candor, humor and grace. It's rare to see someone that ill in front of the camera, and it's a credit to Orr's strength and humility that he allowed himself to be filmed. The comparison with the beautiful, sexual man in the concert footage makes his condition in the interview all the more painful to see. The Cars reveal themselves to be articulate, serious musicians with serious love for one another. Ocasek notes that he and Orr were teenagers when they formed their musical partnership (they're both in their 50's here). There's a brief moment where he smiles at Orr and touches his shoulder that says more about the bond between them than words ever could.
Sometimes I think the purpose of celebrity is to provide the rest of us with role models of how to, and how not to, behave. This interview was a demonstration in being present for our loved ones, even as they're about to leave us forever.
Once I was done crying, I was very glad I purchased this musical reminder of how great The Cars were, along with a poignant glimpse into who they came to be.
 dont waste your money February 2, 2009
Alex Ferdman (west palm beach)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I can say I am a fan as I have all their CD and VHS but this DVD is terrible. Everything is sloppy especially Rick Ocasek perfomance.Very unprofessional and cannot be compared to CD. The song's choice is not the best either. As Rick was chewing something between singing I had impression it was main part for him. Brrrr...
The Early Cars at their Best July 13, 2008
Peter A. Taylor (Taiwan)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I can't pretend to be a 'bonafide' Cars fan, so to speak, but I can say that I definitely liked their early lp recordings. With this in mind, I recently purchased this dvd and was pleased that I did. The concert recording (in Germany) is of a reasonable sound quality. Although the concert (videoed) is rather short, the choice of songs is great. I always preferred the more stylish voice of bassist Benjamin Orr's to that of the more eclectic style of Ric Ocasek's, and it is a pity that we don't hear him sing on more songs. I remember the first time I heard the Cars here in Australia way back in 1978 and thought they were actually another band - Be Bop Deluxe, a British rock band of the time with lead vocalist Bill Nelson. I went out and bought the Cars first album on the strength of my liking their songs that received considerable airplay on a community radio station of the time. That first album was a brilliant beginning for the band, and like most bands, unfortunately, the sequels to that effort somewhat paled in comparison. That's not to say that the Cars subsequent albums weren't good, they were, it's just that they didn't quite hit the mark like that first effort did. Over the years, I continued to pay attention to the bands releases, but it wasn't until living and working in Korea 6 years ago that I bought a compilation album of the bands material that resurrected my interest in them. Unfortunately then, I read the news (on the cd liner notes) of the sad and rather early death of singer/bassist Benjamin Orr. It quite shocked me I must admit. Therefore, on obtaining the dvd decently, seeing the bonus interview of the band with Ben only months before his death, was touching. The interview was done quite well, with all members of the band contributing; perhaps Elliot Easton and Dave Robinson more than the others. It was apparent in the interview how sick poor Ben was and I think that affected the general tone of respect and gentle good humour that permeated throughout it. The closing comments from all band members was quite emotional in a way, as they all paid respect to one another, with Ben's comments carrying a little more poignancy and melancholy considering his fate. This dvd is a worthwhile memorabilia of one of the late '70's/ early/mid '80's best pop/new wave rock bands in concert, and a touching farewell to one of it's best singers.
Gut Wrenching. June 14, 2008
Jon P. Robbins (Seattle, WA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Cars "IMHO" were one of the greatest rock bands ever. The Live Music part was great, but the Interview part was very sad. Seeing Benjamin Orr in that condition was very painfull to watch. I am all messed up. I feel like my heart has been ripped out.
R.I.P. Benjamin Orr
Yours Truly
Jon Robbins
Enjoyable November 11, 2007
Diane (Belleville, IL)
I have put this DVD back on heavy rotation. Every once in a while I just have to have a "hit" of the Cars! I have been trying to think of adjectives to describe this performance. I have my definite favorites--Take What You Want, You're All I've Got Tonight, Candy O--those are at the top. I refer to Elliot on Take What You Want as Elliot Hendrix. His playing is top-notch, daring and I can't help but think that if they had played this song, like they did on the DVD, at Live Aid--it would have garnered all sorts of praise. But Live Aid pretty much sucked, as all Cars fans will remember. David, despite his state of "green-ness" played his drum kit with ease, although I noticed a few times between songs, it does appear he is about to fall off the stool! Poor guy. He was just being polite by drinking a dozen or so shot glasses of Schnapps. The interview section is still quite painful to watch, even after all these years without Ben. Elliot and David do most of the talking, which is cool because I don't ever remember hearing David speak at all back in the day. They all seem very friendly towards one another--with maybe an air of regret and sadness because of Ben's state of health. The only annoying thing about the interview is Ric's lack of coming up with what he wanted to say--with several broken sentences, like he was kind of censoring himself as to what he wanted to say. Aggg!!! Just say it already! Still it was nice to see him smile--don't know if I'd ever seen that the entire time the Cars were together! Greg seemed very quiet but when he did speak, I couldn't help but smile-for some reason that guy always makes me laugh. When he talks about hearing Just What I Needed for the first time, the camera pans out to all the guys and David has this funny look on his face, like he wants to laugh, then he shakes his head and grabs his drink and takes a sip, I think to keep from laughing out loud. I believe something was edited out between the time that Greg was speaking and when he finished. The German audience was very receptive, but very subdued. If I were there, I can assure you I would have been jumping up and down during each number. This is a MUST HAVE for any Cars fan out there.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 52
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