[.ca] Just What I Needed..

From Amazon.com:
Despite musical roots that branched from the Velvets to Steely Dan and the likes of then-new wave icons Roxy Music, the Cars never strayed far from the crucial, hook-conscious, three-minute pop song sensibility which made them one of the most successful and long-lived radio staples of the '70s and '80s. As well as being catchy, Ric Ocasek's best songs are also ironic--"Good Times Roll" and "Just What I Needed" both contain winking lyrical twists. With Ben Orr vocalizing the sweeter material, guitarist Elliott Easton's and keyboardist Greg Hawke's often-quirky musical embroidery, and drummer David Robinson's rhythmic propulsion and fashion sense, the Cars became the self-contained rock juggernaut--or, if you prefer, new wave arena band--documented on these two discs. The hit singles and select album cuts stretch from their improbably rich debut through moodier efforts like "Panorama" and the vibrant, yet satisfying "Shake It Up" and "Heartbeat City." The CD is well seasoned by a cache of previously unreleased demos, B-sides, and outtakes. The earliest of these ('77 demos of "Take Me Now" and "Cool Fool") demonstrate that the band's sound was intact before they met their first multiplatinum producer, while later rarities (playful covers of Iggy's "Fun Time" and the Nightcrawlers' "Little Black Egg") underscore their eclectic, seemingly incongruous tastes. --Jerry McCulley

Even More Than Just What I Needed:
At almost 2 and a half hours running time, this "Cars" is fully loaded and chock full of extras. Unless you're a completest, you are probably just as well suited with "The Complete Greatest Hits." But if you already have all the discs, then those aforementioned bonus tracks are worth it. The Cars' debut popped out fully realized, already loaded with hit singles. The demo session songs here from that period ("Cool Fool" and "Take me Now") would certainly have sounded in place on the debut. It's also curious how "Leave Or Stay" and "Ta Ta Wayo Wayo" probably would not have. (Also that they eventually ended up on the Cars' weakest album!) The really cool cuts are the b-sides like "Don't Go To Pieces" and "Little Black Egg," and "Slipaway," which was a radio hit for Ian Lloyd (The Stories, "Brother Louie"). But it's the bulk of the singles that make this a great driving set. From "Just What I Needed" to "You Are The Girl," these were songs made to pump adrenaline and smiles. No big message, in fact, some of the lyrics would be hard to decipher even under the best circumstances! But that's not the point. The stylistic arch irony and sugary hooks made The Cars' a sound that was often imitated but never duplicated. Having two vocalists that were just distinct enough to carry leads alone but still flow seamlessly (the late Ben Orr sang The Cars' biggest hit, "Drive") was also a plus. So I reiterate that The Cars were one of the class acts of the 80's. How much you need "Just What I Needed" depends on your desire and budget. For me, I needed it all.

exactly:
what is there to say? 2 discs with forty perfect pop songs from a near-perfect group, packaged in a beautiful purple-sparkly sleeve. in addition to bringing you ALL the wonderful hits, this set does a fantastic job of showing how great the cars' standard album tracks were. hell, even the demos included here are fantastic. i think you'd be HARD pressed to find another band who could string together 40 songs as consistent and enjoyable as these. the cars were easily one of the greatest singles band of the 80s--if not THE greatest--and one of the best of all time. this set does as good a job as possible of capturing that.

Put this in and let the "Good Times Roll".:
Most casual fans would probably be happy with "The Complete Greatest Hits", but for those fanatics with a long way to "Drive", this is a must. Whether you call "The Cars" classic rock, new wave, or pop, this is 40 tracks of excellent tunes from the 70's and 80's, also in chronological order I might add. There's too many great tracks to mention, but this includes everything essential from their awesome debut, right through to the "Heartbeat City" songs, and everything good inbetween. It also ends with 5 tracks from the under-rated "Door To Door" album, which I always liked. The only thing as cool as the music might be the sparkley purple cover. Very cool.

Just What You Needed!:
If you're a fan of "Cars",and only looking for their best album,this is what you are looking for.This is great compilation album which contains "The cars" best singles up to today.For my oppinion second cd is better than first.(but where is "Heartbeat city","Bye,bye love","Stranger eyes")

4.5 stars - Their best retrospective to date:
The Cars were one of the greatest classic rock/new wave bands of the late seventies and early eighties. Ric Ocasek, Ben Orr, and all the other guys knew how to rock and roll, so it's no surprise that the band has released more than one hits compilation over the years. This one, appropriately entitled Just What I Needed - The Cars Anthology, came second. Read on for my review of it. PROS: -If you're a casual fan of the band who thinks a one-disc compilation just wouldn't be enough of the band, or you're just seeking the best possible introduction to their music, this is a good place to start. Big hits like Just What I Needed, Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, Let's Go, and Shake It Up are all here for your listening pleasure. -In addition to the hits, there are many underrated tunes present on this compilation. Like with any band, there is way more to the Cars than just their hits. -The compilation contains some rare tracks that are unavailable outside this set, making it all the more appealing. CONS: -The price. Two disc compilations always cost more than their single-disc cousins, and this is no exception. I actually took off half a star for price alone - this is VERY pricey, even for a two-disc set. -If you're just a casual fan, the single-disc Complete Greatest Hits compilation should be enough for you. OVERALL: Overall, I feel the Cars are a great band, and this is the greatest retrospective of their material out there today. Hits compilations often fail to capture the essence of the band they represent, but this is a huge exception. If you're a step up from a casual fan, but not quite a die-hard, this is the compilation you should buy.

• Just What I Needed
• My Best Friend's Girl
• Good Times Roll
• You're All I've Got Tonight
• Don't Cha Stop
• Moving in Stereo
• Take Me Now \o#\c
• Cool Fool \o#\c
• Let's Go
• Candy-O
• Dangerous Type
• Double Life
• Got a Lot on My Head
• It's All I Can Do
• Night Spots \oEarly Version\c\o#\c
• Slipaway \o#\c
• That's It
• Panorama
• Gimme Some Slack
• Don't Go to Pieces
• Touch and Go
• Don't Tell Me No
• Shake It Up
• Since You're Gone
• I'm Not the One
• Cruiser
• Little Black Egg \o#\c
• Funtime \o#\c
• You Might Think
• Drive
• Magic
• Hello Again
• Why Can't I Have You
• Breakaway
• Tonight She Comes
• You Are the Girl
• Strap Me In
• Door to Door
• Leave or Stay \o1977 Demo Version\c\o#\c
• Ta Ta Wayo Wayo \o1977 Demo Version\c\o#\c