The Cars- Shake It Up
(Numbered 180g Vinyl LP)
Track List
1. "Since You're Gone"
2. "Shake It Up"
3. "I'm Not the One"
4. "Victim of Love"
5. "Cruiser"
6. "A Dream Away"
7. "This Could Be Love"
8. "Think it Over"
9. "Maybe Baby"
The CarsShake It Upon Numbered-Edition 180g LP from Mobile Fidelity
Sonically Spectacular LP Mastered from the Original Tapes by Mobile Fidelity
1981 Album a Return to Pop and a New-Wave Landmark
A return to form after the departure that was 1980’s muddledPanorama, theCars’Shake It Upbursts forth with a rich assembly of synthesizers, drum machines, electronic blips, and catchy melodies that make it an early 80s pop staple. Known the world over, the famous title track proves the band’s arrangement skills were in perfect shape and set the stage for a record overflowing with memorable hooks and complementary rock riffs.
Shake It Upalso plays witness to primary songwriter/vocalistRic Ocasek’s increased cynicism and biting wit. While the Cars never took a rosy-eyed view of romance, the songs here impart a newfound sense of sympathy, regret, limbo, and reservation. The beauty of the Cars&mdashand all ten tunes here&mdashis that the music suggests something else entirely. Such subliminal emotions and dynamic contrasts act as a magnet, and the band plays as if it’s in on the secret.
“They've always cultivated a dark side--girls make boys want to end it all even after the boys have grown up. They've always basked in the shadow of Roxy Music, too. But they've never been so stylishly nightmarish--except for the title cut, even the fast ones don't aim for fun.”
–Robert Christgau,The Consumer Guide
Apart from the party vibe of the title cut, theCarsaim for deeper targets and smarter undertones.Shake It Upis defined by an urban edginess and modern feel that comes alive on tunes such as “Cruiser” and circular “I’m Not the One,” a pop gem laded with stacked vocals and keyboard lines that double as a horn section. The band’s arrangements have never been better&mdashor more involved. Absent the cheesiness that would mar the group’s late-period work, the songs ride on the strength of keyboard-heavy lines and layered harmonies. You will not be disappointed.