Cruisin'

Do the Cars still matter? That question comes to mind with the release of Move Like This, the band’s first album since 1987.

For those who missed them the first time around, in their prime circa 1978 to 1981, the quintet from Boston was one of America’s best bands – adventurous and quirky yet managing to cruise the mainstream. Darlings of MTV, when it actually featured music videos, they faded away after Door to Door, yet those early hits remain indelible; sweet American power-pop at its most delectable.

Lead singer Ric Ocasek went on to produce Weezer, No Doubt, and Hole, among others, and refused any talk of a reunion for years. That idea seems impossible with the death of bassist-singer Ben Orr in 2000, but guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes (without drummer David Robinson) weren’t so easily denied, even forming the New Cars, with Todd Rundgren filling in for Ocasek, in 2005.

Ocasek's attitude changed last year when he composed some songs he felt would be perfect for the Cars. With producer Jackknife Lee and Hawkes splitting bass duties, Move Like This sounds exactly as we remember them. In fact, that may be one of the weaknesses of the album. Some of the riffs and drum parts seem recycled: the opening guitar throb and handclaps of “Sad Song” for example. Orr’s smooth voice is missed on the moody yet sparkling “Soon.” Set opener “Blue Tip” and closer “Hits Me" stand out with squiggly keyboard sounds and an undeniable oomph that reminds us why we liked the band in the first place.

Do the Cars still matter? Ask any of the current bands influenced by 1980s New Wave using angst as a crutch. In the meantime, Move Like This isn’t the Cars at its peak, but a refreshing reminder of their offbeat goodness.