24years sounds like a prison term. In many ways that's exactly what it was. So finally getting to see one of the most influential bands in my life for the first time Friday night at the Sound Academy was beyond surreal. Sadly, since the passing of original bassist and part-time lead vocalist Ben Orr in 2000 to pancreactic cancer, the show was missing a little something to say the least.
Never ones for a flashy stage show, the remaining Cars picked up where they left off so many years ago. A righteous but rigid performance delivering solid versions of their biggest hits, minus a few very significant ones such as Magic, Shake It Up and Drive. The latter being their biggest hit as sung by the late Mr. Orr. Along with the hits, 6 songs from their enjoyable new disc Move Like This were presented in the "this ain't a reunion for the sake of a reunion" fashion. 
From a long-time fans persepctive, it was bittersweet. Ric Ocasek could have taken a big shit in the middle of the stage and I would have been satisfied just fine thank you very much. But instead we got a delightful show with no surprises. My only wish is that now they make another record and give us at the very least, one more tour.
Check out the awesome Blue Tip from the new Move Like This album:
