THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

  The Cars is the eponymous debut studio album by American rock band The Cars.

The model on the front cover of The Cars' self-titled debut album is a woman named "Natalya Medvedeva". She was a Russian ballerina who was studying at the Boston Ballet School when she was approached by the album's art director, Jeff Ayeroff, to appear on the cover. The photograph was taken by Elliot Gilbert.

 

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Album Description & Collectors information:

 The Cars' self-titled debut album, released in 1978, is a landmark in the history of rock music. The album showcased the band's unique blend of new wave, pop, and rock and roll, and quickly became a critical and commercial success.

The Cars formed in 1976 in Boston, Massachusetts, when guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes joined forces with singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, bassist Benjamin Orr, and drummer David Robinson. The band quickly gained a following in the Boston music scene, and in 1977, they signed a record deal with Elektra Records.

The band's debut album was recorded in just three weeks in London, England, with producer Roy Thomas Baker, who had previously worked with Queen and The Rolling Stones. The album was released in June 1978 and immediately received critical acclaim.

The Cars' self-titled debut album was heavily influenced by the emerging new wave and punk rock scenes in the late 1970s. The band's sound was characterized by catchy pop melodies, driving rhythms, and a futuristic, electronic edge.

The band drew inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, including the Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie. They also drew from the emerging synthesizer and electronic music scene, which was becoming increasingly popular in the late 1970s.

The Cars' self-titled debut album had a significant impact on the music world, both commercially and artistically. The album reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.

The album also helped to establish the band as one of the most influential and innovative groups of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Cars' unique blend of pop, rock, and new wave influences would go on to influence countless bands and artists in the years to come.

This album "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

 

Music Genre:

 American Pop Rock / New Wave 
Album 
Production information:

The album: "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" was produced by: Roy Thomas Baker

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Geoff Workman

This album was mastered at: Sterling Sound, New York City by George Marino

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

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From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Record Label Information:

 Elektra ELK 52088

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1978 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Ric Ocasek – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Hawkes – keyboards, percussion, saxophone, backing vocals
  • Benjamin Orr – bass, lead vocals
  • David Robinson – drums, percussion, electronic percussion, backing vocals
  • Natalya Medvedeva - Front cover model.

    Natalya Medvedeva is a former Russian ballerina who gained international fame as the model on the cover of The Cars' self-titled debut album. She was born in Moscow, Russia, and began her ballet training at the age of six at the Bolshoi Ballet School.

    In 1976, Medvedeva moved to the United States to study at the Boston Ballet School. It was during her time in Boston that she was discovered by Jeff Ayeroff, the art director for The Cars' debut album. Ayeroff saw Medvedeva in a performance of "The Nutcracker" and was struck by her beauty and poise.

    Ayeroff approached Medvedeva and asked her to appear on the cover of The Cars' debut album. Medvedeva agreed, and the iconic photograph was taken by Elliot Gilbert.

    After the release of the album, Medvedeva continued her ballet career and danced with several companies in the United States and Europe. She eventually retired from dancing and became a photographer, specializing in portraits of dancers and other performers.

    Although she is perhaps best known for her appearance on The Cars' album cover, Medvedeva has stated in interviews that she is proud of her ballet career and considers herself first and foremost a dancer.

Complete Track-listing of the album "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled"

The detailed tracklist of this record "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Good Times Roll" Ocasek 3:44
  2. "My Best Friend's Girl" Ocasek 3:44
  3. "Just What I Needed" Benjamin Orr 3:44
  4. "I'm in Touch with Your World" Ocasek 3:31
  5. "Don't Cha Stop" Ocasek 3:01
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. "You're All I've Got Tonight" Ocasek 4:13
  2. "Bye Bye Love" Orr 4:14
  3. "Moving in Stereo" Greg Hawkes, Ocasek Orr 4:41
  4. "All Mixed Up" Orr 4:14
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled"
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Inner Sleeve   of "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" Album
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Photo of "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" Album's Inner Sleeve  
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Photo of "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" 12" LP Record - Side One:
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Photo of "THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
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 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Index of THE CARS Feature Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

THE CARS - Candy-O

Thumbnail Of  THE CARS - Candy-O album front cover

Elektra ELK 52 148 , 1979 , France

In 1979, The Cars released "Candy-O," a groundbreaking second studio album. Drummer and artistic director David Robinson collaborated with pin-up artist Alberto Vargas for the iconic cover. The synthesis of Vargas' timeless pin-up aesthetics and The Cars' new wave sound created a cultural milestone. "Candy-O" remains a testament to the fusion of music and visual art, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of rock history.

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THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled

Thumbnail Of  THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled album front cover

Elektra ELK 52088 , 1978 , Germany

"The Cars," the self-titled debut album by the American rock band, is a timeless 12" Vinyl LP capturing the essence of late 1970s music. Released in 1978, amidst the era's diverse musical landscape, the album's cover features Russian ballerina Natalya Medvedeva, adding a touch of artistic allure. With hits like "Just What I Needed," the album marked The Cars' arrival and set the stage for their influential career.

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THE CARS Drive 12" EP Vinyl

Thumbnail Of  THE CARS Drive 12 EP Vinyl  album front cover

Elektra 966 934 (966934) , 1984 , Germany

"Drive" by The Cars, a 1984 12" Maxi-Single, embodies the musical essence of the 1980s. Amidst a dynamic era of rock and new wave, the song's synthesis of electronic and rock elements defines its time. Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, The Cars, and Roy Thomas Baker, it contributed to the success of the LP "Heartbeat City," solidifying its place as a timeless classic with emotional depth.

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THE CARS - Heartbeat City

Thumbnail Of THE CARS - Heartbeat City with Ric Osasek4 album front cover

Elektra Asylum 960 296 , 1984 , Germany

"Heartbeat City" by The Cars, released in 1984, epitomizes the 1980s musical landscape. Produced by The Cars and Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the album blends rock and synth-pop with precision. Recorded in London and remixed in New York City, it showcases the transatlantic influence. The visually dynamic album cover, painted by Peter Philips, complements hits like "Drive" and "Magic." A quintessential 1980s masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on musical history.

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