Track Listing

A1: Hello Again
A2: Looking For Love
A3: Magic
A4: Drive
A5: Stranger Eyes

B1: You Might Think
B2: It's Not The Night
B3: Why Can't I Have You
B4: I Refuse
B5: Heartbeat City

Loaded With Recognisable Hits: "Drive," "You Might Think," "Magic," "Hello Again," and "Why Can't I Have You" All Top 40 Singles.

1984 will always be remembered for the debut of the Macintosh computer, the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and the ascent of MTV as the most powerful cultural medium of the era. The year is also recognised for the Cars' savvy contributions not only to the burgeoning music-video channel but to pop itself. Released in April, the four-times platinum Heartbeat City ultimately spawned five Top 40 singles - four of them landing in the Top 20, two in the Top 10 - and serve as the final memorable record from the Boston group, which disbanded in 1987.

Signifying the first time the set has been available on vinyl in nearly three decades, this reissue opens up the soundstages, decongests the low frequencies, and shines a spotlight on Mutt Lange's pinpoint balances and glossy hooks. Indeed, the now-household-name producer would make a lasting mark with Heartbeat City, whose radio-friendly sound, multi-layered textures, and smooth, suave, synth-heavy pulses set a precedent for the period's hit-making pop.

Overflowing with a surfeit of finger-snapping beats, electro-pop effects, streamlined guitar notes, and bright melodies, Heartbeat City trades in efficiency, catchiness, and to-the-point craftiness. Unlike most mid-80s records, the electronic effects and sleek tonalities aren't dated due to both the focused production and irresistible songwriting. Leader Ric Ocasek penned all ten tunes, and while a mind-boggling five charted in the Top 40, what makes Heartbeat City such a staple is the fact that it's easy to imagine every song on it crashing the Billboard Hot 100. Call it the new-wave version of Thriller.

Indeed, the record's track list automatically triggers a mental jukebox. The spare simplicity and hopefulness of "Magic." The simultaneously sad longing and soothing sombreness of the Benjamin Orr-sung "Drive." The shimmer and shuffling riff of "You Might Think." The ping-pong bounce and futuristic paranoia of "Hello Again." The atmospheric, arty title track. Heartbeat City is a veritable lesson in pop tunesmithship.

GAIN 2™ Ultra Analog™ System for Vinyl

GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ is a proprietary cutting system built and designed by legendary design genius Tim De Paravicini, with consultation from one of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's founding fathers - Stan Ricker, an audio engineer responsible for many of MFSL's most heralded past releases.

The GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system is comprised of a Studer™ tape machine with customised reproduction electronics* and handcrafted cutting amps that drive an Ortofon cutting head on a restored Neumann VMS-70 lathe. (*It is worth noting that independent studies have confirmed that the GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system can unveil sonic information all the way up to 122kHz!)

First and foremost, Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs only utilise first generation original master recordings as source material for their releases. MFSL then play back master tapes at half speed enabling the GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system to fully extract the master's sonic information. The lacquers are then plated in a specialised process that protects transients in the musical signal. (Due to this process, there may be occasional pops or ticks inherent in initial play back, but as the disc is played more, a high quality stylus will actually polish the grooves and improve the sound). MFSL further ensure optimum sound quality by strictly limiting the number of pressings printed for each release. These limited editions, in addition to being collectors' items, ensure that the quality of the last pressing matches the quality of the first.

Album Credits

Produced by Robert John Lange, The Cars

Recorded By, Engineer: Nigel Green

Mastered from the Original Master Tapes by Krieg Wunderlich at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Sebastopol, CA on the GAIN 2 ULTRA ANALOG SYSTEM.

Release Information

Label: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, MFSL 1-442

Series: Original Master Recording, Gain 2™ Ultra Analog, 180g Series

Format: Vinyl LP, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Numbered, Gatefold

Country: US

Released: 27 Jun 2016

Genre: New Wave, Pop Rock

Packaging Disclaimer

Mobile Fidelity records are typically supplied in a thin plastic wrap with a perforated edge. Unfortunately, during normal handling, it's very easy for this perforated edge to pop open. Rather than ship your record exposed to the elements, if this outer wrap pops open, we carefully replace it with a proper sealable outer record sleeve in order to keep your record safe. Trust us, it's for the better! Have no doubt that your record is brand new and ready to add to your collection!