Music Review – Quick Change World, by Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocaseks Quick Change World (1993) is some of his best music ever. That is a very meaningful statement, because Ric Ocasek has created a lot of music over his lifetime — the majority of it excellent. This CD is a perfect example of dedicated musical talent, defined by the apparent and actual Need of the artist to create, whether to popular acclaim or not. I have always been amazed at the quality of Rics solo work, and the relative lack of airplay it met. Much of the music by the band the Cars is still being played, and the fact that Ric Ocaseks solo work was given something of short shrift made me aware of many things, not least of which being this: radio leaves a lot to be desired, and always has. One more reason to love the internet.

So. As far as Mr. Ocasek is concerned, Music just Happens, and not only is this process ongoing, Rics music also grows, continually getting better and better and better. Unlike many older musicians attempting to make comebacks, it can be said without doubt that Ric Ocasek never left us, and for those lucky enough to be privy to this fact, I say run, don’t walk, and get Quick Change World as soon as possible. I would be surprised if you have not already.

It is excellent to be a fan of Ric Ocasek, because we are never disappointed.

A lot, if not all of the music by the group The Cars was actually Ric Ocaseks sound, therefore many new listeners to much of Rics solo work find the two indistinguishable, and they can of course be forgiven. Quick Change World sounds a lot like a new Cars album to those who are hearing it for the first time, and several people I have discussed the CD with have agreed, with the sole exception being that the compositions are even more developed than The Cars music, if such a thing is possible. Unlike certain stark departures that took place on CDs like Beatitude, and several other of his Solo works, QCW seems to be a refinement and development par excellence on the characteristic and signature music of this oh-so talented personage, Ric Ocasek.

From Riding Shotgun (My Favorite), with its ever distinctive vocals, and further developed musical sounds (The guitar work rips), to the impressive Hopped Up (car car car got a red red car…take it out on the streets, take it to the stars…I’m a real live wire), the CD Quick Change World is eminently listenable, and not to be missed.

1. “The Big Picture”

2. “Don’t Let Go”

3. “Hard Times”

4. “A Little Closer”

5. “Riding Shotgun”

6. “Feeling’s Got to Stay”

7. “She’s on”

8. “I Still Believe”

9. “Come Alive”

10. “Quick Change World”

11. “What’s on TV”

12. “Hopped Up”

13. “Help Me Find America”

Other Solo works by Ric Ocasek:

Beatitude
1982 –

This Side of Paradise
1986 –

Fireball Zone
1990 –

Getchertikitz
1996 –

The Next Right Moment
1997 –

Troublizing
1997 –

Nexterday
2005 –

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Visit Ric Ocasek at his Myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/ricocasek