The Cars – Candy-O

fantastic. pressing is flawless. the drums on this mofi, wow. i do not own another pressing of this album, but found this video linked below very informative (there are even some uncompressed sound samples in the description): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z94hiDEJciM . Yes, usual caveats apply to this shootout, but for those of us who cannot buy every copy and compare, this allows you to pick the one that speaks to you the most, and to me it's the mofi one. Btw, the gentleman who put this together did like the Nautilus copy the most with the mofi coming in second. My one minor quibble with the mofi is its subpar sleeve, rhino hifi takes that one by a mile.

There’s a reason these can still be picked up for not much.

It’s not horrible, but a clean Japanese 1st press is just better in every way. Better dynamics, clarity & top end - where the OG of this recording has always been lacking - and yes it has bass.

I know “just turn it up” lol. It’s still a muffled mess. Flat quiet vinyl at least.

Love it! I actually bought this version because of the comment below by Nick8712. I figured if I was going to get a reissue, lets try a 'different' one than the clear Rocktober version. Totally thrilled with my choice.

My copy is DEAD quiet, so much so I had to make sure the stylus was on the record. Everything is clear and even, no sibilance, no super bass, no tinny high bits. Just all around great.

Uhm, not a good sounding version (too harsh): to avoid

UK pressing with Strawberry mastering, at around the time Elektra/WEA started shifting their European manufacturing to RS Alsdorf. Like all original vinyl pressings of Cars albums, the vinyl LP is mastered so that each track cuts in over the fade of the previous one by a small amount, giving the whole thing an energy and sense of movement that is quite compelling. They kept this going up to the Mutt Lange years ("Heartbeat City"), so I wonder if it was a special request from the band, as the Roy Thomas Baker albums (like Candy-O) are very different beasts to the smoother pop of Heartbeat City, Tonight She Comes etc.

At the risk of being trolled, I'm not a massive fan of RTB's production on Candy-O, although the songs are excellent and overall of more consistently high quality than their debut album. Candy-O beats the listener over the head with a huge amount of mid-range energy in the snare drum sound - much more "in your face" than either the preceding debut album or the following year's "Panorama" (also produced by Roy Thomas Baker). Initially I thought it was the Strawberry mastering that was to blame, but all subsequent re-issues (including CDs) have the same snare sound.

Interesting that this release has the bar code of this release https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/release/24761060-The-Cars-Candy-O covered by a sticker on the outside with the amazon version here. Odd. After listening to this release I must say that it sounds excellent. No noise flat and actually a cool color. Sound on this is also excellent. Spacious and the instruments are clearly separated in the sound field.

Found a copy for 7 bucks at an antique store mixed in with a bunch of Mel Tillis and George Jones. Great mix on this vinyl. Sound is terrific!

Released on June 12, 1979, Candy-O is the sophomore effort from The Cars, a band whose mix of new wave, pop, and rock quickly defined the late ‘70s and early ‘80s sound. This US version, released on Elektra and pressed at PRC-Compton (PRC-W), is a crucial piece of vinyl history that remains an essential part of any serious record collection. The album was recorded at the iconic Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, and from the first note to the last, it delivers a dynamic listening experience that is still as fresh today as it was when it dropped.

I purchased my copy of Candy-O at Licorice Pizza in Canoga Park, California, on the weekend of its release, and from the very first spin, I knew this album would become a lasting favorite. The energy and crispness of this pressing still resonate with me, and I firmly believe that the US Elektra release is far superior to the 1979 Canadian version from London Records. The PRC-Compton pressing shines, bringing out the full brilliance of the tracks, with a soundstage that’s not just punchy but clear and immersive, capturing every nuance of the band's sound.

The album’s opening track, “Let’s Go,” kicks off with a burst of energy, a synth-driven anthem that blends the quirky new wave edge with the smooth pop sensibilities the band would become known for. This song, and others like “Lust For Kicks” and the title track “Candy-O,” hold up incredibly well over time. The guitars cut through with precision, the drums snap with an infectious groove, and the keyboards bubble under the surface, adding texture without overpowering the tracks. But what stands out most on this particular pressing is the clarity. Each element comes through in perfect harmony, making it a real treat for audiophiles.

The production, handled by Roy Thomas Baker (who also worked with Queen), brings a polished yet vibrant feel to the album. While there’s an undeniable sheen to the sound, it never feels overly slick or sterile—there's a warmth to the vinyl that digital versions just can't replicate. The mix itself is rich, with plenty of depth and definition, and the bass line on tracks like “Dangerous Type” thunders through the speakers in a way that’s simply satisfying.

As a fan of Candy-O since its release, it’s easy to say that this album has stood the test of time. The 1979 US Elektra pressing is a must-have for collectors, and the superior sound quality it delivers makes it the definitive version of the album. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to The Cars’ catalog, this record is a perfect example of how vinyl captures the magic of music in a way that other formats just can’t.

The Cars’ Candy-O isn’t just an album; it’s an experience—especially when heard on this pristine US vinyl. A true gem from the late ‘70s, and a necessary addition to any collection.

It's fascinating to dive into the reviews surrounding this release. To claim that the sound quality doesn’t hold a candle to the MoFi version is simply an overstatement. This pressing sounds excellent, just as the MoFi and the original pressing do.

What often plays a significant role in these discussions is personal preference and the systems used for listening. Individual setups and tastes can heavily influence perceptions. For instance, I’ve noticed that the highs on the MoFi UltraDisc versions of "Hotel California" and "Van Halen" can feel a bit too pronounced for my liking, but I know others who appreciate that very quality. It wasn’t until I tried listening on different systems that I realized it was more about my setup than the recordings themselves.

If you're on the fence about this record, take a look at the from the 150 or so reviewers who have rated it an impressive average of 4.75. Their collective insights suggest that this release is definitely worth your consideration!

This pressing is lively and energetic compared to others. This is much more exciting than the MoFi pressing, for example. Guitars have more edge, and the highs are more aggressive on this one, but the MoFi is smoother, warmer, refined, and richer. This SRC press however is more fun to listen to.