Cars. The Cars.

(June) It is the first album for the band, and includes the hit songs “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed.” Formed in 1976, its members include singer Ric Ocasek, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, bassist Benjamin Orr, and drummer David Robinson. The album propels the group go from playing at The Rat to headlining at Boston Garden within the year. The Boston Phoenix calls The Cars “The hottest band to emerge from Boston since Boston.” this year. The group disbands in 1988, and the surviving members reunite for one last album in 2011.*