The Cars or The Fixx, which was the better band and why?

Answer 1

I love both bands, and for different reasons. Both were groups with very talented musicians and songwriters, and so-weird-looking-they're-cool lead singers. (Ric Ocasek of the Cars has always been the poster child for hope for ugly guys after marrying supermodel Paulina Porizkova).

The Fixx had more of a New Romantic edge to them (think early Duran Duran) that fixated on synthesizers and detached-sounding vocal deliveries, but later morphed into a pretty run-of-the-mill pop band (even backing Tina Turner in her "Better Be Good to Me" video, not sure if they played on her album, but I'd guess they did). Early stuff was awesomely atmospheric and even spooky, a la Bauhaus - listen to "Red Skies" (the studio version) and tell me you don't get freaked out. Later offerings lacked the same punch - "Are We Ourselves?" is a pretty straight-ahead mid-80's pop song.

The Cars, however, took more from the New Wave catalog of sound, and can probably be considered one of the progenitors of the movement (along with Blondie and to a certain extent, DEVO). New Wave mixed with straight ahead rock. And the advantage of having two lead singers (Ocasek and the recently dearly departed Benjamin Orr, thereby eliminating any chance for a Cars reunion, blast it all) really rounded them out.

So, my choice? The Cars, if only for their overall versatility as an act. The Fixx was a fine act, but not as strong as the Cars overall. The litmus test for me personally is which band would I rather crank on my car stereo driving down PCH at midnight in the middle of summer with the windows down (as I did at least once a week from 1985-1995, until I left SoCal for the Pacific Northwest), and it has to be The Cars. "Candy-O," "Shake It Up," "Bye Bye Love," "Best Friend's Girl"... the list just goes on. Definitely The Cars.

Answer 2

I'd have to say the Cars, they have more overall hits that are more recognized and are still being played. although the Fixx had a few that were big hits back in the day. Still yeah I'd say the Cars they rock even ask Adam Sandler they're his favorite band

Answer 3

The Cars.............................. Candy O says it all