OCASEK JUST WHAT
ELEKTRA NEEDED

Elektra Entertainment is ready to let the good times roll, as onetime Cars leader Ric Ocasek takes the post of Senior Vice President A&R at the label. The move had been expected.

Said Chairman/CEO Sylvia Rhone in making the announcement: "This is a special homecoming for both Ric and Elektra. The breadth and scope of Ric’s legendary musical and production career is unparalleled in this industry. His ear for discovering and nurturing talent and his incredible rapport with artists have resulted in a host of career-making records. His keen insight, and his endless devotion to finding great music makes him a once-in-a-lifetime addition to Elektra. The entire company joins me in welcoming Ric back to the label that launched his great career. But if he thinks he’s re-signing Alan Vega, he’d better think again."

Added Ocasek: "I’m elated about becoming part of Elektra again. In 1970, Elektra was the first record company I ever visited. I was just a kid from Cleveland, but I idolized Elektra bands like the Doors, Love, Joni Mitchell and all the others. Elektra had the most adventurous folk roster of that era and was already building their great legacy. Of course, the Cars signed with Elektra in 1978, so I feel like I’m coming full circle. My love for the label is still strong as I find myself here again in 2003. I’m a great admirer of Sylvia’s career and look forward to working closely with her and her great staff. I always love searching for new music, and hopefully we can break some things that are really exciting and different. Best of all, I’ll never have to play ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’ ever again."

After launching his career as singer/songwriter with the Cars in 1978 on such albums as their classic self-titled debut, Candy-O and Shake It Up, Ocasek began his noted production career in the early ’80s on albums by Bad Brains, Romeo Void, Suicide and Iggy Pop, among others. His more recent productions include Weezer, No Doubt, Guided by Voices, Hole and Bad Religion.