Responding to a question from TBF in another thread (but not quoting because I'm technically challenged and not sure how to move the quote between threads):

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of reviews or anecdotes. I grew up in New Hampshire, so we considered any Boston band "local". Aerosmith (who actually formed in NH) and J Geils were also very popular around here when I was in high school.

I never got to see the Cars play "before they were famous". I was a little too young for rock concerts when they were up and coming, and by the time I had a job, a car and disposable income, they were already touring nationally. I think they did still play places like The Paradise in Boston, but I couldn't go because I was underage.

All I really remember was that they were extremely well-liked in my area. Everyone knew all the songs and if you had a garage band, you learned them. One of the best cover bands I ever saw (when I got old enough to go to clubs) specialized in Cars covers.