I had to drive all night in 1979 and I changed the radio station constantly because I knew I would encounter this song as everyone in the midwest was playing it. The ultimate driving song that kept me awake and essentially saved my life preventing me from falling asleep at the wheel.
Anyone else here notes of Al Stewart (especially in the beginning) in the tone of the lead singer's voice? Maybe it's just me--but anyhow, really, really jammin' song.
I haven't heard this song in 40 years, but as soon as I saw the title, I was primed. I found I remembered all the lyrics. It's such a fine song. A+ all the way.
It's a particular kind of sound from the late 70s that I particularly enjoy but a lit of people don't pick up on. Sort of a dark power pop. Nick Gilder's Hot Child in the City, Walter Egan's Magnet and Steel, John Stewart's Gold, etc... Sort of a dark night time groove but still upbeat. ❤
It was so different from what was typically being played at the time it was released as a single in 1979. New Wave was just coming in, Disco had peaked and was beginning to fade, and here was "Drivers Seat", in the midst of it all rocking hard. Always loved the song, and as good as it is it's rarely played today even on oldies stations. GREAT song.
Every time I hear this song, I'm 16 again and coming back from the beach with GF beside me, wind in her hair and feet on the dash, and a smile on her face. (BTW her name was Jenny too)
@floridamaninthewild , I have the same story. I'm still with that beautiful girl, and the beach in our case would have been the Jersey Shore. How about you?
@nyrocks5580 I'm in Florida. The beach is Vero. To get there from where we live it's a straight shot across the center of the state. Beautiful drive across the Kissimmee river floodplain
This song is high school, dragging Main Street in our small town, racing between the stop lights, looking for girls… It doesn’t get any better than this! This song never gets old, I still love this.
Some other one hit wonders I love are The Kings: This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide. Donnie Iris: Ah! Leah!. Those songs, along with Driver Seat, are my 3 favorite one hit wonders!
66 here. Blessed to experience a diverse range of music over my lifetime. Growing up you were blessed if you had an AM, later FM radio and shared the world of music no matter where you were.
I’m in my 60s too and of course I have fond memories of the music of my youth but most everyone feels the music of their own generation is the best ever, especially because they have an emotional connection to it.
Cranking it up while cruising down the highway is an unparalleled experience. Those of us from its heyday seemingly all love it. But, this is my all-time favorite band name. Period!!
This was one of my favorite songs when it came out. Perfect 'cruising with the radio really loud' song. I haven't heard it in a long time but still holds up well.
I was drunk the the back seat of a car at a drive-in movie when I first heard this song. Has been my theme song ever since. Life is good on a night drive with this tune crankin'.
So happy you finally hit this one! It's one of the BEST of the old lesser known Bangers, and I never get tired of hearing it! Great reaction Alex! ANDY...you are missed SO MUCH, we are all wishing you the best of everything and hoping to see you back here soon. Be well!
This is on the soundtrack to Boogie Nights, which is an interesting movie about the poen industry in the 70s/80s and has an insanely great soundtrack. Definitely worth checking out.
70s, yes, it has a beat so the dancing disco crowd could listen, while mixing in some of the developing new wave sound that started hitting in the late 70s and into the 80s.
Hey Alex! I'm suggesting a reaction to Cake. Their most famous song is "Going the Distance," but "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" "Never There" or "It's Coming Down" would be great also. It's hard to describe their music because they are so different from everyone else - but their songs are unbelievably catchy (and trumpet is a major feature of this band, which is fab).
Never heard of them... checked em out and really like the quirky songs, the tone of the bass, and the bounce! Added "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" to my playlist-- thanks!
Great song, great band. I saw them 4 times in London and they were great live. The singer, Paul Roberts, also painted the album covers. Had 3 or 4 of their albums.
Noel McCalla (the backing vocalist on this song) was the lead vocalist on Mike Rutherford's "Smallcreep's Day" album, which made it to #13 on the UK charts, #163 on the US. It is a tremendously underrated album and has become an underground prog. classic.
Absolute banger that has been on every one of my playlists since '79. The one thing I hate about it is it's too short. After all these years I still keep hoping that guitar solo at the end would keep going.
Always loved this song ... I wish you and Andy both reacted because I can picture some great back and forth afterwards and expressions during. It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with 3 chords !!!!
I heard this song for the first time, from the movie Boogie Nights. I had to wait for the movie credits at the end of the movie, to see who the band was. I then went out to buy the cd as fast as I could.... Killer song, the 12" long version is also great. The next song track on the album after Driver's Seat, is track two, 'New Lines On Love' Is also a awesome song, that most people who know Driver's Seat, for the life of me, don't seem to know. The singer, songwriter Paul Roberts, painted all their album covers.
I’ve been waiting for this one. It is my actual walk-on track. So unique and driving from the jump. It’s stellar, an absolute S-tier for me. There was a reason this was a one-hit wonder, either having to do with the label or an illness, or both.
Sometimes, it's not the artist -- it's their record label, or their A&R promoter, that's the problem. They just didn't get the promotion they needed, or there was a reshuffling in the label management and the new guy cancelled all of the old guy's projects (that happens depressingly often in the entertainment biz)... or sometimes, by the time the artist gets their second album together, the pop culture has changed and that style of music isn't "in" anymore, so the radio stations won't play it no matter how good it is, or the record-label's management *thinks* the stations won't play it so they don't even try to promote it...
I had to drive all night in 1979 and I changed the radio station constantly because I knew I would encounter this song as everyone in the midwest was playing it. The ultimate driving song that kept me awake and essentially saved my life preventing me from falling asleep at the wheel.
One of the greatest one hit wonders ever 😊
Anyone else here notes of Al Stewart (especially in the beginning) in the tone of the lead singer's voice? Maybe it's just me--but anyhow, really, really jammin' song.
I never noticed. Until you pointed it out. Now I'm going to ask people that same question, and pretend it's my own thought. :)
Great observation.
I think I always kind of put it together with Stewart and Stealers' Wheel doing Stuck In the Middle With You.
I hear it too!!
Yes! I just saw an old(er) Al Stewart in concert. He’s really just a rural English folk singer who had a couple hits. Delightful man and musician.
Yeah. This might be first time I've heard this and I was just wondering if Al Stewart was the singer.
imagine creating one memorable song in your life and THIS was it? phenomenal.
Everyone loves this song.
I sing this when I do laundry. "Dry the sheets."
Awesome 😎
Dry the sheets…love it! lol 😂😂😂
LOL!
😂😂🤘
Damn you. I'll never not hear that anytime I hear this song.
This means alot to me Alex, thank you for covering this beloved song! The live official video with the band playing is so AWESOME ❤🇨🇦
This song never gets old! A true classic.
I haven't heard this song in 40 years, but as soon as I saw the title, I was primed. I found I remembered all the lyrics. It's such a fine song. A+ all the way.
It's a particular kind of sound from the late 70s that I particularly enjoy but a lit of people don't pick up on. Sort of a dark power pop. Nick Gilder's Hot Child in the City, Walter Egan's Magnet and Steel, John Stewart's Gold, etc...
Sort of a dark night time groove but still upbeat. ❤
I love all of those!!❤
1979. What a great time to be alive.
A testament to its greatness is its inclusion on the Boogie Nights soundtrack.
It’s always been one of my favorite songs ever, I absolutely love it and have the album. Such a great vibe!
@@jimbessett2392 me too!💕
It was so different from what was typically being played at the time it was released as a single in 1979. New Wave was just coming in, Disco had peaked and was beginning to fade, and here was "Drivers Seat", in the midst of it all rocking hard. Always loved the song, and as good as it is it's rarely played today even on oldies stations. GREAT song.
I always play this song when I’m on I 80 going through Nebraska!
A convertible, an empty highway, and this song blaring out of the speakers. CAN YOU IMAGINE FEELING ANY MORE FREE?
Every time I hear this song, I'm 16 again and coming back from the beach with GF beside me, wind in her hair and feet on the dash, and a smile on her face. (BTW her name was Jenny too)
Multiple Mustang convertibles over the years stretching back to when this song was released. What were you driving then?
@floridamaninthewild , I have the same story. I'm still with that beautiful girl, and the beach in our case would have been the Jersey Shore. How about you?
@nyrocks5580 I'm in Florida. The beach is Vero. To get there from where we live it's a straight shot across the center of the state. Beautiful drive across the Kissimmee river floodplain
And "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo."
One of the best 1 hit wonders of the 70'S
Right up there with Flash and the Pan!
Infectious, eh Alex? You'll never get this tune out of your head now. And why would you want to? Great one-hit wonder.
That's real, lol it will stick in your brain for days. You'll wake up singing it!
The lead singer is an incredible painter. He designed all of the album covers.
Cool🎨
I luv the entire album.....
“cigarette /a stall for inspiration…but my matches were all wet” … In New Lines On Love!
The drum beat never changes.
This song is high school, dragging Main Street in our small town, racing between the stop lights, looking for girls…
It doesn’t get any better than this!
This song never gets old, I still love this.
Some other one hit wonders I love are The Kings: This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide. Donnie Iris: Ah! Leah!. Those songs, along with Driver Seat, are my 3 favorite one hit wonders!
Yesss! I loved all those songs and never seemed to hear them enough!
I’ve been asking for A&A to hit those other two songs!
your facial expressions are priceless, alex. 😄❤
In my 60s, we have the best life soundtrack
Yes!
Amen Brother.
Same here , and we got to experience it when it was new.
66 here. Blessed to experience a diverse range of music over my lifetime. Growing up you were blessed if you had an AM, later FM radio and shared the world of music no matter where you were.
I’m in my 60s too and of course I have fond memories of the music of my youth but most everyone feels the music of their own generation is the best ever, especially because they have an emotional connection to it.
Always thought this was underrated.
Thanks for giving it some attention.
I wouldn't say underrated. It was featured on the soundtrack to one of the most memorable movies of the late 90s. A lot of people know this song.
The genius of this song (other than everything) is that baritone voice doubling the melody in the chorus-- that makes it ear candy for me!
Yeah...eah... eah!!
I believe his name is Noel McCalla.
One of the best middle of the night driving songs.
S tiere all the way. One of my all time favorite songs.
Absolute jewel! Always loved this song, couldn't be better.
I drove truck for 25 years. The line "Just take your place in the driver's seat" always hit home.
Cranking it up while cruising down the highway is an unparalleled experience. Those of us from its heyday seemingly all love it. But, this is my all-time favorite band name. Period!!
I wore out this 45, then bought the album and wore that out. Such a fantastic tune.
Are there other notable tracks on the album?
This was one of the many awesome songs on the legendary Ktel album "Rock 80."
I bought K-Tel’s “Rock ‘83” from a TV commercial. I played that record so much I wore it out. 😂 Great memories.
Had that same cassette.
I really did lol when he said, "Sniffy and the Tears"!
Pure pop rock gold😮
This was one of my favorite songs when it came out. Perfect 'cruising with the radio really loud' song. I haven't heard it in a long time but still holds up well.
Sniffen the tears was not the first name of this band, but this song was their one hit wonder. Great song.
That look on your face when Andy & Alex finally play a song you have been requesting since their channel first started...........BOO=YAA!!!!
I was drunk the the back seat of a car at a drive-in movie when I first heard this song. Has been my theme song ever since. Life is good on a night drive with this tune crankin'.
I was sober in the car next to you gettin' some.
@@Littlebigbot Oh my God! Is that you, Gary?
Great song ❤
Maybe the greatest cool, low-key banger of the rock era. Should've been a much bigger hit in the United States. 🎸🎹🥁🎤
even my favorite record… I only bought one copy
So happy you finally hit this one! It's one of the BEST of the old lesser known Bangers, and I never get tired of hearing it! Great reaction Alex! ANDY...you are missed SO MUCH, we are all wishing you the best of everything and hoping to see you back here soon. Be well!
Driver's Seat is one of my most favorite songs from the 70s and beyond!! YAAAAYYYYY!!
I LUST driving to this!!!!!!!!! My favorite for a road trip mix!
If I recall correctly, in the music video of this song the drummer has a kick drum, snare and high hat. It is basic but that’s all the song needs!
One of my favorite One Hit Wonders ever.
Vocals always remind me of a certain era: BOC's The Reaper, and then Greg Kihn band (The Breakup Song). The guitar solo is also a bit like The Reaper.
Yes! A+
Great review Alex. You remain the master of allegory and allusion. If only you could create the unique chemistry of A&A alone. Heal thyself Andy.
Great cruisin' song.
Should be on every road trip playlist.
it is.
Especially at night.
Facts💯👍🏼
It’s on mine. And I sing at the top of my lungs every time it comes around.
I heard this for the first time on a cold winter night in 1982, in my 1972 Firebird. Etched into my brain ever since.
One of my all time favorite songs!!!
Terrific one hit wonder.
This was one of my favs. Back in the day and wow I forgot about it, back in my playlist
Incredible song! Timeless perfection!
❤ it one of my favourites 😍 🇸🇭
Love ya, Alex. Missing Andy. Would love to see the team back together.
Keep up the good work ✨️
This is on the soundtrack to Boogie Nights, which is an interesting movie about the poen industry in the 70s/80s and has an insanely great soundtrack. Definitely worth checking out.
What is amazing is there is just that single three-chord progression and yet it is never boring.
Always have loved this song! For those few left that remember, this was one of Art Bell's bumper music classics. This stays on a few of my playlists.
I got my driver's license right when this song was released. You couldn't help but drive fast down the highway.
Great choice. Love the guitar fills & highlights.
This song helped me appreciate how a drummer playing in the pocket holds it tight.
I'm surprised Alex didn't comment on the metronome-like drum pattern of this song.
yeah, if you see the video you like that, he never stops….and only acknowledges the camera once the whole time.
I don’t want to know anyone who would rate this below an A+. I never get tired of this awesome banger! Love the quirkiness of it!
Infectious tune that grows on you each time you play this song!
I rediscovered it about 6 or 7 years ago and listened to it, like, 8 times a day for about 2 weeks. Just couldn't stop.
I always am reminded of Al Stewart ("Time Passages") every time I hear this lead vocal.
Will always be an S in my books. This is pure '70s at its peak!
70s, yes, it has a beat so the dancing disco crowd could listen, while mixing in some of the developing new wave sound that started hitting in the late 70s and into the 80s.
@@tomrockwood851 I agree! 💯💕
I agree with you 100%. A+ for sure! It's so catchy and well written, performed and produced/arranged. It's a staple in quite a few of my playlists.
Excellent, synth-pop rock song. Still sounds great today.
I have loved this song since I was in 7th grade when it was released. So catchy!
Hey Alex! I'm suggesting a reaction to Cake. Their most famous song is "Going the Distance," but "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" "Never There" or "It's Coming Down" would be great also. It's hard to describe their music because they are so different from everyone else - but their songs are unbelievably catchy (and trumpet is a major feature of this band, which is fab).
Never heard of them... checked em out and really like the quirky songs, the tone of the bass, and the bounce! Added "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" to my playlist-- thanks!
The musicians in Cake are great! I LOVE their bass lines and trumpets!
A friend described Cake as a cross between Miles Davis and The Violent Femmes. How true.
Love me some Cake!
Fun Fact: the lead singer also painted the album cover for this and their second albums.
Great song, great band. I saw them 4 times in London and they were great live. The singer, Paul Roberts, also painted the album covers. Had 3 or 4 of their albums.
Great song! Thanks.
Great song
Noel McCalla (the backing vocalist on this song) was the lead vocalist on Mike Rutherford's "Smallcreep's Day" album, which made it to #13 on the UK charts, #163 on the US. It is a tremendously underrated album and has become an underground prog. classic.
This is a song that always stuck with me. Came out my Freshman year of high school.
Love this tune!
Absolute banger that has been on every one of my playlists since '79. The one thing I hate about it is it's too short. After all these years I still keep hoping that guitar solo at the end would keep going.
I love that acoustic sound that brings the song in loads of depth but with clarity definitely got a j200 vibe to it. Great song
For the longest time I thought this song was by Al Stewart. To me this awesome song gives me "Year of the Cat" vibes in the beginning.
Played in my head while flying through the Sierras at low level in an Air Force T-37 trainer. Just was so cool.
Love this song!! Just too catchy!! 🤘🔥
Definitely on the playlist!
Amazing song! 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for covering one of my fav one hit wonders!! Just a great tune!!
Great two-chord vamp. Thanks for hitting this.
Wow man, stellar analysis on this one! Always a pleasure to hear your understandings...'keep em comin'!!!
I freaking love this song. So glad you enjoyed it! It’s ear candy plain and simple. 😊
One of my faves, couldn't wait for you to do it.
This song had enough of a disco tinge to it that it satisfied my late '70s everything disco life. I still love it to this day.
Always loved this song ... I wish you and Andy both reacted because I can picture some great back and forth afterwards and expressions during. It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with 3 chords !!!!
Hands down, the best one hit wonder. DG
Love actually driving to this song! Lol
I heard this song for the first time, from the movie Boogie Nights. I had to wait for the movie credits at the end of the movie, to see who the band was.
I then went out to buy the cd as fast as I could.... Killer song, the 12" long version is also great.
The next song track on the album after Driver's Seat, is track two, 'New Lines On Love' Is also a awesome song, that most people who know Driver's Seat, for the life of me, don't seem to know.
The singer, songwriter Paul Roberts, painted all their album covers.
This could be the greatest one-wonder ever made. I love everything about and all the instruments are spot on.
This and Ram Jam Black Betty - two best!
I’ve been waiting for this one. It is my actual walk-on track. So unique and driving from the jump. It’s stellar, an absolute S-tier for me.
There was a reason this was a one-hit wonder, either having to do with the label or an illness, or both.
I always wonder how could an artist or band make such an amazing, catchy and impactful song and not be able to follow it up with another.
Sometimes, it's not the artist -- it's their record label, or their A&R promoter, that's the problem. They just didn't get the promotion they needed, or there was a reshuffling in the label management and the new guy cancelled all of the old guy's projects (that happens depressingly often in the entertainment biz)... or sometimes, by the time the artist gets their second album together, the pop culture has changed and that style of music isn't "in" anymore, so the radio stations won't play it no matter how good it is, or the record-label's management *thinks* the stations won't play it so they don't even try to promote it...
Your reaction is validated in the live version also !!!👌
Never knew anyone who didn’t absolutely love this song. If you were a car guy, this song was one of your cruising songs.
Car girls too
This and radar love!
Alex! Into the Night! You will love it!