Elliott Easton is an under rated guitarist in my book. Since The Cars got labeled "new wave" and seemed like more of a keyboard band, I feel his work gets under appreciated. Listen to the solo on "Touch and go".. blistering!
In a similar vein, & somewhat on topic podcast-wise, the first name that comes to mind is Berton Averre. That whole "Get The Knack" album, he just fuggin' WAILS.
It's weird...even though I've owned ALL those old Cars albums at one point or another on one format or another, I realized that I currently own NONE of them. So I picked up a "complete albums" box that has the first 5 albums in it.
During my shopping/research for this purchase, it became apparent that "Panorama" has become somewhat hard to get ( new, at least ). I think it might be available now as part of this box set I bought.
I saw Nicole Atkins open for Chris Issack about 4 or 5 years ago... catchy tunes, and yes, she was GORGEOUS!! Her band was featured in an Amex commercial I do believe..