Description

They'll forever be known for their infamous flowerpot hats, but more importantly, Devo was one of the architects of American new wave in the late 1970s and early '80s, whether spastically deconstructing the Stones' "Satisfaction" or churning out irresistible synth hooks. Their social satire added a valuable element of irony missing from many other groups of the era. Devo paved the way for both synth-pop and geek-rock. Singer Mark Mothersbaugh went on to become a successful film composer, but the group engaged in periodic reunions over the years.

Biography

Formed during 1972 in Akron, Ohio, this US new wave band, who fitted the term better than most, originally comprised Mark Mothersbaugh (b. 18 May 1950, Akron, Ohio, USA; vocals/keyboards), Jerry Casale (b. Gerald V. Casale; vocals/bass), Bob Mothersbaugh (b. Robert Mothersbaugh; guitar), Bob Casale (guitar/keyboards) and Jim Mothersbaugh (drums), although the latter was replaced by Alan Myers in 1976. The philosophical principle on which Devo operated, and from which they took their shortened name, was devolution: the theory that mankind, rather than progressing, has actually embarked on a negative curve. The medium they pioneered to present this was basic, electronic music, with strong robotic and mechanical overtones. The visual representation and marketing exaggerated modern life, with industrial uniforms and neo-military formations alongside potato masks and flower-pot headgear. The band's 1978 debut album was among their finest achievements; a synthesis of pop and sarcastic social commentary. Produced by Brian Eno, it perfectly captured the prevailing wind of America's new wave movement. It also offered them their biggest UK hit in a savage take on the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". It was not until their third studio album, however, that Devo confirmed that they were no novelty act. Freedom Of Choice contained Devo standards "Girl You Want" and "Whip It", the latter giving them a million-selling US single.
At the peak of their powers, Devo inspired and informed many, not least one of Neil Young's great albums, Rust Never Sleeps. However, as the 80s unfolded the band seemed to lose its bite, and their fourth album New Traditionalists signalled a creative descent. Successive albums were released to diminishing critical and commercial returns. Mark Mothersbaugh recorded a pair of solo studio albums, largely consisting of keyboard doodlings and "atmosphere' pieces. These arrived at the same time as Devo's first original work in four years, 1988's Total Devo, which saw Myers replaced by David Kendrick (ex-Gleaming Spires; Sparks). Devo's absence had not, however, made critics" hearts grow fonder. As was unerringly pointed out, the band had long since lost its status as innovators, and had been surpassed by the generation of electronic outfits it had helped to inspire.
Despite falling out of fashion as the 80s wore on, Devo, nevertheless, saw themselves venerated in the new decade by bands who hailed their early work as a significant influence. Nirvana covered an obscure Devo recording, "Turnaround", and both Soundgarden and Superchunk offered remakes of "Girl You Want". A new wave tribute album, Freedom Of Choice, adopting the band's own 1980 title, included the latter. Gerald Casale was bemused by the sudden attention: "I think we were the most misunderstood band that ever came down the pike because behind the satire, our message was a humanistic one, not an inhumane one. If there's any interest in Devo now, it's only because it turned out that what was called an art-school smartass joke - this de-evolution rap, about man devolving - now seems very true as you look around."
Following the release of 1990's Smooth Noodle Maps, the various members of Devo had begun to concentrate on other interests. Mark Mothersbaugh branched out into soundtrack work, writing the music for television shows such as Davis Rules, Rugrats and Liquid Television. He is also a much sought-after video game music composer with his credits including Crash Bandicott, Jake & Daxter and Sims 2. His production company Mutato Muzika employs several of his Devo colleagues. The band reunited in 1996, playing that year's Lollapalooza festival and releasing the interactive video game Adventures Of The Smart Patrol. The Mothersbaugh and Casale brothers have sporadically revived the Devo name in subsequent years. Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Bob Casale also re-formed the Wipeouters, a pre-Devo surf group they formed while growing up in Akron.
DISCOGRAPHY: Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (Warners 1978)****, Duty Now For The Future (Warners 1979)***, Freedom Of Choice (Warners 1980)****, New Traditionalists (Warners 1981)***, Oh, No! It's Devo (Warners 1982)***, Shout (Warners 1984)**, Total Devo (Enigma 1988)**, Now It Can Be Told: Devo At The Palace 12.9.80 (Enigma 1989)**, Smooth Noodle Maps (Enigma 1990)**, Adventures Of The Smart Patrol (Discovery 1996)**.
Solo: Mark Mothersbaugh Muzik For Insomniaks Volume 1 (Enigma 1988)**, Muzik For Insomniaks Volume 2 (Enigma 1988)**.
COMPILATIONS: E-Z Listening Disc (Rykodisc 1987)**, Greatest Hits (Warners 1990)****, Greatest Misses (Warners 1990)***, Hardcore Devo Vol. 1: 74-77 (Rykodisc 1990)**, Hardcore Devo Vol. 2: 1974-1977 (Fan Club 1991)**, Live: The Mongoloid Years (Rykodisc 1992)**, Hot Potatoes: The Best Of Devo (Virgin 1993)***, Pioneers Who Got Scalped: The Anthology (Warners 2000)****, Recombo DNA (Rhino 2000)***, The Essentials (Rhino 2002)****.
VIDEOGRAPHY: The Complete Truth About De-Evolution/Devo Live (Warner Music Vision 2004).

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