Devo. That’s right, Devo, the guys who invented the computer geek look -- even before personal computers were all that prevalent.
Although their name evolved from the concept of “de-evolution”, the idea that mankind is regressing not progressing, they were frequently mislabeled as proponents of the idea. Rolling Stone Magazine even labeled them fascists. Actually, their real directive was to lambaste the de-humanized conformity and sheeple mentality of American society.
The title track of 1980’s top selling album, “Freedom of Choice” exemplified their critique perfectly: “In ancient Rome, there was a poem about a dog who found two bones. He picked at one; he licked the other. He went in circles; he dropped dead. Freedom of choice is what you got. Freedom FROM choice is what you want.”
So what is next for the aging new wavers? According to the bio on their official website (http://www.clubdevo.com/ ) the band has been touring annually since relaunching their careers after some successful Lollapalooza dates in ‘96 and ‘97. Although their last studio album release was Smooth Noodle Maps in 1990, the band spent the end of ‘09 doing live shows of their classic albums, ‘78’s “Q:Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!” and ‘80’s prolific “Freedom of Choice”.
Now, with some pre-release hoopla and the backing of their major label Warner Brothers, rumors have it that the band is preparing to release their first new album in twenty years. With new material out sometime in April, Devo also promises to follow that up with a new look and a cutting-edge multi-media world tour.
Now for the part you were really curious about. The only dance move I have was stolen from this classic clip from the rockumentory “Urgh! A Music War!”. Pay special attention when it hits the two and a half minute mark and you will know my entire repertoire.
-dane
As posted for Noisecake.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Subscribe To NPT
Posts
Comments
2 comments:
Dane, I'm late to the party for this comment. Just found your blog. I remember Urgh! A Music War! because you shared it with me (I would later purchase my very own copy and I'm sure it's in a box in the basement). I remember Jools Holland messing around on the piano, a song by Klaus Nomi (Total Eclipse) that I sometimes sing in a high falsetto just for kicks, and some other great tunes by XTC, Oingo Boingo and a bunch of bands that were never heard from again. Oh yeah, and then there were songs by the Police and Joan Jett (who was not that well known at the time). Go figure. Thanks for the memory...
Your old pal,
Curtis Brown
Curtis! How the heck are ya! It has been decades! Shoot me an email sometime.
danenordine@mac.com
Post a Comment