Devo: The Complete Truth About De-Evolution
Filed Under: Music, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review , music on dvd
By: Erik Swift
February 2004
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Gerald V. Casale calls Devo a “post-modernist protest band” during his commentary to Rhino Records’ DVD release of “The Complete Truth About De-Evolution.” For most of the uninitiated that don’t understand that statement, Devo will always be perceived as simply being weird. No one could figure out the band before or after “Whip It” became a surprise hit. Strange masks and bizarre costumes randomly appeared throughout their videos with great frequency. They weren’t quite new wave and not really punk. What were Devo?
Original. The Ohio group was a distinct, well-executed concept that remained equally rooted in both Dadaism and anti-corporate worldviews that ultimately drove away a public that couldn’t care less. Their loss – the delirious creativity of Devo is obvious throughout this DVD. From the protective nuclear suits worn by the band during “Worried Man” to the color- bars background of “That’s Good” to inventive uses of stock footage in “Beautiful World” and bonus clip “Mongoloid,” this band produced incredible images to match their music. Often ignored but clearly present are stellar songwriting skills. “Freedom Of Choice” is so anti-Top 40 that the fact that MTV bothered to air the clip is surprising, and “Girl U Want” easily deserved to be a bigger hit than “Whip It.”
The audio is brilliantly mixed. Every second of “The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise” sounds so good you’d think they were playing in the next room. The echoing guitar in “Time Out For Fun” is crystal clear while the chainsaw riffs in “Come Back Jonee” leave no doubt that Devo was a very good band…when they were allowed to be. Don’t miss the commentary from Mark Mothersbaugh and Casale. Discovering that the “Whip It” video cost them an appearance on Lily Tomlin’s show or that the group’s dire financial situation caused them to perform before empty blue screens in “The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise” adds more depth and texture to the off-kilter Devo canvas.
The outer packaging of “The Complete Truth About De-Evolution” claims this to be the definitive Devo DVD, and it comes close. Previously unseen footage from the band’s first performance reveals them to look like another bad Yes cover band, and video director Chuck Statler’s interview sheds light upon his collaborations with Devo during their earliest days. However, “Red Eye,” “Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA” and assorted live clips from their “Men Who Make The Music” video compilation fail to appear. Legal issues with the Jimi Hendrix estate also prevented the inclusion of “Are U Experienced?” (Disappointing, as the clip appeared on the original laserdisc of this collection).
If you’re not completely sure what Devo is all about, don’t worry – I’m not either. No one ever knew what to expect from them, and that is half the fun of “The Complete Truth About De-Evolution.” It’s quirky, strange and occasionally brilliant – just like Devo.
Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!
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