Review of Devo: The Complete Truth About DeEvolution / Devo Live

Introduction

"We are not men. We are Devo! D-E-V-O."

It seems that I only received one half of what appears to be a very tempting pack for Devo fans. Disc 1, the `Live` one, kicks off with a visual montage that traces the history of this unique band, from their surrealistic roots in `77, through to the band today. There are teasers aplenty here which are probably played out more fully on the accompanying disc, though without access to it I can`t comment.

Devo were somewhat of an anomaly in the hey-day of Punk and so-called `new wave`. They had a witty intelligence which, combined with some very tight song-writing meant that there early releases were much enjoyed by confused punks the world over (think of a guitar fuelled version of `The Residents`). Using self-deprecating `nerd` clothing and a coordinated stage movements, the semi-industrial image of the band defined their iconic status early on, though this may have become a millstone as the years marched on.

This gig was recorded at the Lollapalooza festival in the States (think alternative Glastonbury) and shows the band on an early billing. The forefront of the stage area is not yet filled, and the sun is shining brightly in the midday sky, rendering stage-lights or any form of visual effect completely pointless. But the band takes to the stage and rips straight into the classic early `80`s hit `Whip it` with amazing aplomb. Initially I assumed they were using tapes and sequencers and samples as the sound is so amazingly tight, but as the show progressed it became apparent that what I was hearing was the real deal. By the time they get to the weird insect rhythm of their version of `Can`t get no satisfaction`, the crowds aloofness is gone and an appreciation of these aged rockers starts to grow.

It`s a credit to them that, despite not having aired many of these numbers since their initial outing in `77-`78, they still sound amazingly fresh. Despite most the audience here not having a clue who the band are, whose finest hour was before their birth date, they begin to get a warmer and warmer reception.

By the time they get to `Come back Jonee` they`re fairly ripping it up. It`s a blistering rendition of a great song and completely defies the atmosphere less stage upon which the number if performed.

As the band say in the brief after show interview. `No sequencers, No tapes, no drum machines. We were stripped of all theatrics...`. Great Job! Young pretenders watch and weep!

Video

A little burnt-out in the sun, and when combined with the yellow industrial jump suits doesn`t make for the most memorable concert footage ever but that`s not really what this disc is about.

Audio

Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 or 5.1 options. The audio is first class for a live outdoor performance.

Features

There`s a quirky, near pointless multi-angle option here where a symbol appears that you can press to change the camera angle. But the selected camera angle is normally more relevant so it seems like an effect for the sake of it. There`s also a brief interview here.

Conclusion

I always harboured a liking for Devo though, like many, abandoned their cause in the very early eighties when my musical tastes took a different direction. It would seem that they holed up in an industrial unit somewhere awaiting a glorious return and whilst this concert may not represent that moment, it`s certainly fires a few warning shots. Excellent stuff!I suspect that the second discs unlocks many wonderful moments from their rich history which makes this an attractive pack, though without seeing that half of the pack I can`t really comment.