NOW IT CAN BE TOLD : DEVO AT THE PALACE
A live recording from 1989, which came as a double album with three sides only, the fourth being marked, “ATTENTION SPUDS! NO GROOVE! DO NOT PLAY!” As well as featuring a selection of tunes old and new, the sleeve artwork harks back to the Devo philosophy underpinning the whole concept from day one, namely “devolution” as opposed to evolution, wherein mankind is steadily declining and reverting to a primitive state. The band’s quirky image has often distracted from their activist side and withering critique of consumer culture, dumbing down and right-wing politics. Ditto for their lyrics, which on the surface might seem glib and comical, yet are laced with barbed observations and cosmic wisdom.
So in conclusion, there are other interesting albums to explore, none of which disappoint (the Hardcore Devo basement recordings from as early as 1974 are an eye-opening glimpse into their origins and how ahead of their time they were), but for those new to the table, this is where to start. A veritable feast for the ears that’s never straight up and down.
