"Are We Not Men?"

I read this evening that Devo are going to be performing their classic debut album, Are We Not Men? We Are Devo! in its entirety, for the first time.

The show, unfortunately for those of us in the U.S., is going to take place in London. It’s scheduled for May 6 at the London Kentish Town Forum. I suppose we can always hope that if it goes well, Devo may pull some repeat performances.

It’s been 31 years since Are We Not Men? was released. At the time it got a mixed reception: A Rolling Stone reviewer said of the album, “There's not an ounce of feeling anywhere.”

Over the years, though, it has come to be considered a new wave classic. Rolling Stone eventually changed their minds and placed the disk on their list of the Top 500 Greatest Albums (at number 447).

So what is Devo? The name Devo comes “from their concept of de-evolution',” according to the band’s official bio. “The idea that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society.”

In honor of this upcoming performance – and in hopes there are some repeat performances – I offer up a couple of songs from Are We Not Men? We Are Devo!: “Jocko Homo,” which seems to explain all things Devo; and their one-of-a-kind version of the Stones’ “Satisfaction.”

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (Rolling Stones cover).mp3
Jocko Homo.mp3

Labels: new wave

posted by aikin @ 7:36 PM