I got to see Devo live back in the 80s. Due to circumstances they performed in a room that was basically the size of a ballroom. The stage was a platform and we all stood around it. The concert began with three of their early videos being projected on a small movie screen with a home movie projector. It was one of the most fun concerts I ever got to see.
May 4th, 1970 Kent state...DEVO was there. Two of Gerald Casale's friends were murdered by the soldiers. That kind of changes the way you look at the world and people in authority.
It was the original video. Possibly the best rock video ever made. the satire smacks you in the face fast in the 3rd verse. I was there with you when I first saw it.
Track Infomation: Devo - Beautiful World (1981) Mark Mothersbaugh / Gerald V. Casale from: "New Traditionalists" (LP) "Beautiful World" / "Nu-Tra Speaks (New Traditionalist Man)" (Picture Disc) "This Is the Devo Box" | Disc 4: "New Traditionalists" (2008) Synth-Pop | Post-Punk | New Wave Personnel: Gerald V. Casale: Lead Vocals / Keyboards / Bass Mark Mothersbaugh: Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals Bob Mothersbaugh: Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals Bob Casale: Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals Alan Myers: Drums Produced by Devo Album Recorded: @ The Power Station in Manhattan, New York City, New York December 1980-April 1981 Album Released: on August 26, 1981 Warner Bros. Records (US) Virgin Records (UK)
MIDI was invented by Roland with help from Mark Mothersbaugh's brother Jim. He created a synch system for the bands live shows to synch the films playing the rythme track for the Oh! No, It's Devo! tour. He played drum triggers with Devo in the '70s & in the video Secret Agent Man.
Respectfully - De-evolution (DEVO) is so misunderstood in both their music and intent. "It's a beautiful world" is 100% sarcasm, Mark Mothersbaugh was/is a genius and master at production. 328 Concerts in my life, I never got to see DEVO. I regret it. Give "Jerking back and fourth"{ and "Good thing" a listen
I got to meet all of Devo at Mutato Muzika in LA. Mark is especially sarcastic. My favorite band as a kid. The genius in the video uses the bands kitsch mix of old propaganda, pop culture and critique of pilitics. Jerry Cassale took old clips and assembled a funny story that turns ugly. Great gut punch moment. MTV was still racist in its music video selection in the early days and the media always hated Devo.
But not for me. Gerald Casale is emulating Stan Ridgway of Wall of Voodoo (vocals) here. 1981 was way... and I mean way before it's time. Peace Duty Now.
