Devo - Live 1980
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Movie Reviews of Devo - Live 1980
Movie Review: A very worthy purchase
Summary: 5 Stars
(4.5/5 stars) This features Devo performing blistering, nearly perfect renditions of some of their most popular songs, including "Smart Partol/Mr.DNA," "Mongoloid," "Gut Feeling/Slap Yer Mammy," "Jocko Homo," "Come Back Jonee" and "Whip It." Highlights for me are the performance of "Pink Pussycat" and, since I am from Ohio, the inclusion of the "What's round on the ends and HI in the middle" riddle as part of "Jocko Homo." The sound quality is pretty good, considering it was recorded live in 1980. There are even a couple different audio options. Furthermore, the showmanship is most entertaining, with the guys sporting a variety of outfits, including their trademark Energy Domes. Attribute it to what you will, but the group is also very energetic throughout the performance. This is more than can be said for the Petaluma, CA audience, which does not appear to have been very large. Until the final couple songs, people in the front were more or less standing still in spite of the fact these guys were providing such an excellent show. My one complaint is that there is virtually no verbal interaction with the audience. Perhaps this was edited from the original footage for whatever reason, but Devo simply performs their songs and then leaves. I expected some witty dialogue, a monologue, anything that would allow us to get to know their personalities a little better. Nonetheless, this is a great value, with a video of a complete Devo concert from 1980 on one side and the soundtrack from the concert on the other, all for about $13.00. Heck, there are even clips of the guys performing as Dove, an alter ego of Devo. Buy this today.Movie Review: The Pinnacle of De-evolution
Summary: 5 Stars
I am awed by the appearance of this video. I never thought I would sample the Spudboys when they were performing their very best stuff, at least in my humble opinion. I saw them in 2006 at the Seattle Paramount and I loved the show. But the energy in this 1980 Petaluma performance takes it to a whole new level. Mark does jumping jacks throughout "Be Stiff", and is a sweaty mutato for the remainder of the performance.
If you want to get a picture of what you'll see, get out your "Freedom Of Choice" CD and look at the photos of the Spudboys on the inner liner. That's exactly what they look like in this performance, right down to Alan's space-goggles. And don't skip the bonus features - a different way to devolve. This DVD is ape-man nirvana.
Audio: B
The micing was good, although the bass was underemphasized and would have benefitted from a mic on Alan's bass drum. The audio saturated (distorted at loud passages) in a few places, but it did not prevent me from shouting the lyrics to many songs along with Mark and Bob 1.
Video: B
There are two handheld cameras, one on each side of the stage, which got outstanding shots of de-evolution in process. There was a 3rd camera in or behind the audience but it has poor video quality. But I agree with the decision to cut in shots from this camera. It shows the whole stage at once, which is formidible scene at times.
If you love DEVO, you will not be disappointed with this DVD. The superb show far outweighs the minor audio and video imperfections.
Movie Review: a correction for a mistake in the screen crawl of the dvd
Summary: 5 Stars
before buying the disc i noted [in earlier reviews] the mention of the star wars style screen crawler at the beginning, and the comments about "age of reagan". i've bought the disc and watched that screen crawler. it mentions the date of the concert [august 17, 1980] and "in the age of reagan" and actually mentions that he was president at the time.
this is incorrect as reagan was elected in november 1980 and started serving in office in january 1981.
maybe it sounds like i'm splitting hairs - it's just that i'm a long-time devo fan. those devo guys always get their facts right. kind of amusing that no one checked - it makes me assume that the screen crawl wasn't written by anyone connected with the band.
in august 1980 we really didn't know what we were in for as far as any "age of reagan".
nonetheless, this video is a gem. a must have. i guess i'm an old timer as i saw this tour, in dallas - not arizona. they came to the agora ballroom in summer 1980. one of the best concerts i've ever attended. it was always a bit dissapointing to watch the "from the land of the rising son" dvd - having seen them when they were on fire. BUT NOW WE HAVE THIS. i'm glad it's available - they should let that "rising son" thing go out of print.
if you like devo - you need this. if you like quirky late 70s new wave before it was at all corporate [or if you just think you might] - you need this too.
Movie Review: These Spuds Really Move Me!
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, I'm a Devo fan. It wasn't all that easy back in the late 70s as they were not highly respected among died-in-the-wool rock fans. But I loved the New Wave Era and Devo was an integral part. I purchased all of their records at the time and loved listening to them. Sure, they were quirky, but quirky in a very refreshing way. Then, in 1979, Devo came through San Diego and put on an excellent concert at the San Diego State Open Air Theater. A friend and I attended. It was one of the more bizarre concerts I've attended, that's for sure. A lot of people showed up in costumes and there were even some quintets showing up in identical costumes. Strange scene! But it was a great concert and I remember it well to this day.
I just recently became aware of this Devo-Live 1980 concert DVD. Of course, I had to have it. It wasn't the same tour I attended and they weren't wearing their "energy domes" as yet, but the 1980 concert is a close approximation to my own experience. My wife and I watched it the other night. She thought Devo was a really strange rock act, which, of course, they were. I loved it! This DVD is very well done and I'm going to get a lot of use out of it. The video is not particularly good. The sound is not up to the quality of the records. Who cares? It was great to see these guys in action and the concert itself was excellent. These Spuds really move me!
Gary Peterson
Movie Review: A must for Devo fans!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
There are plenty of unofficial live recordings of Devo out there, but not many visual recordings. Lately that has changed with the release of several excellent DVD's.
This one however takes you right back to their most successful stage in their career with a recently discovered live taping of their live show. The picture quality is acceptable - not perfect - considering it's been around since 1980. The sound quality is also good, but what is the biggest attraction to this DVD is the high level of energy that oozes from the band, who whip through a great set of songs with great character.
The entire set is on the DVD, with a couple of extras, which makes it a worthwhile addition to ANY Devo collection. From the first notes, it is impossible not to tap along, and if you know the words to many of their songs - like I do - you'll find yourself singing along as well. On the other side of this DVD is the audio of the show (so a normal CD) so you basically get 2 for the price of 1... excellent!!!
Buy it now and you won't regret it.
I can see the comment from the person who said it was out of sync - there are a few moments when the camera is far from stage where the sound is not equal to the movements, but the close up during the same son are, so this is not a big issue at all.
Enjoy!