Devo - Live
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Movie Reviews of Devo - Live
Movie Review: D-E-V-O!
Summary: 5 Stars
It was 1977 when I first saw the magic and aura that is Devo in a video for "Come Back Jonee" that had just aired on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. (Anybody remember him?). From that point on, I was hooked. Devo was, and are, unlike anything before or after them. Their quirky, revolutionary sounds and visuals influenced many bands that followed, and being a "Devotee" you always felt like you were a part of some secret loyal underground club who shunned the conventions of the rest of world, whether or not you fully understood the messages (sometimes I think even Devo wasn't sure what they were spouting off about). Nobody married avante garde electronica and subversive humor with a uniquely identifiable sound and concept better than Devo. They were 100% original, and you'd be hard pressed to pinpoint their musical influences (perhaps Bowie, The Residents, or Kraftwerk, but Devo was clearly defined). They perhaps lost their way after departing Warner for the smaller Enigma label, running out of fresh ideas and no longer as immediately relevant in an ever-changing fickle world of flash-in-the-pan artists and music. Happily, this performance drives the point home as to just how cool and radical they really were. I was hesitant at first to buy this, as the thought of my heroes becoming some fat, bloated 40-somethings who got together for pure nostalgia would sadly dillute the impact of the band and it's history, but thankfully I was dead wrong. This is no Motown review reunion, Devo rocks! They sound raw and inspired, and best of all: wonderfully strange and out of touch with the rest of the world (for the better). Their music still sounds as bizarre and off-kilter as ever, proving that little has changed in 20+ years of music evolution. Duty Now for the Future!
Movie Review: Even In Transition, DEVO's Music From 1980 Is Still Fresh!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw Devo live in 1979 and in late 1980-early 1981 (and 2005 as well!). This video covers a show that is clearly transitional for the band. The "devolution-" heavy aspects of the early shows and the costume changes are missing, as is the more elaborate stage sets of the later shows. Filmed in a small theater, the music remains as vital as ever. The "pre-concert" music is missing, but the closing "Corporate Anthem" is included. Perhaps two hand-held cameras provide close-ups of the young band (weren't we all young back then?) and a camera set in the balcony provides the usual, low-quality distance shots we're used to from small theater concert footage. Their 3-guitar assault blazes in full for most of the show, while Mark keeps in shape with jumping jacks and crawling around. The few audience shots give a good time-frame for the concert, as the hair is feathered and the clothes are preppy. The bonus footage of the M-80 concert is a real treat. In black-and-white, it has two great favorites from their early shows, "Praying Hands" and "Shrivel Up." The opening, "Star Wars- style" prologue will come as no surprise to those who have seen Devo recently or even paid any attention to their music throughout the yaers. This DVD is a MUST for all Devo-tees.Movie Review: As good as you'll get
Summary: 5 Stars
There is very little decent film of Devo in concert so purely for its rarity this is a five star DVD.The concert is from 1996 and there's a new drummer (Josh? - certainly not Alan or Dave) but watching it reminded me just how good Devo live were. Somehow their studio recordings never quite caught the brilliance of their live act. There is a six track 12" on Stiff (called 'Be Stiff', 1978, ODD 1) which is awesome, if you can find it, but other than that, this DVD is as good as you'll get.
And it's good. Very good. Sure, it only lasts for about 55 minutes with 11 songs and the interview at the end only lasts for about two minutes, but if you like Devo, your dollars (or pounds in my case) will be well spent here.
The picture quality is really excellent and the sound likewise. The band all look a bit older but the energy is still there and it makes me wish they'd get together again and get back on the road.
Criticisms? Well, we could always hope they'd played 'Be Stiff' but there never was any chance of that.
As you Americans would say, "Go buy it!"
Movie Review: LIVE
Summary: 5 Stars
Devo Live is the fourth home video release by new wave band Devo, and their second DVD. Devo Live contains an entire performance from their 1996 reunion tour with Lollapalooza, filmed at Irvine Meadows, California. It was released in 2003.
The film details an entire live performance from Devo's 1996 reunion tour with Lollapalooza, opening for Metallica. The band performs a stripped down set consisting of songs from their first four albums. The band is in strong form and very energetic. However, the film itself has been criticised by fans for being poorly edited with rapid-fire cuts. Another criticism has been levelled at Rhino Records for their delays in producing the DVD and erronious packaging
Lolla Theme
Whip It
Girl U Want
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
Uncontrollable Urge
Blockhead
Mongoloid
Jocko Homo
Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA
Gut Feeling (Slap Your Mammy)
Gates of Steel
Come Back Jonee
Movie Review: Joyeux Mutato
Summary: 5 Stars
I was just a little suspect about this release, but checked it out because...well, it's Devo. Couldn't resist for that fact alone. Despite the late date of the show, 1996, I was completely overwhelmed by their energy, humor, attitude, and endurance during the entirety of the show. The whole Devo sensibility was more intact than it had been since 1982, but without all the gimmicks of their early image (not that I would ever knock it). This is Devo at about as stripped down as any band can be, and they're simply amazing. Their musicianship is astonishingly spot-on. Can't recommend it enough.As much as I love Mark Mothersbaugh's art, I wish he'd put RUGRATS on hold and get into the studio to produce just one unadulterated Devo album, one which would balance his keyboard wizardry with the more guitar-driven work of his wonderful brother Bob and the inspired cynicism of Gerald Casale. While you can "never go back," isn't that what Devo was all about conceptually?