As usual, a gem of a read! I had read Cocaine Bear was pretty good, too! Anything by Devo drags me right back to some of the best parts of my childhood. And now my day will move on with this song ringing in my head! Thanks, dude!☮️✅
It reminds me a lot of when movies were mindlessly fun. It's loosely based on a true story, but the premise is so absurd that you get to just check out for awhile and enjoy it.
Hahahahahahahahaha ok first thing: I’ve heard of this concept called a “date” and I hear it’s a good thing for couples to do. May look into that someday. Second: I **LOVE** that you saw Cocaine Bear. I didn’t even know the soundtrack was so good. Lastly: Devo rules.
This was a great read! I know I'll watch Cocaine Bear when it comes to streaming - the trailer was hilarious. As for Devo...I only ever bought one of their singles (Be Stiff b/w Social Fools), but not because I thought they were a joke, just a little too goofy for my taste. Their origin story is fascinating, though, and they are very smart guys.
Thank you! The origin story really is fascinating. A long time ago I listened to Mothersbaugh on a podcast, and he went pretty far into both the band's story and his own. I tried to find it again for this, but no go.
Great Devo pick! I've always appreciated Mark Mothersbough wearing the film composer hat. Rushmore is my fav movie and he did a great job on that and the other early Wes Anderson movies. Honestly think he's part of what's missing from the newer WA films.
I still listen to Devo. I saw them first on Saturday Night Live and they scrambled my young brain.
I was alone amongst my peers. They just didn't "get it." And you had to "get it" in order to like Devo. I think that's still the case. But you want to talk about American-Proto-Punk? These guys were throwing wrenches at the TV screen long before the Apple commercial. And they were about something, too.
Let me know what you think once you do! It felt like a field trip back to the movies from when we were kids (not just because it takes place in the mid-80's). Kinda mindless, kinda funny, a lot over the top.
Huge Devo fan and Jerry and Mark are still making great music on the side. I saw them about 8 years ago on their "Are We Not Men?" album in its entirety tour and they played the album and like 3 more songs. Less than an hour in total. It may have been an off night as I am told they played longer on other cities of the tour. Doesn't lessen my love. I can still play their first 4 albums any time I want. (The rest of their catalog was hit and miss but a great album can be made from the highlights.)
Ok Dude - it's uncanny the signs one receives. I've been kicking around my next feature for mxdwn.com and DEVO it is. In the hi school cliques in my small town growing up, DEVO belonged to none. As a long-haired stoner, I caught a ton of crap for listening to them. But it was my Pinto and my Music. Ha Ha
For sure Kevin - That would great, appreciate the offer. Jerry Casale from Devo and Chrissy Hyndes from Pretenders were at Kent St when the National Guard opened fire. There is a story in there somewhere
As usual, a gem of a read! I had read Cocaine Bear was pretty good, too! Anything by Devo drags me right back to some of the best parts of my childhood. And now my day will move on with this song ringing in my head! Thanks, dude!☮️✅
It reminds me a lot of when movies were mindlessly fun. It's loosely based on a true story, but the premise is so absurd that you get to just check out for awhile and enjoy it.
That’s what movie should be!
I remember seeing Devo back in Sheffield in around 1980, I was confused then, I'm still confused now, but hey, sometimes being confused is good!
Take a look at this, the UK's only (unsurprisingly!) Devo tribute band, 'We are not Devo'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmgV5cWM5o
One of these days, you gotta write about all the shows you were able to see! The tribute band's not too bad!
I rediscovered Devo in high school. My best friend and I used to do the Whip It song and dance just for laughs. Fun times.
Loved the peek into your non-music life! Cocaine Bear is on my list of films to catch. :)
Thanks! Definitely catch it when you get the chance. It's a great way to check out for a couple of hours. Could be an upcoming feature for Fanfare?
Hahahahahahahahaha ok first thing: I’ve heard of this concept called a “date” and I hear it’s a good thing for couples to do. May look into that someday. Second: I **LOVE** that you saw Cocaine Bear. I didn’t even know the soundtrack was so good. Lastly: Devo rules.
Yeah, it turns out they're pretty fun! Who knew? lol.
This was a great read! I know I'll watch Cocaine Bear when it comes to streaming - the trailer was hilarious. As for Devo...I only ever bought one of their singles (Be Stiff b/w Social Fools), but not because I thought they were a joke, just a little too goofy for my taste. Their origin story is fascinating, though, and they are very smart guys.
Thank you! The origin story really is fascinating. A long time ago I listened to Mothersbaugh on a podcast, and he went pretty far into both the band's story and his own. I tried to find it again for this, but no go.
Always loved this song.
One of my faves by the band. This and "Gates of Steel."
Good memories, good tune!
Great Devo pick! I've always appreciated Mark Mothersbough wearing the film composer hat. Rushmore is my fav movie and he did a great job on that and the other early Wes Anderson movies. Honestly think he's part of what's missing from the newer WA films.
I think you're right! He also made Regular show just a bit better than it already was as well.
I still listen to Devo. I saw them first on Saturday Night Live and they scrambled my young brain.
I was alone amongst my peers. They just didn't "get it." And you had to "get it" in order to like Devo. I think that's still the case. But you want to talk about American-Proto-Punk? These guys were throwing wrenches at the TV screen long before the Apple commercial. And they were about something, too.
Well put. It took me a while to get the idea of there being a concept behind the sound, but once I did, I was in.
I’m supposed to see Cocain Bear with my bestie! I love Elizabeth Banks (the director).
Let me know what you think once you do! It felt like a field trip back to the movies from when we were kids (not just because it takes place in the mid-80's). Kinda mindless, kinda funny, a lot over the top.
Just finished watching it. My stomach hurts from laughing so hard.
I'm glad you liked it!!
Huge Devo fan and Jerry and Mark are still making great music on the side. I saw them about 8 years ago on their "Are We Not Men?" album in its entirety tour and they played the album and like 3 more songs. Less than an hour in total. It may have been an off night as I am told they played longer on other cities of the tour. Doesn't lessen my love. I can still play their first 4 albums any time I want. (The rest of their catalog was hit and miss but a great album can be made from the highlights.)
We're of the same mind here, though I think I might be the only one I know that doesn't hate "Smooth Noodle Maps."
Ok Dude - it's uncanny the signs one receives. I've been kicking around my next feature for mxdwn.com and DEVO it is. In the hi school cliques in my small town growing up, DEVO belonged to none. As a long-haired stoner, I caught a ton of crap for listening to them. But it was my Pinto and my Music. Ha Ha
You have a great Substack bro
Thank you!! Great minds think alike. :) Please make sure to share the article here where it’s done!
For sure Kevin - That would great, appreciate the offer. Jerry Casale from Devo and Chrissy Hyndes from Pretenders were at Kent St when the National Guard opened fire. There is a story in there somewhere