It is an extremely tall order to try and be original in the world of music where it seems like everything has already been done. Yes, some are eccentric just for the sake of such, but there are also others who are out of this world without even trying too hard to be so…. like Devo.
With a story that began all the way back in 1973, Devo’s uniqueness is undeniable, but how many people are truly aware of the origins of it all? To provide some insight, Devo’s sound is based in the New Wave movement that took over popular music during the late ‘70s into the ‘80s. Mixing Rock, Electronic elements, among others, Devo’s style was still vastly different from others in many at the time. Sometimes quirky, yet always extremely ear-catching, the concept behind Devo is about “de-evolution.”
What exactly does this mean? It is based on the theory that humanity is in a state of regression as opposed to progression; by and large due to the group think mentality. Something we have seen develop more ever-presently through the years with the advent of more surrvailence, more governmental control over our lives worldwide, and the fear of thinking outside what we are told to… it seems as if Devo’s theories hold a lot of water.
Anyway, the music of Devo, along with their imagery, has set a stage of saterity and thought-provoking ideas for fifty years now. Earning mainstream notoriety with their 1980 hit single “Whip It,” this pioneering band are now honored more in-depth with the new box set 50 Years Of De-Evolution: 1973-2023. Released through Rhino Records on October 20, 2023 on various formats, the collection is career spanning and quite informative to long-time fans, as well as novices.
Available digitally, but also in a 2-CD and 2-LP format, the ultimate edition would have to be the 4-LP set. Looking at this, the 4-LP set comes pressed to clear vinyl, and is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. Something to covet, the 4-LP set comes in a slipcase with a fantastic 28-page book (with linear notes providing insight to each of the songs, complemented by fantastic photographs), a Devo air freshener, and a foldable paper hat that resembles the band’s iconic red energy domes. Additionally, a lithograph of the album artwork is included here too.
Contextually, you can find fifty tracks on the digital stream, 2-CD set, and of course, the 4-LP set. Extensive and complete, the playlist cover Devo’s material from 1973’s “Monogoloid,” all the way through to 2010’s “Watch Us Work It.” This also includes the newer Macro Post-Modern Mix of 1990’s “Post Post-Modern Man” and a 7-Inch version of 1988’s “Disco Dancer.” All very exciting to see included in one collection, everything is also remastered in a tasteful way that is sharp, yet while still retaining the same feel as the originals.
Adding to the above-mentioned format options, there was also an abbreviated 25-song version of 50 Years Of De-Evolution: 1973-2023 as a 2-LP set on black vinyl, but also as a 2-LP special edition (featuring blue and red vinyl), which are both available exclusively at select retail outlets. In all, you cannot go wrong with any of the selections you may have with this 50-year anniversary anthology. However, the most recommended, if you have the means, is to pick up the limited edition 4-LP Set… it is that awesome!
Educational, while rocking you in only a way Devo can, you get to soak in the ingenuity of Devo – including original band cast members Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Gerald Casale (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Bob Mothersbaugh (lead guitar, vocals), as well as the late, great Bob Casale (rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals), and Alan Myers (drums) – in an exploration of 50 years of music. We all know Devo are their own, and bless them for that. Proving to stand the test of time, their music still sounds as fresh and fun as ever, but when listening to this collection you realize how important they have been to Rock-n-Roll’s story. Put together with a keen attention to detail, Cryptic Rock gives Devo’s 50 Years Of De-Evolution: 1973-2023 set 5 out of 5 stars.
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