Devo Live

Q: Are we not (near-middle-aged) men? A: We are Devo! Reunited for the 1996 Lollapalooza Tour, Devo Live finds the four-piece ‘80s New Wave electronic pop/novelty band fronted by Mark Mothersbaugh (who went on to compose theme music for such Nickelodeon staples as Rugrats) performing an 11-song set before a daylight audience at Irvine Meadows, CA. Dressed in their signature yellow jumpsuits (which are later torn away to reveal black shirts/shorts with red kneepads), the band serves up six tunes from their 1978 debut Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, including the classic, stripped-bare monotone version of the Rolling Stones' “Satisfaction,” as well as cult favorites “Mongoloid,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” “Gut Feeling,” and “Come Back Jonee.” More likely to be recognized by most are the commercial breakthrough hits “Whip It” and “Girl U Want,” off 1980's Freedom of Choice. Caught live in the blazing sunlight, the aging geeky quartet seem a bit out of place, given the band's signature early forays into visual effects (requiring a darkened stage). Still, there's no denying the elemental power of songs like “Satisfaction” on this Dolby Digital 5.1-mastered disc, and the band definitely has a following (full disclosure: I myself own both CDs mentioned here). A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)