Devo: Live 1980

Hey spuds! In my review of the 2003 Devo: Land of the Rising Sun (VL-1/05), I mentioned that the DVD extras included a four-minute 1980 clip of the band performing "Gut Feeling" that was more lively (and better sounding) than anything in the main program. Devo: Live 1980 (a DualDisc with the DVD on one side, and an audio CD on the other) features the entire 20-song concert filmed at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA on August 17, 1980. Captured at the height of their creative arc and popularity, the four-piece New Wave electronic pop/novelty band fronted by Mark Mothersbaugh perform here dressed in their signature yellow jumpsuits (which are later torn away to reveal black shirts/shorts). As in the 2003 concert, 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,” along with "Gates of Steel" and the title track off 1980's Freedom of Choice. Presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, DVD extras include two bonus clips of the band playing “Praying Hands” and “Shrivel Up.” While the overall audio quality is only so-so, this is the best Devo concert currently on the market. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)