Ah, the magic of cut and paste: with only a few minor changes, my earlier review of Devo Live (VL-7/04) is perfectly apropos here. Reunited for a 2003 concert in Japan, Devo: Live in the Land of the Rising Sun 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 a 13-song set dressed in their signature yellow jumpsuits (which are later torn away to reveal black shirts/shorts). 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. There are two crucial differences between Devo Live and this release, however: the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is more muddled here and the tracks are separated by irritating and largely self-indulgent interview clips/press briefings (band member Gerald Casale's ramblings about his earlier sexual adventures in Japan are particularly tedious, although his observation that "we have a retarded cowboy running our country" will resonate with approximately 48% of American viewers). DVD extras include the 12-minute featurette "Devo Goes to Japan," a six-minute featurette on drummer David Kendricks, and a four-minute 1980 clip of Devo performing "Gut Feeling" that is more lively (and better sounding) than the 2003 concert version presented here. Optional, at best. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Devo: Live in the Land of the Rising Sun
(2004) 75 min. DVD: $14.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 1
Devo: Live in the Land of the Rising Sun
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