Someone suggested I write about Devo. I'd rather write about the Hold Steady or the National, but I don't know a goddamn thing about them other than I like some of their music. But frankly I think enough has been written about Devo. And god knows you can hear "Whip It" on twenty different commercials. Not that I have any problem with them, in fact I think they're one of the most influential and brilliant American bands, but enough bullshit has been slung.
Ok, I'll sling just a little more. Devo is like soccer, never will it catch on with the big crowds, but the hard cores will swear by it forever. I will say my first vision of them, on something called FMTV broadcast in suburban Denver circa 1980, was cataclysmic for me. And my last vision of them, playing in Central Park in the pouring rain, my brother and I singing along in our yellow rubber rainsuits purchased from KMart, was one of those things you'll never forget. I still get haunting flashbacks of the "Freedom of Choice" video when I'm drunk or eating certain types of shellfish. Yes, trust me: Devo stays with you, like a weird tattoo that you think is cool but you're embarrassed to show your relatives for some reason. Even though they're complete idiots.
I'm pretty sure Lou Reed likes Devo. My guess is his favorite tune is "The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise." Pure speculation.
I do think many of the current artists owe a lot to Devo and fans of new music should really go back and listen to Duty Now For the Future, Freedom of Choice, Q/A, etc. But I've preached enough about learning your roots. You either have the desire to know about music history or you don't. And nothing I say is going to matter.
So back to the future- somebody out there tell me about a band or performer that has the impact of Devo. Or Lou. Who's changing music? Who's doing things that will have an effect for 20, 30, 40 years?
It's getting colder. Darker. November. Winter is on the way. But there is a bright spot on the horizon: Chad Magma is playing the Arabian on Thursday. Rock and Roll. The light in the darkness.
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7 comments:
Why stop at Devo? I can't wait to hear your take on other 80's/alternative/electronic/new wave/post punk/blah-blah-blah...like, ummmmm, B-52's, Gary Numan, or maybe New Order?
Radiohead. nuf sed. 20, 30 ,40 years, they'll be around.
I saw Magma at the Beefsteak Charley's in Lodi back in '87. He opened with a VERY extended version of 'Phallux Karras' and was wearing this bright purple jumpsuit which revealed, when he assumed the cat-cow position, a very small yet very distinct shooting star motif, positioned directly upon what could only be described as his 'taint', which i found to be fascinating.
John Bourbon- I was at that show. Legendary, my friend Porter still has the tape. If you recall they encored with "Jealous Cakes", which they NEVER play. Chad Magma is a perfect example of a groundbreaking band that will never see the light of day in the music world because they're too good and too vague.
Magma blew their wad with "Free Frank Vargas". Their career was never the same since drummer (and lyricist)Chez Tweed left to join the Chicago based Revolution of Lemmings and Chad went solo to become the "next" Jeff Buckley.
Magma blew their wad? I don't think so. They were better after Tweed and Chad left. Next thing you're going to tell me is that Genesis wasn't better after Peter (the midget) Gabriel left. 'Nuff said.
HA! Tweed was a TOTAL wuss!! Remember reading this little gem?
"Yeah, I'm in touch with my feminine side. It happens to make me a better drummer...and a better lover".
-Casual Listener
April, 1985
WTF!?!
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