Devo
7 vinyl records found
Devo is an American new wave band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973 around the concept of de-evolution, the satirical premise that humanity is regressing rather progressing. Built on experimental art punk infused with electronic elements and theatrical visual presentation, they broke through commercially in 1980 with Whip It while maintaining a devoted cult following across decades of lineup changes and musical reinvention.
About Devo
The band's origins trace to late-1960s collaborations between Gerald Casale, Bob Lewis, and Mark Mothersbaugh at Kent State University. These art students developed the de-evolution concept as both philosophical framework and artistic statement, first showcasing it through experimental performances at local festivals in 1973 and 1974. Early recordings like Mongoloid and a cover of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction arrived in 1977, establishing their irreverent approach to both original material and existing pop standards. Their 1976 film The Truth About De-Evolution gained attention after winning at the Ann Arbor Film Festival, bringing them industry recognition.
After signing with Warner Bros. in 1978 with support from David Bowie and Iggy Pop, Devo released their Brian Eno-produced debut Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! followed by Duty Now for the Future in 1979, which deepened their electronic instrumentation. Freedom of Choice in 1980 delivered both Whip It and Girl U Want while establishing their distinctive energy dome stage aesthetic. New Traditionalists (1981) and Oh, No! It's Devo (1982) continued their synth-driven evolution, but 1984's Shout, incorporating digital sampling, marked the beginning of commercial decline and their departure from Warner Bros. The band disbanded after 1991, with members pursuing solo work, though they reunited in 1996 for Sundance and periodically contributed to film projects.
Devo's influence extended beyond new wave into industrial, alternative rock, and internet-based music subgenres, while their pioneering work with music videos shaped that medium's early development. The Groove Hunter currently tracks 4 editions across 50 titles including 50 Years of De-Evolution 1973, Freedom of Choice, Hardcore Devo Live, and Recombo DNA, documenting the band's vinyl catalog across their different eras.
