Devo Album: “Now It Can Be Told”

Description :

Devo includes: Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald V. Casale, Bob Casale, Bob Mothersbaugh. <p>Recorded at The Palace, Hollywood, California on December 9, 1988. <p>All songs written or co-written by Mark Mothersbaugh and/or Gerald V. Casale except "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (Mick Jagger/Keith Richard) and "Working In A Coal Mine" (Allan Toussaint). <p>Although 1988's TOTAL DEVO was a step in the right direction for Devo, it didn't return the band back to the top of the charts. Still, the ensuing club tour behind the album was a sold-out success, resulting in the release of Devo's first full-length live album, NOW IT CAN BE TOLD (a six-song EP, DEVO LIVE, was issued back in '81). The concerts opened with a stripped-down acoustic set, which gradually led to full-blown electric versions of all their hits. <p>The album also contains a couple of tracks unavailable anywhere else--the carefree "It Doesn't Matter To Me," as well as an album closing medley of two of their best dance tracks, "Shout" and "Disco Dancer," titled "Somewhere With Devo." All of Devo's best- known tracks are included here, such as "Whip It," "Girl U Want," "That's Good," "Satisfaction" and "Working In A Coalmine." You'll also find radically reworked versions of "Jocko Homo" and "Going Under" (the latter being better than the original version). Add to it some witty and funny between-song banter from the band, and you have an excellent example of Devo at the height of their in-concert powers.

I am preparing to see Devo live this October, and while searching through their catalogue I saw this CD. I never knew this CD existed, and while I should be fair in mentioning that I don't actually have it, I WAS AT THIS SHOW!! This was the last time I saw DEVO, during my college days, and this show is/was still one of the best I've ever seen. First, they blew the audience away with an opening acoustic set - imagine DEVO in the yellow suits sitting on stools - that included some unpredictable numbers like "jocko homo." Second, they left and returned with the flower pots (okay "energy domes", and played an electrifying tour through most of their greatest songs. Remember, this was a time when DEVO was waning. Most of us original fans exited after "Shout" - it was just too, well, synthesized and without edge. But this show restored the faith, at least for their live performances. I'm looking forward to seeing them again after 16 years. Oh yeah, I still carry a scar on my right hand from taking a stage dive at this show and landing on some broken glass on the floor. Memories.

It's been about 20 years since NICBT was released, and this is still my favorite album - live or otherwise, out of a collection of over 400 CD's. I'm guessing it must be a favorite of many people to still be in print after so long, continuously in print I believe. This show was simply amazing from start to finish - a finish that came much, much too soon for me. DEVO knew how to build a show to an amazing climax and this is a perfect example of that. Don't miss this one.