Disco de Devo: “E-Z Listening Disc”

I was expecting elevator music. I wanted to find out how far Devo would go in transforming their wonderful, unique work into bland pap. Call it morbid curiosity.

I was disappointed, but it was the happy kind of disappointment. It wasn't elevator-like at all. Fulfilling their genetic imperative, Devo deconstructed their own songs, but they stopped far short of destroying them. (I am grateful.)

(Theoretically, you *could* pipe this sort of music into an elevator, but then no one would want to leave; proper elevator music makes people want to get out as soon as possible.)

Some of the tracks are watered-down versions of the originals, and not especially interesting, although it's true enough that they're easy to listen to. But many of them do hold to the Muzak tradition of subverting the impression of a song from, say, ironic and upbeat to maudlin: "Mongoloid" is a good example. The tune's the same, you can even sing along, but if you weren't familiar with the original you'd never suspect what the song is about. It's a gentle yet haunting rendition of a fun, punkish song.

The E-Z "Jocko Homo" isn't quite as radically different from the original, but it is pretty funny. If you really want to hear something that would frighten people out of the elevators, try "Peekaboo"! You think Devo's first interpretation of "Satisfaction" was bizarre? Listen to this one. Proof again that even the most straightforward song can be bent in many directions while still maintaining its identity.

Maybe just knowing it's really Devo is what makes it fun. I don't think this disk would make much sense to someone who isn't a fan; even if they liked the sound of it, they'd miss out on a lot by not being in on the joke. It's a must-have for Devotees, though, and fascinating if you're interested in the different ways a song can be put together, taken apart, and rearranged.

...I originally purchased this music when it was mail-order only on 2 cassettes. Devo wanted to "muzak" their music before others did it to them and this disc is TERRIFIC! Haven't you ever been to a mall & heard Talking Heads or XTC Muzaked? They did it first & BEST! Lighten UP! Buy this NOW! ..WE MUST REPEAT!

Before buying this disc you had best be aware that it is not anything close to the style of music you would expect from Devo. It is a clever muzak adaptation of the bands hits (and misses). I wish more artists put out records like this. If you are a hard-core Devo fan that's open-minded you will most definitely get a kick out of this. On the other hand, if the only thing you've heard from them is "Whip it", may I suggest doing your Devo homework first.

If you have ever seen Devo live you know that this is what they play before and after the show. It is perfect and you know you want it!!!

I used to glom onto the great sales-pitch inner sleeves for all DEVO records where they would hawk their merchandise and the original 2 EZ-Listening cassettes always made me want to order them but I didn't like the lousy cassette format, so it never happened. Good thing Rykodisc did us all a favor and released them on a single CD! This is where Mark Mothersbaugh's soundtrack career began in earnest. Listening to this it's not hard to make the leap to the Rugrats soundtrack as he renderers some of DEVO's least digestible melodies into twee little tunes suitable for all ages. More conceptual brilliance from DEVO!