New Traditionalists

Performer: Devo
Engineer: Larry Alexander
Producer: Devo
Distributor: Gotham Distributing Corp.

Notes: NEW TRADITIONALISTS contains 3 bonus tracks. Devo: Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals); Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale (guitar); Gerald V. Casale (bass); Alan Myers (percussion). Personnel: Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Bob Mothersbaugh (vocals, guitar); Gerald V. Casale (vocals, keyboards); Alan Myers (drums). Audio Remasterers: Dan Hersch; Bill Inglot. Recording information: Power Station, New York, NY. Photographer: Moshe Brakha. Unknown Contributor Role: Manuel J. Donayre. With the commercial success of their previous album FREEDOM OF CHOICE, the pressure was on Devo to come up with another hit. While NEW TRADITIONALISTS was indeed an exceptional album, it did not replicate the commercial success of its predecessor. The album was the first to be completely produced by the band, and also marks the first time that keyboards and electronic drums would dominate the arrangements on a Devo record (little guitar is heard), resulting in a much more computerized and precise sound. But the songwriting skills of Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale were in full effect, as Devo's trademark humor and wit were on full display. The opener, "Through Being Cool," catches the band at it's most fun. Other technoid highlights abound, such as the forgotten early-'80s MTV hit "Love Without Anger," the ironic "Beautiful World," the jittery "Going Under" and an anthemic Devo concert staple, "Jerkin' Back N' Forth." Also included are lesser-known (yet still intriguing) tracks, such as "Pity You" and "Soft Things." Another powerful Devo release.

Q (5/97, p.130) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...like funk processed in a clinic, with the offbeat lyrics delivered as if by some drilled regiment...Who could say no?"

They'll forever be known for their infamous flowerpot hats, but more importantly, Devo was one of the architects of American new wave in the late 1970s and early '80s, whether spastically deconstructing the Stones' "Satisfaction" or churning out irresistible synth hooks. Their social satire added a valuable element of irony missing from many other groups of the era. Devo paved the way for both synth-pop and geek-rock. Singer Mark Mothersbaugh went on to become a successful film composer, but the group engaged in periodic reunions over the years.

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