Shout (Collectables)

Performer: Devo
Engineer: Robert Casale; Robert Casale
Producer: Devo; Devo
Distributor: Gotham Distributing Corp.

Notes: Devo: Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals); Bob Casale, Bob Mothersbaugh (guitar); Jerry 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 Mixer: Mike Shipley. Recording information: Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA. Photographer: Karen Filter. Unknown Contributor Roles: Bill Gerber; Elliot Roberts; Willie Alexander. Devo's 1984 release SHOUT showed that the band was losing a bit of focus. Perhaps the misdirection could be attributed to drummer Alan Meyers' unhappiness with Devo's more extensive use of electronic drum machines, and a bad relationship with their record company at the time. Where Devo's earlier albums did contain robotic music and stiff playing, there was still a certain charm and warmth--traditional instruments (electric guitars and acoustic drums) were still an integral part of the sound. These elements are absent on SHOUT. Following in the tradition of Devo's reconstructive covers of past standards ("Satisfaction" on their debut and "Secret Agent Man" on DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE), the band updates Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?" with '80s sounds. The title track takes a horn sample and transforms it into an electronic dance track. "Here To Go" is one of the few songs on the album to use guitar, while the quirky "The 4th Dimension" contains the guitar riff from the Beatles' "Day Tripper." SHOUT is not up to the high standards set by Devo's first five banner albums, but it does have its moments.

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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