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Total Devo

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Untitled

Total Devo was the seventh studio album by American New Wave band Devo. It was released in 1988 (see 1988 in music). It was the first Devo album that was recorded without drummer Alan Myers, who was replaced by former Sparks drummer David Kendrick. Many Devo fans consider this album to be the weakest of their catalogue; however, this same disc has proven to be fairly accessible to many non-Devo fans due to the more polished electronic sound as well as the more introverted lyrics, many of which allude to a failed romantic relationship.

One song of note on this album is "The Shadow", whose lyrics contains numerous references to literary works - the chorus is lifted directly from T. S. Eliot's poem The Hollow Men. 'Some Things Never Change' (which also quotes The Beatles' 'A Day in the Life') is used in Interplay's computer game adaptation of Neuromancer.

Track listing

  1. "Baby Doll" – 3:56
  2. "Disco Dancer" – 4:14
  3. "Some Things Never Change" – 4:12
  4. "Plain Truth" – 3:13
  5. "Happy Guy" – 3:26
  6. "Don't Be Cruel" (Elvis Presley/Otis Blackwell) – 2:10
  7. "The Shadow" – 3:25
  8. "I'd Cry If You Died" – 4:05
  9. "Agitated" – 3:53
  10. "Man Turned Inside Out" – 4:18
  11. "Sexi Luv" – 3:14 (Not included on the original vinyl album (Enigma:D1-73303))
  12. "Blow Up" – 4:38

CD bonus tracks

13. "Some Things Never Change" (Cassette Version) – 5:20
14. "Baby Doll" (Extended Mix) – 5:42
15. "Disco Dancer" (12" Version) – 6:30
16. "Agitated" (Hyperextended Mix) – 5:42

Cover Design

The cover photo is based on an early promotional photo by Devo from 1977. However, in taking the cover shot, David Kendrick's chin fell behind Bob Casale's uniform. Rather than retake the photo, a second photo of Kendrick's chin was very obviously pasted on. For the silhouette photo on the back cover, the band members posed naked.

The cover of original vinyl release (Enigma:D1-73303) included the caption: 11 digital cartoons from the de-evolution band

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)

Year Chart Position
1988 Pop Albums 189
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