Devo — De-Evolution Complete, Now “The House Band on the Titanic”

Mark Mothersbaugh coined the phrase “Rust Never Sleeps” for Neil Young, and later composed for The Rugrats, among others. In between was Devo. The social satire is back, perhaps perfectly timed…

30 years ago, watching Saturday Night Live, I saw this absolutely repulsive band in yellow jumpsuits perform as the anti-band. While rockers of the day were full of smooth and swagger, Devo was exactly the opposite — stiff and herky jerky.

I didn’t get it — at first. But ultimately I went out and bought that Brian Eno produced debut album, and have been a fan ever since.

Last night they returned — at the Olympics no less — as a self declared mainstream act. In fact, Devo, Inc. is now using fans to focus group every move they make.

While the band back then warned of a mob mentality as humans de-volved, now they simply announce the arrival of the storm they forecast, telling the LA Times “We’re the house band on the Titanic.”

Not only is America, especially Corporate America ripe for a send-up, but with music returning to a synth-pop 80’s feel, Devo feels right for the times.

Enjoy the corporate videos, take the Devo Color Study, and check out fan video of Devo’s performance at Whistler for the Olympics.

Click the icon to participate in Devo’s hilarious Color Study

And check out the band’s new look, focus-grouped for the Olympics in this fan video of the classic Gates of Steel: