Devo - Live

Devo: Live opens with a short montage of Devo videos before plunging into a rare live performance from 1996. The lively set features 11 favorites from a Lollapalooza engagement--opening for Metallica, no less--at Irvine Meadows. The former "spud boys" of the 1970s and 1980s, now spud men, are as energetic as ever and the synchronized dancing for "Satisfaction" and "Uncontrollable Urge" is a treat. Something about Devo in broad daylight seems strange, but the band doesn't let the sun--or lack of background visuals--slow them down. The focus is on the music, with occasional shots of the audience, a foray into the crowd for a "Jocko Homo" sing-along, and a costume change from jumpsuits to shorts and T-shirts (white leg alert!). Though slightly less essential than the video compilation The Complete Truth About De-Evolution, Devo: Live is a great companion piece for the dedicated Devo devotee. --Kathleen C. Fennessy