This video is dedicated to fallen Devo member Bob Casale (or “Bob 2” as he’s often known). After his death, the group set out on a tour they called “Hardcore Devo.” It was all about going back to their early days. They originally started playing in a basement, and the stage backdrop is a basement wall. They work their way through all kinds of early Devo songs. I have to say that I’ve always preferred this earlier, almost dangerous, raw side of Devo to the later hit period. The video and sound are both great, too. The only complaint I have is that there are bits of interview interspersed within the songs. I’d like an option to just hear the songs without that. Still, this is nothing isolated to this video. I’ve seen it on concert film after concert film, and it annoys me no matter the band. I’d have to say, though, that I’m a big fan of this particular DVD despite that failing.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.