Are We Not Men? We Are Devo!

by Jade Dellinger, David Giffels

With flowerpots on their heads, distinctive post-Kraftwerk imagery, and staggeringly catchy electro-pop riffs, Devo carved an ’80s niche setting them apart from the mish-mash of punk, new wave and rock surrounding them. Dellinger interviewed band members and asso-ciates, ransacked their archives to provide illustrations, memorabilia and rare photographs documenting Devo’s entire career, and re-evaluated their complete works to provide the most -exhaustive survey of the Devo phenomenon.

Genres: Music

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Yuppie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grew up with Devo. this book gave a lot of context to the group and I was able to have a newfound appreciation of their art now as an adult. Really thoroughly researched and well written, including many perspectives to round out bias. A great example of how I'd love documentation of bands to be!

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

If your a huge Devo fan this book maybe of interest to you. I knew the group was formed by Akron natives who attended Kent State University so I thought I would give it a read. The book is very well researched and really dives in to the history of Devo. If you want to know everything about the way the group was founded and the stories behind their beliefs and ideas about music give this book a try. If your just want an easy summer read this is NOT the book for you it is almost like reading a college text book.

[Anthony Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting account of the evolution of Devo and its waning. Man, music people are creeps. Interesting creeps, though. amazing how many bands I've liked or heard good things about came out of Akron in that era. Of course, Joe Walsh did, too, so...

[John Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding biography of a classic band. I’ve been a fan for decades, so glad to have read this and learned the story behind one of my favorite bands. I had no idea it all started with Jerry. Glad to be reminded of the Johnny Rotten link to the band, ditto for Chrissie Hynde, The Waitresses and The Cramps, to name a few. Wonderful refresher course on their "later" catalog.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEVO is without a doubt my favourite band of all time, and I know way more about them than anyone ought to know about anything. This book actually told me things I hadn't known before, but it's best to take everything with a grain of salt. Apparently it's unauthorized, and no actual interviews were done with DEVO members specifically for the book. It's a very interesting read, just don't take it too seriously.

[Patrick Healy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the introduction is repeated in the middle of the book! Oh well, I really liked the mound of cocaine on the table and that record exec telling them that Johnny Rotten was in the next room. That's great stuff.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of Devo's early years. The period after Freedom of Choice does not get the attention it deserves. Hopefully this book will be updated soon as Devo are back at and as great as ever.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruben got me this for Christmas one year!

[Courtney Golden · Rating 3 out of 5]

surprisingly a very dry read

[Devin Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at the formation and success of a very misunderstood band.

[Peter]

Devo must be one of the few bands who actually peaked before they released their debut album. Don't get me wrong - I do enjoy their first three albums very much, but the real gold is to be found on the two Hardcore Devo albums.

And on that note, this description of the early years of Devo makes interesting reading for any fan of Devo.