Bottom/ Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (Warner Bros, 1978) is the first album by New Wave musicians Devo from Akron, Ohio. The album was produced by Brian Eno, and featured a radical cover of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and the controversially titled "Mongoloid". The name "Devo"(pronounced DEE-vo or dee-VO) comes "from their concept of 'de-evolution' - the idea that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society." Their style has been variously classified as punk, art rock and post-punk. Devo's music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary via sometimes-discordant pop songs. They are best known for their 1980 hit "Whip It", and their work has proved hugely influential on subsequent popular music, particularly New Wave and alternative rock artists. Middle/ Sacrebleu (Yellow Productions, 1996) is the debut album from French producer and DJ Dimitri From Paris. His musical influences are rooted in 1970s funk and disco sounds that spawned contemporary house music, as well as original soundtracks from 50s and 60s cult movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Party. Dimitri fused these sounds with electro and block party hip hop he discovered in the 80s. And voilà! Top/ Kitschy lyrics and mood, and hook-laden harmonies, abound in The B-52's (Warner, 1979) eponymous New Wave debut album by Athens, Georgia-based rock band The B-52's. Because the words "Play Loud" appear on the original LP, this album is sometimes erroneously referred to as Play Loud. Shortly before his death, John Lennon considered the album to be his all-time favorite. Standouts include "Planet Claire", "Rock Lobster" and "Dance This Mess Around".
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