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Devo

In 1999, Rhino Records created a new label, Rhino Handmade, which specialized in uncommon releases reissued on a limited basis and only through the internet (usually titles that would only be of interest to the artists' most ardent fans). One of the first releases was a reissue of the long-out-of-print Devo Live EP from 1980, which was reissued on Rhino Handmade (as a limited release of 5,000 copies). Unlike the original six-song tracklisting, however, the 1999 version expands the selection dramatically, totaling 22 tracks in all. The newly included songs are from the same concert as those from the original EP recorded at San Francisco's Warfield Theater on August 16, 1980, just after the release of their classic Freedom of Choice album (previously only available on the promo-only Warner Bros. Music Show). The band's stiff and synth-driven studio experimentation translates wonderfully to the stage, as evidenced by such quirky delights as "Snowball," "It's Not Right," "Girl U Want," "Freedom of Choice Theme Song," "Mongoloid," "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA," and of course, "Whip It." Since a Devo live appearance has become as common as a Haley's Comet sighting, Devo Live will hopefully offer some relief to hungry spuds everywhere. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide