Search - Devo :: Duty Now for the Future / New Traditionalists

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Terence J. Miles | Sutherland, IA, USA | 01/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD represents an unusual yet remarkable pairing of two absolutely essential recordings by the Spud Boys from Akron.
After the tour-de-force that was Devo's first full-length album, "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!", the band switched gears and switched producers from Brian Eno to Ken Scott (known for his work with Supertramp, among others), to produce a chilling, icy work, still with intelligence, energy, and quirky creativity, but with a sound that smacked of anything but commercialism (listen to "Timing X" and "S.I.B"), and was nonetheless very appealling in an emotionally backdoor way; disturbingly catchy, a metaphor for the desire our darker consciousness emits.
I always felt "Freedom Of Choice" was the band's attempt at gaining a more commercial acceptance; not a bad record, but light-hearted when compared to the first two major releases. That's one of the reasons I was glad to see "New Traditionalists" coupled with "Duty Now...". It returned the band to a harder sound, more reminiscent of "Are We Not Men...", while somewhat refuting their more commercial leanings of "Freedom" with songs such as "Through Being Cool" and "Pity You". The attitude was still there, the vision, the disturbing catchiness. They hadn't lost it after all; if anything, they were juxtaposing their original fan base with those who came along upon hearing "Whip It". And it worked very well.
Get this CD. It will inform, entertain, and satirize as only Mothersbaugh and company could. Even 20-plus years down the line."

Two great albums on one CD!

race_of_doom | USA | 07/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yay! I can't believe this -- there are others here who think "Duty Now for the Future" is better than "Are We Not Men" also! I'm not the only one! Finally.You see, Ken Scott didn't make the production "murkier," as some reviewers claim. He just made it more INTERESTING. Of course, I love "Are We Not Men" -- a complete classic from start to finish. But this album is just more interesting, more fun, more well made -- heck, even the instrumentals "Devo Corporate Anthem" and "Timing X" are spectacular. Everytime "Anthem" starts up, I always get a feeling that something special is going to happen. And I'm always correct."Clockout" is one of the best Devo songs, EVER. It doesn't have the traditional verse/chrous/verse template as other songs... it's an odd listen at first, but it will grow on you like ... fungus. Or something. It's got some kicka** guitar and the lyrics are Devo at it's best."Wiggly World" is a great combonation of post-punk and new wave... it hits incredibly hard, and it moves at a blazing pace.Other top songs on this album include "S.I.B. (Swelling Itching Brain)" (this song even gets scary!), "The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise," "Pink Pussy Cat" (great voices), and, the best Devo song ever, "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA."And contrary to popular opinion, "New Traditionalists" is only a notch below Devo's other works. I'm particularly fond of the last five songs. "Love Without Anger" and "Beautiful World" especially. Great songs, GREAT lyrics.All in all, one of the best purchases around for a Devo fan. Buy it before it goes out of print!"