Favorite New Wave Albums #8 - Duty Now for the Future

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Way back in the 1970's, God said "Let there be punk." And so it was done. The Lord then realized that punk rock was never going to become popular within the mainstream, so He decided to tone it down a little and said "Let there be new wave." And there was much rejoicing. And in 2018, God said "Scott shall count down his favorite new wave albums." So don't blame me. This is God's plan. We are at #8: Duty Now for the Future by Devo. From Akron, Ohio, Devo formed in 1973, their name taken from their belief that mankind is devolving, rather than evolving (members of the band were present at the Kent State massacre, which didn't exactly deter this viewpoint.) And despite the deaths of drummer Alan Myers and keyboardist/guitarist Bob Casale, the group is still going strong. (Fun Fact: Warner Brothers Records signed Devo to their original recording contract at the urging of David Bowie and Iggy Pop!) It was Devo's October 14th, 1978 appearance on Saturday Night Live that sparked my obsession with new wave music. And while their 1978 debut album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! is a new wave classic, it is their 1979 follow-up, Duty Now for the Future, that I listen to most when I devolve into a Devo mood. Stylistically different from their debut, Duty Now for the Future was regarded as a bit of a disappointment by critics and fans alike, although many have, in retrospect, softened their criticism. Opening with the "Devo Corporate Anthem," the most cold and sterile synthetic instrumental piece of music you're ever apt to hear, Duty Now for the Future is actually one damn fine piece of new wave music. "Clockout" simply smokes, "Blockhead" and "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA" are both Devo at their pre-"Whip It" finest, and their cover of Johnny Rivers' "Secret Agent Man" was a no-brainer for the band. Of all the covers that Devo did, "Secret Agent Man" was tailor made for them. These days, Devo's theory of de-evolution seems more pertinent than ever. Maybe we all need to take the hint and start working together for the common good. Duty Now for the Future indeed. (Info verified by Wikipedia)