Hardcore Vol.1

While it is inconsistent, the first of Rykodisc's compilations of early four-track recordings made in Devo's basement is a necessary item for devoted fans. In addition to the original Booji Boy releases of "Satisfaction," "Jocko Homo," and "Mongoloid," Hardcore, Vol. 1 contains the full-length version of "Mechanical Man," the sarcastic satire of "Social Fools," and the flat-out weirdness of songs like "Golden Energy," "I'm a Potato," and "Uglatto." Most of these songs had not been previously available in an authorized format; many are reminiscent of the minimalist weirdness of the Residents. While some tracks are a bit short on melody, and the sound quality is mostly (and understandably) crude, they amply illustrate Devo's D.I.Y. garage-band origins and their seemingly inexhaustible (at that point) supply of satirically humorous ideas, as well as the fact that the band's patented sound was present right from the start of their long gestational period. ~ Steve Huey