With the commercial success of their previous album FREEDOM OF CHOICE, the pressure was on Devo to come up with another hit. While NEW TRADITIONALISTS was indeed an exceptional album, it did not replicate the commercial success of its predecessor. The album was the first to be completely produced by the band, and also marks the first time that keyboards and electronic drums would dominate the arrangements on a Devo record (little guitar is heard), resulting in a much more computerized and precise sound. But the songwriting skills of Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale were in full effect, as Devo's trademark humor and wit were on full display.The opener, ''Through Being Cool,'' catches the band at it's most fun. Other technoid highlights abound, such as the forgotten early-'80s MTV hit ''Love Without Anger,'' the ironic ''Beautiful World,'' the jittery ''Going Under'' and an anthemic Devo concert staple, ''Jerkin' Back N' Forth.'' Also included are lesser-known (yet still intriguing) tracks, such as ''Pity You'' and ''Soft Things.'' Another powerful Devo release.One of the most innovative and often misunderstood bands, Devo took its name 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 music echoed this view of society as rigid, repressive, and mechanical, with appropriate touches -- jerky, robotic rhythms; an obsession with technology and electronics (the group was among the first non-prog rock bands to make the synthesizer a core element); and often atonal melodies and chord progressions.DEVO have signed a unique, ground-breaking worldwide partnership with their original label home Warner Bros. Records that exhibits the band's long-time commitment to innovation in all aspects of their career. In the '80s, the band put the ''new'' in the music revolution labeled ''New Wave'' with their synergistic mix of electronic rock, un
