Devo 2.0 was a failed experiment in many ways.
Following a lot of Disney, I took immediate notice of them.
Yes, this was (in some / many eyes) a failed experiment, but more than a few kids liked this, and more than a few Devo fans. Taken out of context, it's quite cute in a Disney way. Taken in context (in a decidedly J.R. Bob Dobbs-fashion), it's yet another layer of satirical Devo-esque philosophy, in that it's mixed / hybridized with Disney, and the self-fulfilling corporate sellout fatalism that Devo touts / warns against, imposed on themselves.
I liked this music, because it was Devo remixed, produced by Devo themselves ... repackaged, refreshed ... in a way that is under the surface, this is about as authentic Devo as you're going to get, when they repackage it, funnel it through a band of hand-picked kids and a unique, Disney-infused brand machine, the marriage of Devo and mouse.
A lot of people couldn't stand this, and by people I mean many hardcore Devo fans, but I always championed the new ... I was open to this.
The lead singer is good, and has that classic lead-singer personality. (i.e. the loner/diva who likes to showboat.)
Somewhere there's an interview with Jerry Casale where he breaks down the evolution of the project and how Disney approached him. It's fascinating. And here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6riQ-9CBbs
youtube: Devo 2.0 - Freedom of Choice
and as an added bonus: kids dancing to / mimicking Devo:
'Uncontrollable Urge'
for the simple reason of the girl running circles around the first one
