DEVO – JOCKO HOMO/MONGOLOID (STIFF RECORDS)
Perhaps one of the greatest singles of all time by definitely one of the greatest bands of all (time), “Jocko Homo” is a much darker song that one would suspect upon first listen. This is a revenge song, a finger pointing celebration of all things conformist and failing covering in lashings of dark humour and seemingly bad taste. With a bang, DEVO arrive on this mortal with a chilling statement of intent and winking tongue in cheek nod of support to those already fighting the good fight. This is (was) a rallying call to the true spuds.
Just like their other early singles this came out on Stiff Records and was self recorded and as a result sounds very different to the Brian Eno versions that would eventually inhabit their debut album.
The conceit of “Jocko Homo” is taken from an anti evolution tract called “Jocko-Homo Heavenbound” by B.H. Shadduck. Throughout the course of history there have been jerks ruining the lives of those attempting to move the world forward with intellect, knowledge and wit but seldom in the face of such aggression and physical facets have such beacons as this shone through. To take strength from this song you sense is exactly what DEVO hoped to derive and were able to transmit to the listener.
As the song kicks in you almost feel as if you are conducting proceedings as you find yourself able to write the lyrics in the air with an invisible punk rock baton. When the song breaks down at the climax it becomes a communal affair and rally call to those that wish to hop aboard and get with the winning team.
Turning over you are presented with “Mongoloid”, an anthem about ugly. Soon into proceedings you find the band making rock star moves in tribute and celebration of the people in this world the most furthest removed from rock stardom. If ever a song served as a shield to the kid at school that was beaten up by everybody and also unfortunately suffered from having skid marks in his pants then this is that song. The passion that Mothersbaugh displays in singing this song could just as easily been about his best sex or his favourite pet but instead it is all about lifting up the underdog.
Thesaurus moment: exquisite.
DEVO
Stiff Records
Just like their other early singles this came out on Stiff Records and was self recorded and as a result sounds very different to the Brian Eno versions that would eventually inhabit their debut album.
The conceit of “Jocko Homo” is taken from an anti evolution tract called “Jocko-Homo Heavenbound” by B.H. Shadduck. Throughout the course of history there have been jerks ruining the lives of those attempting to move the world forward with intellect, knowledge and wit but seldom in the face of such aggression and physical facets have such beacons as this shone through. To take strength from this song you sense is exactly what DEVO hoped to derive and were able to transmit to the listener.
As the song kicks in you almost feel as if you are conducting proceedings as you find yourself able to write the lyrics in the air with an invisible punk rock baton. When the song breaks down at the climax it becomes a communal affair and rally call to those that wish to hop aboard and get with the winning team.
Turning over you are presented with “Mongoloid”, an anthem about ugly. Soon into proceedings you find the band making rock star moves in tribute and celebration of the people in this world the most furthest removed from rock stardom. If ever a song served as a shield to the kid at school that was beaten up by everybody and also unfortunately suffered from having skid marks in his pants then this is that song. The passion that Mothersbaugh displays in singing this song could just as easily been about his best sex or his favourite pet but instead it is all about lifting up the underdog.
Thesaurus moment: exquisite.
DEVO
Stiff Records
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