Группа DEVO выступит в Бейкаре 27 августа с сатирическим хитом «Freedom of Choice»

The WMNF Song of the Day for August 27, 2026 is “Freedom of Choice” by DEVO. Formed in Akron, Ohio in 1973, DEVO emerged as one of the defining bands of the new wave movement. Built around two sets of brothers—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh alongside Gerald and Bob Casale—and drummer Alan Myers, the group blended synth-pop, art punk, and sci-fi aesthetics with a healthy dose of surreal, deadpan humor. Their entire band identity centered on the concept of “de-evolution”—the tongue-in-cheek idea that instead of evolving, human society was actually regressing into conformity and mindless consumerism. While most famous for their mega-hit “Whip It,” DEVO’s sharp social commentary and pioneering music videos left a lasting mark on alternative rock and synth-pop. A prime example of their biting satire is “Freedom of Choice,” the title track from their breakthrough 1980 album. Driven by a pounding rhythm and an instantly recognizable synth riff, the upbeat track sounds like an anthem at first listen. However, the song’s core message is a sarcastic critique of modern society. Inspired in part by a Carl’s Jr. commercial boasting “freedom of choice” while displaying four virtually identical hamburgers, the band set out to mock the illusion of consumer options. As guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh noted, the real core of the song is the idea that people don’t actually want true freedom of choice—they secretly prefer the convenience of being told what to do. DEVO wove this philosophical commentary directly into the track’s clever lyrics and original release concept. One memorable line describes a dog in ancient Rome who finds two bones, wanders in circles unable to pick between them, and drops dead—a direct nod to the classic “Buridan’s ass” paradox about the paralysis of choice. DEVO even extended the song’s theme to the vinyl release itself: the single had no defined A-side or B-side. Instead, the cover included empty checkboxes next to “Freedom of Choice” and “Snowball,” playfully instructing buyers to use their own freedom of choice to decide which track took top billing. Catch them LIVE today, August 27th at Baycare Sound. For more info: https://clubdevo.com Leave a Reply