Quick Note on the Devo Documentary
Which any thoughtful person needs to watch, it's on Netflix.
Just think about this quote from Mark Mothersbaugh: “They took one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, and turned it into an ad to sell hamburgers.” He was referring to Burger King’s cannibalization of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, which became the “hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us” jingle. And don’t forget that Maroon 5 did the same thing with Memories, and I’m still pissed about it. I honestly hadn’t made the Burger King connection until Mothersbaugh filled me in, and I’m worried I’ll hear the Burger King jingle every time I hear the Canon. And it upsets and vexes me.
But I forgive Mothersgaugh; that’s what good art does, right? it makes you feel.
This film about the inevitable demise of this wonderful band left me sad, but inspired. I still love them, and the things they have to say about the cannibalization of art and beauty, and our increasing inability to think critically, are terrifyingly dangerous, prophetic, and valuable today. Please take 1:30 out of your day and watch. And remember, “Freedom of choice is what you want. Freedom from choice is what you got.”
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