DEVO – Q: Are We Not Men? - 1978 Warner Bros. BSK 3239 1st Goldisc Pressing VG+

$

25

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! is the debut studio album by the American new wave band Devo. By May 19 of 1977, the group had debuted all of the album's tracks live, and would continue to develop the material throughout the year. That year, David Bowie and Iggy Pop received a tape of Devo demo songs from the wife of Michael Aylward, guitarist in another Akron, Ohio, band, Tin Huey. Both Pop and Bowie, as well as Brian Eno and Robert Fripp, expressed interest in producing Devo's first release. In October 1977, Patrick Gleeson invited the band to record "Come Back Jonee" and "Shrivel-Up" at his Different Fur studio in San Francisco. The following month, Devo returned to New York and were introduced ahead of a show at Max's Kansas City by Bowie, who told the audience that he planned to produce Devo's first album in Tokyo over the winter.

Eventually, however, Eno was chosen to produce the album at Conny Plank's studio near Cologne after a series of engagements prevented Bowie from undertaking the recording. The band were flown to Germany in February 1978. Bowie was busy filming Just a Gigolo at the time, but assisted Eno on weekends. Since Devo had not yet been signed to a record label, Eno paid for the flights and studio cost of the band, confident that they would be signed; in return, he asked for a share of any subsequent deals. The Different Fur recordings of "Come Back Jonee" and "Shrivel-Up" had been overdubbed upon during these sessions.

The recording sessions were a source of frustration for Eno and Devo. Eno found the band unwilling to experiment or deviate from the sound of their demo recordings. After conflicts arose between the group and Eno, Bowie was brought in to remix the album. It was originally released in August 1978 on Warner Bros. in North America and Virgin Records in Europe. The album peaked at No. 78 on the U.S. Billboard chart and No. 12 on the UK Albums Chart. Retrospectively, the album has been included on several "best of" lists from publications including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Spin.

THIS COPY is a 1st pressing by Goldisc Recording Products, Inc., from 1978 on the Warner Brothers label (see Notes, below).

The vinyl has a number of light marks, but per a test listen, none that affect playback.  The vinyl is in Very Good Plus [VG+] condition.

The original cover has only light signs of handling wear.  The lower right hand corner of the cover has become unglued - not split - for about 3 inches.  Overall, the cover is in Very Good Plus [VG+] condition, still bright and sturdy.

The original inner sleeve has multiple photos of the band's "Devo" schtick on one side, with one large photo of the band and song lyrics on the reverse. (Note that the lyrics to "(I Cant Get No) Satisfaction" are not included since it's by Jagger and Richards of the Stones.)  With no seam splits and minimal signs of handling, the inner sleeve is in Very Good Plus [VG+] condition.

 Notes

Label variation, pressed by Goldisc Recording Products, Inc.

Recorded at Conny's Studio in Köln, Germany, except "Shrivel-Up" and "Come Back Jonee" recorded at Different Fur Studios in San Francisco, CA.

Matrix / Runout (Runout, Etched, Side A): BSK-1-3239 G1 Q: ARE WE NOT MEN?

Matrix / Runout (Runout, Etched, Side B): BSK-2-3239 G1 A: WE ARE DEVO!

Matrix / Runout (Runout, Etched, Sides A & B): GoL

ENJOY!