Music of the Day, 22 January 2025
commemorating an important anniversary
I have vague memories of hearing today’s song on the radio back in its day. It was overshadowed by the band’s biggest hit, though. My suspicion is that I didn’t really appreciate it until much later, when I could listen to it on repeat via the band’s greatest hits compilation.1
“Freedom of Choice” was the fourth single2 from Devo’s 1980 album of the same name. Just that date provides a clue as to what songwriter Gerald Casale was on about, but for those who need more, the album’s Wiki page lays it out. It loops in to today’s anniversary3 as well.
“Freedom of Choice” seems to favor the low end more than usual for Devo, and I like it a lot. The members of Devo for this album are: Bob Casale (keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals); Gerald Casale (bass guitar, keyboards, vocals); Bob Mothersbaugh (lead guitar and vocals); Mark Mothersbaugh (guitar, keyboards, vocals); and Alan Myers on drums.
The song can be taken as sincere or sardonic: the opening verse exhorts listeners to “use your freedom of choice”; but the fadeout is “freedom of choice is what you got; freedom from choice is what you want.” I think both takes are accurate, and Casale was intentional in highlighting the dichotomy in American society. Especially when shopping for certain items, freedom from choice4 can be desirable.
Even though I enjoyed Devo’s music that got airplay, I don’t think I fully appreciated the lyrics; I was focused on my education, then my marriage, etc. I am very tempted to dive in to the band’s catalogue to see what might be revealed.
of which I have two: 1990’s Greatest Hits; and 2001’s Hot Potatoes
or was it? The song’s Wiki page informed me that the 45 had no “A” and “B” markings; instead, it encourages listeners to decide which song is which. “Snowball” is the other song, which—alas—I do not have
an American political anniversary, which means less now, but many are working to change that
this idea was trendy a couple of decades ago; I think a book titled The Paradox of Choice kicked it off
Such a great group to have lived with during my college years.
That whole album is one of my favorites. "New Traditionalists" which came after also has some interesting, socially relevant songs. The production is super cool too!