Devo
Something Else for Everybody

This collection, officially released in 2013, consists of tracks that did not find a place on the previous "Something for Everybody" from 2010.

Except for the last track, which is a remixed version of a song already edited on the previous one, all the remaining tracks are part of the same recording sessions as the previous album.

After listening carefully to the work in question, the immediate question is: can a collection of outtakes be better than the "sister" collection of official tracks? In this case, the answer is definitely yes... albeit marginally. Not that it took a huge effort to beat the original and rather uninspiring 'first choice' work from 2010, but in my humble opinion, many of the tracks in this collection would have improved the primary work and, in absolute terms, they are quite enjoyable to listen to. Stylistically, the album sits somewhere between the quirky deviations of their first album and the 100% electronic style of "Oh no! It's Devo" rather than "Freedom Of Choice."

Moreover, from a historical perspective, this collection is certainly better than the old "shame trilogy" Shout - Total Devo - Smooth Noodle Maps - without even a moment's doubt. The central trio of tracks is truly noteworthy, "Raise your hands," "Message of hope," and "Big dog" present Devo in good form. The sound is quite consistent, and the tracks all have the same kind of "punch." Let's also set aside discussions like "what can Devo say today compared to 35 plus years ago"... here the expectations should be lowered, one should just listen and appreciate the successful mix of irreverence and catchy synth-pop melodies from the band... and in this sense, they do not disappoint.
The album is based on their typical style, delivering a recognizable and well-defined trademark.

The lyrics tend to their usual surreal-alienated style. The martial and square synths shine brilliantly, the vocals and vocal harmonies are appreciable, and everything works quite well. On a scale of ten, I'd rate it a 7 minus... on "rateyourmusic," I'd say about a 3.20.

I essentially divide the tracklist into three tiers of judgment: the definitely approved tracks are "On the Inside," which brings back memorable choruses and the old schizoid-futuristic and somewhat dark atmosphere, "Raise Your Hands" dominated by martial and decisive synths with swift and catchy melodies, "Message of Hope" and "Big Dog" are strong, and even "I Luv Ur Gun" is very well crafted.

The middle-sufficient ones, in my opinion, are "Monsterman," "Should-A Said Yes," "Can U Juggle?"

The remaining tracks are essentially rejected: "Think Fast," in the end, is nothing special and falls into the banal, "Throw Money at the Problem" is too over-the-top compared to the rest, and "Don't Shoot (I'm a Man)" is simply the remix of a track already included in the "primary" album. Sure, it’s a "shocking" track like in the good old days, but flashy and inconsistent.

These, at least, are my feelings. Anyway, as I was saying, the sounds are all very homogeneous in terms of style, and preferring one track over another is also a matter of feeling that develops at the moment of listening and personal sensitivity. That is, between the worst and the best of the LP, in the end, there isn't such an abysmal range of difference for better or worse. So, the list I made is debatable and interchangeable depending on who listens to the album.

In conclusion, this "Something Else for Everybody" is not a masterpiece, of course, but it is definitely not inferior to its 2010 twin.

A (not so) rare case where the outtakes are, on average, more successful than the official tracks, and I reiterate that a good half of the tracks on this album could have easily replaced some of the songs from the previous album (such as the terrible Cameo and Step Up).

Even though Devo made history 30 (and more) years ago, this is still a new collection of pleasant and typically irreverent "Devo Sound" tracks.

The devoted fans of the band should definitely add it to their collection. For everyone else, it is recommended but not essential.