Listen to a Devo Concert From 1980

Did you know that Paste owns the world’s largest collection of live music recordings? It’s true! And what’s even crazier, it’s all free—hundreds of thousands of exclusive songs, concerts and videos that you can listen to and watch right here at Paste.com, from Muddy Waters to The Rolling Stones to R.E.M. to LCD Soundsystem. Every day, we’ll dig through the archive to find the coolest recording we have from that date in history. Enjoy!

Every Friday afternoon needs a little Devo. There’s something about the Akron, Ohio band—with its funky blend of new wave and synth rock—that can add a bounce in your step as you skip away from the office, some reinvigorating peppiness as you manage your mischief for the evening.

In 1980, just months before this recording, Devo released its beloved third album Freedom of Choice. The 12-track LP illustrated the band donning their iconic red energy domes on the cover, but also showed them expanding their sonic palate and ability to craft wicked pop songs within futuristic cacophony.

“Girl U Want” was the album’s first track and lead single, which only paved the way for Devo’s most famous epithet, “Whip It.” Check out out this version of “Girl U Want” from the Paste Vault below.

Listen to a Devo Concert From 1980

"Girl U Want" showcases the band at its peak