E-Z Listening Disc

About E-Z Listening Disc

E-Z Listening Disc is a compilation album by the American new wave band Devo. It was originally released in 1987, on the label Rykodisc. The album is a compilation of all but one of the tracks from Devo's two E-Z Listening Muzak Cassettes, which had been available only through Club Devo in 1981 and 1984, respectively, consisting of instrumental versions of classic Devo songs performed in the style of easy listening Muzak or New-age music. The original E-Z Listening Muzak Cassette, Volume 2 contained two versions of "Shout," but only one appears on the CD due to time constraints (in 1987, CDs had the maximum capacity of 74:33). The "Hello Kitty" version, featuring synthesizers and an electric guitar, was included on the CD, whereas the other is a lounge music version featuring electronic piano, synth bass and drums. Additionally, the CD does not replicate the original cassette track-order. The version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" present here uses the original Rolling Stones guitar riff, which does not appear in any other versions of Devo's cover. The riff was possibly added because this rendition would otherwise bear no resemblance to the original: indeed, the song's vocal harmony could not be replicated with an instrument and Devo's quiet bass-riff was the only indicator of what it was. more »