Devo's "That's Good" video is a prime example of their playful subversion, proving that even a simple cartoon could spark controversy.
The Song
"That's Good" is a new wave and synth-pop track by American band Devo, released as a single on November 24, 1982. It is featured on their fifth studio album, Oh, No! It's Devo, which came out in October 1982. Written by Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, the song's lyrics explore the ambiguity of universal desire, posing questions about what happens when everyone wants the same thing and whether one should change their desires.
The song leans heavily into a synth-driven sound, characteristic of Devo's 1980s output, with sequencers and "squiggly keys" joining programmed Linn drums. This electronic shift was noted by long-time devotees, contrasting with their earlier, more guitar and drum-focused work. Roy Thomas Baker produced the track, maintaining Devo's signature blend of mechanical precision, quirky melodies, and satirical social commentary.
The Artist
Devo is an American new wave band that formed in Akron, Ohio, in 1973. Their classic lineup consisted of two sets of brothers: Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald and Bob Casale, along with drummer Alan Myers. The band's name and core philosophy stem from the concept of "de-evolution," a satirical theory positing that humanity is regressing rather than evolving, a notion solidified for members like Gerald Casale after witnessing the Kent State shootings in 1970.
Known for their distinctive visual presentation, including their iconic energy domes and industrial jumpsuits, Devo's music and art blend kitsch science fiction, deadpan humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary. They were pioneers in the music video format, using their visual innovations to help define the aesthetic of the early MTV era. While often misunderstood as a "joke band," their influence on new wave, industrial, and alternative rock is significant.
Chart Performance
Despite Devo's established presence and the catchy nature of "That's Good," the single saw modest chart success in the mainstream. It peaked at #104 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Chart in 1983, indicating it was close to breaking into the main Billboard Hot 100.
However, the song performed much better in club settings, reaching #6 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play Chart in 1983. This demonstrated Devo's continued popularity within dance and alternative music communities, even as wider mainstream recognition remained elusive for many of their singles outside of their breakout hit, "Whip It".
Cultural Impact
The music video for "That's Good," directed by Gerald Casale, is notable for being one of the first videos to encounter significant censorship issues on MTV. The band's intention was to replicate the experience of their forthcoming tour for those unable to attend, employing a performance against a bluescreen displaying related visuals.
The controversy arose from a specific sequence featuring a cartoon French fry "penetrating" the hole of a doughnut, followed by a quick cut to a "writhing, smiling nude woman, shot from the neck up". MTV co-founder Les Garland reportedly called Casale, stating that the combination of the French fry and doughnut with the woman was too risqué for airplay. This incident highlighted what Gerald Casale described as MTV's hypocrisy at the time, arguing that overtly misogynistic videos were acceptable, but Devo's symbolic and humorous imagery was deemed disturbing. Casale eventually made cuts to the video, but regretted it, as the song was already declining on the charts.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "That's Good" was intended to preview Devo's live show, which integrated 20 minutes of rear projection video synchronized with their performance on a large screen.
- The animated "french fry and donut" scene that caused the MTV censorship was intentionally provocative, with Gerald Casale recalling a phone call where Les Garland explicitly told him, "You can have the French fry, or you can have the donut, but you can't have the French fry and the donut".
- Devo performed "That's Good" on the low-rated, but now cult-classic, television sitcom Square Pegs.
- The lyrics deal with a philosophical theme: the ambiguity of collective desire and societal definitions of "good".
- An extended version of "That's Good" was created and actively worked to clubs, contributing to its top-ten success on the dance charts.
- The video's producer was Chuck Statler, and its restoration was later handled by Peter Conheim.