Experience the de-evolutionary brilliance of Devo as they tackle a blue-collar classic with their signature eccentric flair.
The Song
"Working in the Coal Mine" is a cover song originally written by New Orleans R&B legend Allen Toussaint and made famous by Lee Dorsey in 1966, hitting #8 on the U.S. charts. Devo's version, released in 1981, infuses the soulful R&B tune with their distinctive new wave, synth-pop sound, transforming it into a quirky, industrial-tinged anthem. The band recorded their rendition during the sessions for their 1980 album "Freedom of Choice", but it wasn't included on that album. Instead, it found its home on the soundtrack for the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal.
Warner Bros. Records initially declined to include the track on Devo's album, but later issued it as an independent bonus 7-inch single accompanying their 1981 release, "New Traditionalists". The song satirizes the grueling, monotonous nature of manual labor, a theme that resonates perfectly with Devo's de-evolutionary philosophy. Despite its seemingly dark subject matter, Devo's energetic and often humorous delivery, coupled with persistent background vocals, transforms the narrative into a campy romp about exhaustion.
The Artist
Devo, formed in Akron, Ohio, in 1973, became synonymous with the new wave movement, blending art-punk aesthetics with electronic music. Comprising two sets of brothers—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald and Bob Casale—along with drummer Alan Myers, the band built their identity around the concept of "de-evolution," a satirical theory positing that humanity was regressing rather than evolving. Their music and visual presentation are characterized by kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary.
Known for their distinctive costumes, like the red Energy Dome hats, and their pioneering approach to music videos, Devo carved out a unique space in music history. Their work has been highly influential on subsequent movements, including new wave, industrial, and alternative rock. Gerald Casale himself went on to direct numerous music videos for other notable artists, cementing Devo's legacy in the visual medium.
Chart Performance
Devo's cover of "Working in the Coal Mine" achieved moderate international success upon its release in 1981. The song peaked at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Beyond the U.S. borders, the single performed even better, reaching number 8 in New Zealand and number 17 in Canada. This chart performance solidified its status as a recognizable track within their discography, even though it wasn't one of their highest-charting hits like "Whip It."
Cultural Impact
The Devo version of "Working in the Coal Mine" deepened the band's connection to unique visual storytelling, aligning perfectly with their eccentric persona. The song's inclusion in the cult animated film Heavy Metal ensured its reach to a broader audience, exposing it to fans of science fiction and animation. The accompanying music video, showcasing the band members literally "working" in a stylized coal mine set in full miner attire, encapsulated their blend of satire and performative art.
The video, like much of Devo's visual output, was instrumental in establishing their image as pioneers of the music video format, particularly during the early days of MTV. It cemented their reputation for turning mundane concepts into visually striking and often humorous commentary on modern society and "de-evolution." The catchy, repetitive chorus combined with their quirky visual interpretation made it a memorable piece of early 80s music culture.
Fun Facts
- The original version of "Working in the Coal Mine" by Lee Dorsey featured the legendary New Orleans funk band The Meters as the backing band.
- Allen Toussaint, the song's writer, admitted that neither he nor Lee Dorsey had ever actually been down a coal mine when he wrote the song.
- Devo's cover was initially slated for their 1980 album "Freedom of Choice" but was excluded, only to be released as a bonus single with their subsequent album, "New Traditionalists", and on the Heavy Metal soundtrack.
- The music video prominently features Devo members in miner outfits, humorously depicting the physical toil and monotony described in the lyrics.
- The phrase "How long can this go on?" from the song, highlighting the worker's fatigue, is a recurring lament in Lee Dorsey's original and Devo's cover.