E-Z Listening Disc is a 1987 album released by American New Wave band Devo. 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 capacity of just 74 minutes). 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 "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.
Read more about E-Z Listening Disc: Personnel
Famous quotes containing the words listening and/or disc:
“Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,
ring with the harmonies of liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.”
—James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)
“Soundless as dots—on a Disc of Snow—”
—Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)