Recombo DNA is a collection of studio demos and unreleased tracks by the American new wave band Devo. It was originally released in 2000 by Rhino Entertainment's Rhino Handmade label and limited to 5,000 copies.

Background

Recombo DNA is culled from cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, multi-tracks and DATss from the Devo archives, with an emphasis on recordings that had not previously been illicitly circulated, augmented with some sonically upgraded versions of tracks that had previously leaked. The recordings span the era following the band's first independently released singles to the year prior to their signing with Enigma Records.

On August 11, 2017, Futurismo Records reissued Recombo DNA on quadruple vinyl with additional material and new artwork. For this LP edition, "Somewhere With Devo" was removed from the main track listing, retitled "The Somewhere Suite" and included on a 3-inch Mini CD, a release which had been originally planned for May 1989.

"The Somewhere Suite" is in six parts, and an original advertisement from 1989, reproduced inside the LP reissue, labels them as follows:

• Part 1 DEPARTURE: Search for Somewhere / Somewhere (Prelude) / Somewhere

• Part 2 RECRUITMENT: First Stop the Orient (Society's Fools) / Second Stop Africa (Something Else) / Third Stop Europa (Are You Ready?)

• Part 3 BATTLE FOR THE MIND ITSELF

• Part 4 VICTORY PARADE

• Part 5 FINALE: Somewhere (Refrain) / Shot Into Space...

• Part 6 I'M A DISCO DANCER WITH NOWHERE TO GO

Track listing

Notes adapted from liner notes of original 2000 Rhino Handmade edition.

2000 Rhino Handmade CD edition

Personnel

Devo

• Mark Mothersbaugh – vocals, keyboards, guitars

• Gerald V. Casale – vocals, bass, keyboards

• Bob Mothersbaugh – lead guitar, vocals

• Bob Casale – rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals

• Alan Myers – drums (1976–1985)

• David Kendrick – drums (1986–1987)

• Jim Mothersbaugh – drums (1974–1976)

Technical

• Devo – original recording producers

• Roland Worthington Hand – compilation producer

• Josh Mancell – compilation assistance, tape research

• Rectangle Van Elk – curator assistant

• D K Baker – deputy chief archivist

• Kanona Nooksack — archival assistance

• Dan Hersch – remastering

• Bill Inglot – remastering

• Bryan Lasley – art direction, design

• Patrick Pending – art direction assistant, design assistant

• Devo, Inc – artwork, photography

• John Tremblay – photography

• Barbara Watson – photography

• Janet Macoska – photography

• Hugh Brown – photography

References