Be Stiff / Social Fools

Be Stiff is the third single (And third overall release) by New Wave band DEVO.

Background
Be Stiff, and Social Fools, are two of the earliest DEVO songs written, with 'Stiff' dating back to April of 1974, and Social Fools to 1975. The studio recordings however were much more recent, with Be Stiff being recorded in February of 1978 during sessions for the band's debut album. Social Fools was recorded later that same year in DEVO's home studios.

The song was decided to be the band's third single after Gerald Casale casually mentioned to the owner of Stiff Records, who were their record label at the time, that they had a song with Stiff in the title. Without having even heard the song, the label were enthusiastic to release it, and it even became something of an anthem for the label, even following DEVO's departure.

It was released exclusively in Europe, through Stiff Records. The album artwork features an image of Chi-Chi Rodríguez which the group had wanted to use for their debut album. An edited version was eventually used for the album. It has been out of print for over 40 years.

Track Listing

 * 1) Be Stiff (2:35)
 * 2) Social Fools (2:50)

Credits

 * Written by DEVO
 * 'Be Stiff' Produced by Eno
 * 'Social Fools' Produced by DEVO

Uncredited


 * Gerald Casale: Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar, Songwriter
 * Bob Motherbsaugh: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals on 'Social Fools'
 * Mark Mothersbaugh: Synths
 * Bob Casale: Rythmn Guitar
 * Alan Myers: Drums