McNew Wave? Oh, No — It’s McDevo Heresy!
Written by admin on April 24, 2008
I suppose it is bad enough that McDonald’s and American Idol had combined forces to dull the minds of American youngsters by putting out special “American Idol Happy Meals.” The “Happy Meals” also feature a set of musical style-themed toys. One of them grabbed my attention quickly: “New Wave Nigel.” This character wears an orange outfit with purple punk-ish shades, an American Idol logo (yikes) and a Devo Energy hat.
The figure, basically, is an exaggerated likeness of a member of Devo, not just a generic piece. While Devo and music from American Idol have very little in common, I was curious about what its members might think of it. On the website “Club Devo,” maintained by megafan Michel Pilmer, was a post displaying his displeasure, also saying that the toy, when the little Devo-gnome’s switch is activated, plays a song sounding loosely like the band’s “Doctor Detroit.” One would suppose the band concurs with Pilmer, especially if the clain that nobody approached Devo about this little venture before it was ill-conceived.
Incidentally, with Nigel’s shades on, that “punk” happy meal/Idol character looks a bit like the “Punk Rockly” from the old cartoon “Hero High.” .
