One of Jonathan Richman's first steps in the music world was as a starry eyed fan of the Velvet Underground, following them on tour.
He started recording with his band, The Modern Lovers, in the early 70's, inspired largely by Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. However while the band were in many ways a precursor to punk, lyrically Jonathan was at odds with some of the ideals of the forthcoming movement and his heroes...this side of him was shown in songs like 'Old World' and 'I'm Straight'.
The Modern Lovers' album - despite their signing to Warners and being produced by John Cale - was not released until the mid 70's, independently, by which time Jonathan had started changing direction.
At the height of punk, he performed a concert in London with his new line up of the Modern Lovers, with a large part devoted to his newer songs, such as I'm a Little Dinosaur, and I'm a Little Airplane! The concert was very well received though, and released as 'The Modern Lovers Live!' and further songs from the gig have been released over the years.
Jonathan broke up this later line up of the Modern Lovers after the Back In Your Life album, and returned in 1983, with the Jonathan Sings! album, which has sadly been hard to find for years.
Jonathan has recorded largely as a solo artist since, and his live performances are highly recommended, he has now completed a new album (Because Her Beauty is Raw and Wild, on Vapor Records).
This page is unofficial, but simply intended to bring the joy of the music of Jonathan Richman to others.
Update :
Anyone confused, I took my piano cover of 'Afternoon' down from the page http://www.myspace.com/waggonopenmic page, which I had claimed on here was there longer than it actually was. I may put it up again if I can find it! :)
Jeremy
