‘Live’
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
The first live release from Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, these 9 tracks were recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon in England, and feature some of the best tracks from their first 2 releases, which are played to a very receptive crowd.
“I’m A Little Airplane” starts the listen with Richman’s scrappy and playful rock’n’roll that makes for an instant sing-along, and “Hey There Little Insect” follows with Richman’s conversational singing complemented by Asa Brebner’s frisky bass lines.
In the middle, the classic “Ice Cream Man” unfolds over 8 minutes of adventurous and warm song craft that benefits much from D. Sharpe’s skilled drums, while “My Little Kookenhaken” is a breezy and spirited display of charming guitars and Richman’s inimitable singing.
“New England” and “The Morning Of Our Lives” exit the set, where the former showcases soulful backing vocals in the laid back, highlight tune, and the latter is charming, upbeat and packed with Richman’s minimal and memorable songwriting.
At this point in his career, Richman was making waves across the pond, and this recording captures his alluring performing abilities that are still very much intact. Available on CD and LP, with color variants, this one is considered another important piece of his vast catalog, and for good reason.
Travels well with: Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers- Back In Your Life; Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers- Rock’N’Roll With The Modern Lovers