Back In Your Life
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
The 3rd album from Richman and company, Back In Your Life was originally released in 1979, and has the outfit moving into more experimental avenues.
“Abdul And Cleopatra” starts the listen with crisp drums and warm guitar, as Richman’s inimitable drawl is met with soulful backing vocals, and “(She’s Gonna) Respect Me” follows with a bit of talking before the meticulous acoustic guitar strums playfully.
Further into the listen, “Buzz Buzz Buzz” enters children’s music territory that’s cute and infectious, while “Party In The Woods Tonight” certainly brings a festive spirit to the melodic guitar and Richman’s distinct singing that you can’t not sing along to.
Making our way towards the end, “Emaline” unfolds like a lullaby in its soothing, nearly gospel presence, and “I Hear You Calling Me” exits with a bare, intimate delivery of singer-songwriter prowess that again proves that Richman doesn’t exactly need a backing band, although we do appreciate Leroy Radcliffe, D.Sharpe and Asa Brebner’s contributions.
This is 1 of 4 of Richman’s classic albums that Omnivore has reissued recently, and this installment arrives near the end of his time with the Beserkley label. Only half the tracks recruit The Modern Lovers, and it features some of his most known songs that have aged quite well.
Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street; Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers- Rock’N’Roll With The Modern Lovers