Jonathan Sings!
Omnivore, 2022
9/10
Their first record of the ‘80s, Jonathan Richman assembled a new Modern Lovers band for this fan favorite album of acoustic, harmonic songs that ended up at at #8 in The Village Voice’s Pazz & Jop critics poll, and NMEput it at #19 in their Album of the Year list.
“That Summer Feeling” opens the listen with Ellie Marshall and Beth Harrington’s pretty voices complementing Richman’s distinct talk/singing in the warm climate, and “This Kind Of Music” follows with a swift, oldies feel that showcases Michael Guardabascio’s frisky drums.
Further on, “Someone To Hold Me” gets romantic with Greg Keranen’s agile bass playing amid the soulful turned dance floor ready appeal, while “Those Conga Drums” is certainly drum focused alongside the female backing voices and Richman’s inimitable storytelling.
Deeper still, the strategic sax adds much to the scrappy lo-fi rock of “Give Paris One More Chance”, and “When I’m Walking” exits with Richman’s playful guitar and unique singing that has captivated fans for decades.
Richman and company made quite a few new fans with this album, as they steered into the direction that paved the way for their many trips to the Late Night With Conan O’Brien and eventual appearance in the film There’s Something About Mary. Now back in print in vinyl and CD, these great songs sound even better now.
Travels well with: Modern Lovers- ‘Live’; Jonathan Richman And Modern Lovers- Back In Your Life