Song Book Jonathan Richman

As most of you probably already know Jonathan Richman is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and founder of The Modern Lovers. However since the mid-1970s, Richman has worked either solo or with low-key acoustic and electric backing, releasing 20+ albums and even had a few minor hits.

I guess the first time I was exposed to Jonathan Richman’s quirky songs must have been in 1978 when he performed Egyptian Reggae and 6 others on Dutch TopPop tv special (*), which made a bit of an impact.

In 1986 I even saw Jonathan and 1 Modern Lover (on sax) at a a concert in Hilversum, good fun.

Over the years I bumped into his songs from time to time (There’s Something About Mary soundtrack!), had a greatest hits album, etc.

A few posts ago we got the request for a Jonathan Song Book, which seemed like a good idea, as he has written most of own songs.

One problem though, Jonathan has become a bit of a cult figure over the years and by now 7 (I’m not kidding!) tribute albums were released:

Baby We Are Richman: A Tribute To Jonathan Richman

Can You Talk to The Dude? Volume 1 & 2

If I Were a Richman - A Tribute to the Music of Jonathan Richman

Songs from The Astral Plane, Vol. 1 & 2: A Tribute to Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers

We, Jonathan (A Tribute To Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers)

However all songs (at least that I’m aware of) were specially recorded for these tributes, which left still plenty of other covers!

As usual there are some favorites that got covered a lot: Pablo Picasso, Road Runner, I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar, Fly Into the Mystery, She Cracked, That Summer Feeling, etc.

But I also found some tracks that aren’t covered often: Back In Your Life, Dancing Late At Night, Dodge Veg-O-Matic, Don't Let Our Youth Go to Waste, a.o.

The end results are 2 entertaining Jonathan Richman cover CDs, enjoy!

Artists include: John Cale, The Rubinoos, The Morells, Burning Sensations, The Jazz Butcher, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Galaxie 500, Echo And The Bunnymen,Tsunami, Noise Addict, Fred Thomas, The Rocks, a.m.o.

(*) TopPop was Dutch weekly pop TV show eagerly watched by many. Despite most of the artists just play-backed their latest hits, occasionally there were 'specials' with a few songs performed live in the studio. And this particular special shows Jonathan & The Modern Lovers in great shape playing 7 songs!  

As the quality of these TopPop videos was usually very good, do check out Jonathan's 22+ minutes mini set!