I’ve no recollection where I bought this, a 2CD compilation of the Modern Lovers, but can’t imagine how anyone could see this and leave it on the shelf. I’ve been a big fan of Richman for decades, but only saw him once, solo with a guitar, in a long closed venue in Folkestone, supported by the Bhundu Boys in 1992.
This is a compilation taken from Richman’s albums for Beserkley Records - the first four studio albums and the Modern Lovers Live album - 36 tracks in all, (including the album version Roadrunner and the version for Beserkley’s Greatest Hits, Road Runner, also studio and live versions of Ice Cream Man). All the great songs from the Modern Lovers’ 1970s repertoire are here, the childish, silly and beautiful. Nearly two hours of Richman and the Modern Lovers might be a bit much for some, but I’m enjoying every minute of this.
4* - a fine introduction to Jonathan Richman’s 1970s output with the Modern Lovers. His wonderful solo stuff is yet to come!
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