I could write reams and reams on this truly unique artist's genius and influence, but I couldn't do him justice. For those of you who really don't know, this is from his record label website...

In the early '70s, Boston's Richman founded the influential proto-punk band the Modern Lovers whose self-titled debut featured favorites 'Roadrunner' and 'Pablo Picasso'. An acoustic Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers scored a European hit with the 1977 instrumental "Egyptian Reggae." Richman then went solo and critically acclaimed pop records followed, as did idiosyncratic excursions into country and Latin music. His Vapor debut was 1996's Surrender To Jonathan, followed by 1999's I'm So Confused.

Jonathan Richman added a major new audience to his fiercely loyal cult following with his star turn in the hit "There's Something About Mary" and frequent performances on late-night television. His latest album, his 20th, Her Mystery Not Of High Heels And Eye Shadow, explores all that is the disarmingly profound, enchanting and whimsical Richman, from the Velvet Underground-but-happy "Her Mystery Not Of High Heels And Eye Shadow" to the charming, gentle "Springtime In New York," from jangly pop to proto-rock shuffles. Modern love never sounded so good.

Past events

• Fri 09 May at London Shepherds Bush Empire. (post review)
• Mon 16 Oct at London Union Chapel. (post review)
• Thu 15 Apr at London Islington Academy. 1 review (read/post)

News

• 14/02/2008: Jonathan Sings! Mr Richman to play one-off London date

Features

• 18/07/2007: Primavera Sound 2007: the DiS Review

Links

• Simes' Johnathan Richman pages - Another fan site
• The Abominable Lesbian Vampire Cappuccino Bar... - Impressively in-depth fan site, sadly no new stuff since 1999

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