This spell of lovely weather in the UK led me to want to wax lyrically about Jonathan Richman and post a wonderful single called That Summer Feeling.Now I normally write my pieces two or three days in advance of publication....so if in the intervening period someone else beats me to the punch, I need to make some late alterations. In this case, the highly talented Drew from the always entertaining Across The Kitchen Table featured said song earlier this week. Read here for more.
Instead I will offer up another happy go lucky song from someone who has been making top quality music now for the best part of 40 years:-
mp3 : Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - Rollercoaster By The Sea
This was in fact a b-side...from his 1977 instrumental hit Egyptian Reggae
I'm not going to make any outrageous claim that ownership of everything he ever recorded is essential, but I do firmly believe that every serious music fan should have something by Jonathan in their collection, even if it is just one of the many cut-price compilations which can be obtained on-line or from that dying species we all refer to as record stores.
Moving on to 1992, he recorded something that has become a staple of his live shows ever since, thanks to his ability not to take himself too seriously and grooooooove his thang on stage as he sings:-
mp3 : Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers - I Was Dancing In A Lesbian Bar
I was reading the other day that British Sea Power will soon be joining loads of other acts in recording their favourite JR track for a forthcoming tribute LP which could turn out quite interesting. But it won't be the first time he's had the cover version treatment:-
mp3 : BMX Bandits - That Summer Feeling
Released as a single in 1995, it features guest vocals from the legendary Dan Penn (he eventually comes in on lead at just after 3 minutes) as well as backing vocals from Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub.
And I'll admit to knowing nothing about Dan Penn until buying this single....if you need to know more, please read this.
Happy Listening.
7 comments:
JR is THE MAN.
Always worthwhile even when he's rubbish.
If you haven't seen him live I urge you to do so at the earliest opportunity.
Wholeheartedly agree with Davenelli - JR live is an experience, whether you're into his music or not.
Hands-down favorite JR cover: "Roadrunner", by The Jazz Butcher.
Sorry JC for mucking up your posting, I was in 2 minds whether to post the JR or BMX Bandits version but as it was the JR version that i played on the ipod that was it settled.
Scary how a little bit of sunny shine effects us up here saw a girl wearing a sleeveless vest top and a pair of shorts at 08:30 this morning,not what you want to see at that time in the morning as she was the default pale blue colour of people from the West of Scotland.
"Joyous" is the word that comes to mind when I think of the times i've seen Jonathan live. He's like the happiest dude I've ever seen, and it's REALLY infectious. LOVE HIM.
if i could only get hold of 'fly into the mystery', cracking tune
The BMX Bandits version is lovely! Did you ever hear a Spanish language by San Sebastien indie legends La Buena Vida? If not, you should!
first time i heard it, the walkmen did it at king tuts, a superb version
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