Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers (Orange Vinyl)

Jonathan Richman formed The Modern Lovers in 1970 in Boston with Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Ernie Brooks and David Robinson (The Cars). The band recorded a series of demos, first with John Cale (The Velvet Underground) and later with producer Kim Fowley. Both sets of demos were eventually released, but not until the original group had disbanded.

In 1975 Jonathan secured a recording deal with Beserkley Records. By 1976 he had pulled together a new version of The Modern Lovers. This group included the holdover David Robinson from the original band and added, Leroy Radcliffe and Greg 'Curly' Keranen (The Rubinoos). The self-titled release delivered on Richman's desire for more acoustic and harmony-based material. Unfortunately, nearly on top of the bands' debut album release, the earlier demo material drawn mostly from the Cale demo sessions was issued, and Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers was overshadowed by "Pablo Picasso," "Roadrunner," and their - now classic - "debut." Shortly after the release of their actual self-titled debut, Robinson departed to join The Cars.

Needing a new drummer, the band found D. Sharpe (later of the Carla Bley Band) and this new lineup recorded Rock 'n' Roll with the Modern Lovers, which was released in 1977 and achieved some chart success in Europe with "Egyptian Reggae" making it to #5 on the U.K. Singles Chart. Greil Marcus called it "the purist rock and roll album I've heard this year." However, another in the series of personnel changes, Keranen left the group. Modern Lovers 'Live' followed in 1978 with new bassist Asa Brebner.

1979's Back in Your Life marked the end of any original versions of The Modern Lovers and closed the Beserkley era with Jonathan stepping back from music for a few years after its release.

Heavyweight ORANGE vinyl produced by Omnivore Recordings in 2022. Made in the USA. 

TRACKLISTING:

1. Rockin' Shopping Center
2. Back In The U.S.A.
3. Important In Your Life
4. New England
5. Lonely Financial Zone
6. Hi Dear
7. Abominable Snowman In The Market
8. Hey There Little Insect
9. Here Come The Martian Martians
10. Springtime
11. Amazing Grace