music The classic joke about old-time music is that it’s better than it sounds. The same goes for singer/songwriter and former Modern Lovers frontman Jonathan Richman.
Richman’s occasionally shaky voice, nervous onstage personality—after 30 years of performing, he almost seems comfortable with it—and straightforward guitar strumming betray a more polished and capable performer beneath the anxious surface. Sensing as much is enough to give the necessary weight to some of his light-hearted material and keep it adult-oriented, even when it comes off as silly and childish. One also suspects that if he performed as well as he is capable then his charm might be lost. Its source is, after all, in his worried humility, and that is what sells Jonathan Richman. Imagine David Byrne with a little more ease, or local rockers Barling and Collins with a little less anger, and you’re close.
 Richman…there’s just something about Jonathan Richman. And while his set at Starr Hill didn’t quite reveal what that something is, we like it. |
Late in his set at Starr Hill, as he finally made his way around to some of the old Modern Lovers hits (if you can call “Pablo Picasso” a hit) Richman seemed deeply moved by the audience’s continued attention, even as he sometimes appeared like an escaped prisoner under a captive spotlight. When fans began calling out end-of-evening requests from the back of the room, Richman looked around as if he might be on the point of forgetting everything he had ever sung. Was this discomfort earnest or feigned? The answer to that question is probably immaterial compared to the fact that Richman has somehow built a remarkably appealing stage persona out of the same insecurities that keep most people off the stage, period.
With over 20 albums behind him, it’s great to see that, well into his 50s, Jonathan Richman can continue to round up new fans and keep the old devotees without dropping the nervous, New Wave charisma that made him a cult favorite in his 20s.
Richman…there’s just something about Jonathan Richman. And while his set at Starr Hill didn’t quite reveal what that something is, we like it.
