Saturday Morning Records: #19 — “I, Jonathan” by Jonathan Richman

A new series for paying subscribers — celebrating favourite albums for the weekend

I’ve loved Jonathan Richman since I first heard him, and I don’t even remember when that was, but I do remember that when Something About Mary came out I had mixed emotions about his appearances as the wandering minstrel. First off, who better, and great, and there he is for all to see, and now for more to discover. Secondly, I hope people don’t think that’s all his is and all he does, and will then reduce his wonderful work to a triviality.

Anyway, something about Jonathan Richman works very well for me, always. He is uplifting, and so tapped into the teenaged joy of American rock’n’roll. He is a Velvet Underground disciple, a punk/post-punk influencer in and of himself, and a reminder to keep it simple. He is many things — and most certainly he’s a wonderful songwriter and song-stylist. And a talented performer.