Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers Modern Lovers ‘Live’

While the U.S. might not have caught on to the magic of Jonathan Richman, the U.K. certainly did. Recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, Live features Jonathan and the Modern Lovers performing classics from their first two releases to an enthusiastic crowd (the eight-minute version of "Ice Cream Man" should inform that). The set includes the recent Top 5 single "Egyptian Reggae," as well as tracks from the Modern Lovers' previously releases and new tracks. Captured on tape by Beserkley founder Matthew King Kauffman and Kenny Laguna (whose rock pedigree runs from Buddah Records through Joan Jett's biggest hits), Live is a true, time and place document of the magic that is Jonathan Richman. The performer who The Farrelly Brothers chose to include in their classic 1198 film There's Something About Mary, rather than simple licensing his music. A pivotal release in Richman's catalog, Live spotlights how captivating a performer he was, and continues to be.