Jonathan Richman I, Jonathan CD

This is Jonathan Richman's fifth album with Brennan Totten in the producer's chair. While the production on Richman's album's is meant to be as unobtrusive as possible, it takes an understanding ear to achieve the effect. Cut nearly live, and always maintaining a first take feel, the producer must truly be in sync with the artist to come up with engaging results such as these. In fact, Richman generally plays a song once in the studio, and if it doesn't work straight away he moves onto another number and comes back to it later.

This album sacrifices nothing in Richman's trademark freshness of sound. Highlights include "You Can't Talk To The Dude," another of his examinations of problematic human interactions, "I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar," a remake of his "That Summer Feeling," and the magical reverie of "Twilight In Boston." As always, this set is another celebration of the twin credos that less is more and honesty is the best policy.

Personnel: Jonathan Richman (vocals, guitar, bass instrument); Josef Marc (guitar, drums); John Girton, Ned Claflin (guitar); John Rinkor (bass instrument, percussion); Jim Washburn (bass instrument); Jason Wilkenson (drums, percussion); Andy Paley, Brennan Totten (drums); Scot Woodland (congas); Steve Nobles, Mike Buckmaster, Willie Robertson (percussion).

Liner Note Authors: Brennan Totten; Jim Washburn.

Award Winner

Q (4/93, p.86) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...fans of Boston's premiere maverick will slake their thirsts greedily at the well of inspiration dredged up on his latest work of ever so slightly off the wall rock'n'roll Americana..."
Alternative Press (3/93, p.55) - "...this solitary figure rocks harder than any quartet you'll ever see/hear....you close your eyes and swear the solitary figure is the Velvets..."