THE MODERN LOVERS - "the modern lovers"

album of the day 5/6/03 written by math

SCORE: 9/10 (MASTERPIECE)

The immediately shocking thing about this collection of demos is how offensively, blatantly punk these songs are. No joke: this is THE album the Sex Pistols wish they could've made. While a punk rocker is focused on breaking down barriers and shocking with anti-conformity, The Modern Lovers push this ideal to the complete opposite extreme. Every stereotype is shot, every aspect is arresting. Lyrics celebrate drug free life, accepting/loving yr parents, commitment in relationships, embracing the old world and customs and overall joy. All those punks with drugs and cussing try to reach this level of intensity, but they get knocked at their own game, at least 5 years before their time! No, don't believe this naive or childish, this is mean, punk rock attitude. It would mean nothing without great songs, and that's all guitarist/nasal vocalist Jonathan Richman delivers. "Roadrunner" is a bona fide classic, which sums up this album very well. Let's enjoy life, be thankful for small things, plus the music. A ridiculously infectious 2 chord pattern, driving in the car rhythm, huge call and response, all the while thumbing yr nose to real conformists. Richman acts as spokesperson for the nerdy punks everywhere, who aren't into fashion, but ethics. "Tell the world, I'm straight." "I won't die, some day I'll be dignified and old." "Put down the cigarette and act like a true girl.", all straightforward and personally moving, and very out of step. John Cale production and Talking Head's keyboardist Jerry Harrison push this over the top. One of the best albums I own. RECOMMENDED CUTS: "Roadrunner", "Government Center", "I'm Straight", "Modern World", "Dignified and Old" Also: their bassist has wicked hair, dude.

TAKE ME HOME MOMMY

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