jonathan richman

i was first introduced to jonathan richman by way of the modern lovers. but then, probably everybody was. when people say they don't know who the modern lovers are, i'm like "yes you do. you just don't realize it." because everybody knows this song. well, everybody except for my friend i saw after the show. i played the song for him and he was like "the christmas song? is he saying run run rudolph?" SIGH.

i've been wanting to see the man for YEARS and never got the chance, for whatever reason. i don't even know why, but i've just always missed him. stupid on my part because he's fantastic. i wasn't sure i was going to go tonight but i was at work and i was thinking about it and my boss said "if you want to go, then go." and i thought about how i would feel if i missed him again and i knew i would be mad at myself. so he let me leave early. he really is the best.

got there just in time for doors to open; he was the early show. there was another show after him: sleigh bells. ew. really? ew. so he played from about 7:30 to 9:00. and it was absolutely perfect. he is adorable and friendly and engaging and funny and charming and talented; like i said, perfect. i couldn't help being mad at myself for not seeing him before but at least i got to see him tonight. and he played all solo stuff, no modern lovers, which i was expecting. when you've moved so far beyond where you've started it must be annoying to have to keep living in the past. some bands, it works for them; most bands i go to see play old stuff and that's totally fine, and what everyone wants. but for jonathan, you want him to play his solo stuff and keep moving along and keeping it fresh. because that's what he does.

aside from all that, all i have to say is that if you haven't seen him yet, you should get on that. it's a one of a kind experience and i guarantee you will love him.

in case you were wondering: i love his album because her beauty is raw and wild. and i love this song the most. he didn't play it tonight. but that's ok. because look how adorable he is.