Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - TopPop Special • TopPop

[@robertgobron952]

Love this on so many levels. What jumps to mind for me is that this is a guy who had just put up a massive radio hit a few years prior with 'Roadrunner' and this is his vision of how to follow that up. With "Abominable Snowman in the Market" and "I Am a Little Airplane." Not going to really fit well between "Whole Lotta Love" and "Locomotive Breath" or even work on stations that played Anne Murray and Chicago. The record company people must have absolutely $h!t their pants. Oh poor Jonathan how they must have squeezed him for something more to sell. But to this day he's remained totally and utterly true to his vision and that's why we love him. No wonder Jerry Harrison and David Robinson jumped ship. It's funny to think of 1970's Talking Heads as a more commercial alternative to anything. By comparison the Cars debut offering, one of the best rock albums ever recorded, and a Godzilla monster in the record store and on the airwaves, came out earlier the year this video was recorded. It must have seemed closer to Leo Sayer or Abba from a commercial standpoint. More interestingly, that his former drummer was enjoying that kind of success didn't move Jonathan 1 millimeter from the artist that he wanted to be. Consequently no one ever called Jonathan Richman an asshole.

[@williamlove7829]

Just saw him last night in Flagstaff. He was amazing. It was so good they’re only 50 people at a coffee house. I got to be in the front the whole time I mean he did summer Feelin Pablo Picasso a whole lot more it was just so good.

[@MrBooYa-yd5er]

That’s so cool. Can’t believe he played such a small venue.

[@mesillaparkartisticcoop8277]

The shows are just so special.

[@craigplatel813]

Sounds like when I saw link Wray in KC a good 20 years ago. Best blues bar in KC at the time but still only about 50 people. He was in his 70's at the time and barely made it up to the stage. I was center stage leaning my arms on the stage. He hooked up his guitar, bent over putting his guitar right in my face and proceeded to melt it for the next hour. Once he had his guitar hooked up and strapped on he was 20 again. It was like I had a personnel show from him.

[@johnsilva9139]

Sounds great. Seen him in small clubs, some larger theaters, always a great show. Never disappointing. I'm in Boston, but love Flagstaff and northern Arizona.

[@KenLieck]

@@MrBooYa-yd5er At the tiny Cactus Cafe in Austin I've seen Jonathan & Tommy, Al Stewart, Dave Edmunds, Robyn Hitchcock, Peter Tork... heck, the Pixies played there once!

[@philiphodgesnz]

Exceptionally difficult to pull this kind of music off without sounding twee or slushy. You can only do this if you’re authentic and it comes from the heart. God bless Jonathan…

[@keesvandenbos2016]

RIP Leroy Radcliffe (December 19th, 1949 - January 17th, 2021 guitar, vocal), he recently passed away. Only Jonathan still with us from this quartet, hopefully for plenty of years in good health.

[@CarmenSanzArques]

He's the most charming and expressing singer t

[@CarmenSanzArques]

Singer that I met, wiched I was

[@SuperSmiley1981]

Wow! That’s unfortunate that we lost him. I actually saw Jonathan Richman about two weeks ago! He was preforming at the Bell House in Brooklyn with Tommy Larkins. He’s now 72 and still has his moves!😂 When he sings lesbian bar he goes crazy! ❤ I love him. I got pictures with him and Tommy! he signed my phone case!! He’s still as sweet and humble as ever❤

[@michaelbauers8800]

I love how non commercial this is. Just doing their own thing.

[@revjimbob]

He tours with just himself and an acoustic, and a drummer. Small venues - I've seen him a few times in Glasgow. He plays whatever he wants, and everyone keeps quiet to hear him.

[@eldelosbarrios7564]

Yes, that's style. Virtuoso, avant garde, parlor and so requires absolutely non commercial environment. That's easy to do for genius like J.R. I saw him for two times, long ago, here in Madrid Spain.

[@michaelyotter]

Wir haben Anfang der 90er eine spontane Party für ihn gemacht als er in Stuttgart/Germany gespielt hat. Er ist gekommen und wir saßen zusammen auf dem Hausdach. Ich bin Fan 🤪seit 35 Jahren und konnte ihn 3x live sehen. Wenn einer nice ist dann Jonathan Richmann.

[@lurchileb]

Meinst du er kommt nochmal nach deutschland auf Tour?

[@ariel5341]

I'll always have a deep emotional connection with Jonathan Richmans music. Best music to smile or cry to. I love the emotion and breaking in his voice and the innocence, sensitivity, and sincerity of his lyrics.

[@gerardsims6368]

Yeah ...you get him absolutely. His childlike naivety and t the fact he is totally unpretentious and down to earth. He is unique. Hanging to see him perform one more time live.

[@herbalbert]

@@gerardsims6368 but that's what makes Jonathan a great artist--it's not naivete, it's pure truth. And that's why he touches people and they have so much love for him. It's also what is understandably hard for people to wrap their heads around. It's certainly not so easy to do. Jonathan sacrificed normal career because he can only be jonathan, not to mention the work put in to master the sound, write all his great songs, rehearse, tour etc. He's a poet of truth, and maybe the only way to get the truth can seem a little silly, but you have to smile to get there. If you don't smile at a jonathan concert something is definitely wrong

[@gerardsims6368]

@@herbalbert Couldn't agree more in fact. I have been a fan since 1978 upon first hearing his music and songs.

[@jnagarya519]

"innocence" = talentless.

[@nathanlindop3004]

Im a little airplane neow

[@mhbackman]

Jonathan's facial mannerisms are everything. Such a showman!

[@dizscribe1711]

Yep this is all I needed ☺️

[@atticusfinch6038]

An abominable showman

[@Jesse-lv2yo]

He looks like Ross when he plays his keyboard on Friends

[@revjimbob]

This is wonderful. He is William Blake. He is a genius.

[@steves1588]

that fender guitar through the fender amp sounds like a sitar from outer space. this man is a true original.

[@sh230968]

All songs included in this collection are simply excellent. Affection is best in this collection.

[@scottmmafan925]

Just love the bell bottoms. Oh, to be back in the 70s!! Seriously, I just came here from listening to the Modern Lovers album on KZbin-and let me say, Jonathan Richman is the most overlooked rock talent ever.

[@breed4052]

egyptian reggae such a cool f-ing tune. this performance really shows off jonathan’s knack of squeezing every drip goodness out of what some would probably consider his limited musical talents.

[@williamandrews4251]

Jonathan is unique never seen anyone like him.Childlike songs that reverberate the positive.There's a little Woody Guthrie in Jonathan.

[@chrisbay2591]

LOVE YOU BROTHER, MUCH LOVE FROM NEVADA COUNTY!!

[@clitsing6034]

Reno, Reno, Reno

[@bobwilsonanchorman]

To me this is perfection.

[@liodallessio]

Yes 💜

[@BernardMebs]

Ré-découvert après tant d'années. Jonathan a vraiment l'air d'être un garçon sympathique, qui ne se prend pas trop au sérieux. J'adore sa manière de chanter, naturelle, pas toujours rassurée, mais tellement agréable. 20mn de plaisir.

[@SchlafAroundTheBend]

Jonathan Richman always sounds like he has a bit of a cold, but in a way that makes his voice all the more charming. I love the Modern Lovers

[@PageandPlant4Life]

look at his nostrils... one is way more open than the other. he probably broke his nose at some point

[@jackwezesa1081]

I have a friend who sounds identical to him , scarey in a good way though.

[@originalhgc]

Affection is a beautiful song. I am moved every time I hear it. And the arrangement leaves you a lot of space to contemplate the lyrical import.

[@timothywest6060]

0:00 Intro/ Egyptian Reggae false start 0:50 Egyptian Reggae 3:53 New England 5:49 Abominable Snowman in the Market 8:14 Abdul & Cleopatra 11:07 Buzz Buzz Buzz 13:18 Affection 18:58 I'm a Little Airplane

[@djtojam2518]

That false start is brilliant. I’m so glad it was left in the recording.

[@williamshanley9546]

Pl

[@markvance3574]

Wow! Modern Lovers are amazing. Loved them since I first heard them in 77

[@shotayamashiro9930]

How lovely it is Jonathan's eyebrows are ハ-shaped

[@whatevershebrings]

Fantastic band; *the* finest Modern Lovers lineup, as evidenced on the ' Rock and Roll With...' and 'Back in Your Life' LPs, and in this live footage. Fantastic players all, impeccable dynamics.

[@johncleere6293]

Jonathan shame your band mates are dead may the rest in peace ☮️ great 👍 looking band , still play your songs to this day Jonathan

[@StaggaLags]

beautiful songs through a beautiful jazzmaster

[@alias7888]

This has totally transformed my day xx amazing Jonathan..

[@flysDANZIGknows]

I always saw Jonathan at the Middle East Club shows and never knew who he was. Way before KZbin. I thought he was very bizarre and said so. An older punk told me "dude, that's the Modern Lovers singer!" I knew his music and was suddenly compelled to say hi. He talked to me for a few secs. Still thought he was bizarre but in a cool way now. He talked and moved just like he's doing here. 1 of a kind

[@pauljacobson2207]

Best 22 minutes of my day😛❤️screw Coronavirus

[@robertfapswell3719]

Great version of "affection" ♡♥

[@liodallessio]

The best ♥️

[@andreasglumm]

Thanks for Affection! "Does anyone remember that I'm still here!?"

[@baberoot1998]

Frivolous information warning: Before this incarnation of The Modern Lovers...drummer, David Robinson, of The Cars, and Jerry Harrison, keyboardist and guitarist, from The Talking Heads...were both members of this band.

[@ronchamberlain8392]

Bass player also was with Iggy Pop for a short time

[@cristianhoffmann7492]

And The Necessaries? Someone...

[@johnmitchelljr]

What a perfect blend of instruments and vocals. My favorite Jonathan and band period of music. Will watch forever. Thanks for sharing.

[@doncumentarian]

Hey Mr KZbin, can I get a show from 1981 with Ellie & Beth on backup vocals?

[@mauricettecavalli9493]

Quelle plaisir de l'écouter ! J'adore ce rythme, la prestation des musiciens est belle et très professionnelle c'est toujours un grand bonheur, MERCI beaucoup BRAVO à vous. .....je vous aime beaucoup.

[@ladymadelineyou]

Beautiful..I also love the innocent,childlike performing

[@mikemcintosh9933]

I love the pained look on his face :)

[@vtv123here6]

yea because hes struggling to sing

[@danmalone7649]

Looks like he's cringing at his own song.

[@vtv123here6]

@ldyson22 I'm kidding, he has a unique voice, just like roger waters that adds to the music.

[@inakil6682]

There' s just one Jonathan Richman! Too much for the big public. Un genio!

[@keesvandenbos2016]

RIP Asa Brebner (November 21,1953- March 10, 2019 bass, vocal); D. Sharpe (February 8, 1947- January 16, 1987 drums)...

[@keesvandenbos2016]

@@NEK726 Unfortunately, yes...

[@ferdinandthecrow]

So these were the guys who were later in Robin Lane's group

[@anthonyhilton4594]

What a beautiful odd bird!

[@Joshua-us6fl]

Gosh! Really Can't Beat this!!

[@richiejr8756]

Life should not bee this much fun.🎸😎

[@richiejr8756]

0rr, that much work 2 gotti itt RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. 🚀👩‍🚀👨‍🚀👨‍🚀👩‍🚀📸🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀❤✝️🏪🎰🙏

[@ditchlily7361]

big brained comment

[@carlosmartinezmolina5580]

Lovely moment. Thanks Johnathan

[@maudegonne3740]

A total original. Don't come along very often.

[@zilkerpark]

ahead of his time

[@ramirogarcia9960]

This is gold

[@julianwalch3567]

Just brilliant.

[@foundationdressage]

Ahh my old buddies back then. brings back memories.

[@josephsilin6041]

JR and I have the same birthday, same hometown and I've been a big fan since way back when

[@donaldkerr4310]

I also have a deep emotional connection with Jonathan Richman's songs too. Which is funny because I had that for a bit over a year before I hear 'Gail Loves Me'. He says 'Gail's my wife', Gail is also my wife. I have played that song now for many parties with my wife and I. However, that is only a sideline to my affection for Johnathan.

[@BartonHans]

This is so great! Richman Rules! Thank you for posting.

[@luckycat3]

Thanks for posting this. 🖤🖤🖤 Jonathan Richman - so earnest and real.

[@neilyoung1576]

The earnestest.

[@gardenia81]

Affection 🥰

[@dognparrot1629]

I love this guy... See him on jouls holland show on the BBC.. I am now hooked!!!

[@singjordan715]

He rhymes "Cleopatra" with "where ever she'll be atra"... Awesome sauce

[@williamlove7829]

Egyptian reggae (yes the Police stole it) 4:00 New England 6:00 abominable snowman (in the market) (a bit Mothers-y) 8:30 Cleopatra 11:15 buzz buzz buzz 13:30 Affection 19:00 I’m a little airplane

[@ericrommel1172]

19:33 Rat Cameo

[@astroross]

In 1990 in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia this was some of the hottest 'new' music we discovered. No idea where it came from we, passed tapes around thinking it was from US college radio... maybe it was.... but it was so different and so cool.

[@djtojam2518]

I’ve heard the recordings, but this is the first time I’ve seen such a young Richman singing. By the time he appeared onscreen in Something About Mary, there was a sardonic wink in his performing, but now I see a sincerity in the lyrics that I never really picked up before. That probably says more about me than him given my later-in-life perspective on the sardonic cynicism (which some people mistakenly identify as “irony”) of my generation.

[@zenobardot]

This is apparently a year after the London concerts that were recorded for the "Modern Lovers Live" album, and the band members were all the same as they were on that earlier tour. Until Jonathan had his mid-1990s flirtation with fame via "Something About Mary" and his performances on Conan O'Brien's show, this moment in the late 1970s was apparently the height of his career, in terms of media exposure and record sales. I've always loved his Beserkely albums and regretted that I couldn't have seen this band live. What a treat to see this video...he's exactly as one would imagine. His performance style and songwriting had evolved somewhat by the time I first saw him in 1991, when he was touring completely solo, and evolved quite a bit since the 1990s as well. What a long and unusual career he's had. He should cut a version of "My Way" with custom Jojo lyrics...he's earned the right.

[@Technosphile]

I suppose they’re not famous enough to warrant a “reunion tour”, but I’d do anything to see a Richman/Jerry Harrison version of the Modern Lovers live.

[@felipejaranda7332]

I always come back to this when I’m sad to make me feel happy

[@SweetJennyFan]

Beautiful !

[@IWantTheWindToBlow]

love this

[@susannemeuser1496]

A wonderful Music Video 👍 I hope Mr. Richmond is still doing fine and hasen't lost his sense of humour.

[@susannemeuser1496]

Thank you for the hint.

[@johanbergman3166]

I fell completely in love with this video. It shows Jonathan's amazing ability to compose! Also with great sound and video (saw him at a club in Stockholm over 30 years ago). P.S. The quality of this video is fantastic!

[@guillermoortega4119]

AWESOME

[@firstlast3462]

I don't think I've ever heard either Violent Femmes or They Might Be Giants cite these guys as an influence but, c'mon, the foundation of both bands are right here. I'd also bet Love Tractor heard a few of these guitar bits here and there. Despite Richman's irreverence and humor, there's a lot to listen to here.

[@gouldney1]

You are so right.

[@naomiomiom]

I'm pretty sure John Flansburgh from TMBG and the guys from violent femmes both said roadrunner is one song that made them want to make music

[@matthewjoseph7679]

Gordon gano cites him as an influence

[@stanislasdarjeeling]

100% agree

[@scottmakingcents8663]

One of the newer TMBG albums has a cover of "I was dancing in the lesbian bar"

[@gordonwhitelock4349]

what a lovely set. you've cheered me up, gx

[@paoloannunziata4172]

Un genio, un artista, semplicemente meraviglioso

[@revjimbob]

I do not speak Italian, but I agree, mio amico!

[@tagomago2178]

Nice version

[@tagomago2178]

@karlmorris-xz6iq Thanks, enjoyed it - a 60`s, underground, almost pre psychedelic feel to it maybe. Been discovering some slightly obscure American "Beatnick era" music recently, -all fascinating stuff

[@Koshirozation]

always coming back to this!

[@liodallessio]

Me too 💕

[@bakilacat1]

Never heard of them: Cooley different. Led here by a Calf petting soon in Appleton, ME-looked it up to see how far I'd have to drive-saw 'notable Appleton people' and Jonathan was listed-read his bio-led me here! Nice!!! Really flows w/ Buzz Buzz... Affection...will save this and pass on!!

[@cftvdata]

I was totally unfamiliar with this later-era J.R. material before watching this performance, having only heard select cuts from the first LP prior to this. "Egyptian Reggae", "Cleopatra" and "Buzz" are excellent tunes. Thanks for sharing this!

[@davecass9486]

amazing man

[@marfamysterychannel7277]

Yes and Yes!

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

Always dug Jonathan's turquoise Jazz Master with tortoiseshell pick guard ❤️

[@zenobardot]

Leroy's guitar was pretty hip too!

[@dianecristina3319]

Didn't always use it saw him a few times w/an acoustic w/a pick up.

[@SomeoneJr]

D. sharpe is such a sick drummer

[@bau6078]

Nice to see Them live

[@Rock-iw7ov]

So wholesome, I truly love Jonathan. That pained expression he has is priceless. Also is Top of the Pops actually letting a band play live?

[@dang2443]

It's not Top of the Pops. "TopPop was the first regular dedicated pop music TV show in the Dutch language area"

[@Rock-iw7ov]

@@dang2443 Oh thanks. That explains a lot

[@keesvandenbos2016]

@@Rock-iw7ov Yeah, remember watching this show on TV. Became a fan for life!!

[@rubberchix]

not even to disparage the practice of lip syncing but Jonathan would be awful at it

[@squinkque]

@@rubberchix There's an interview on youtube where Jonathan talks about doing Something About Mary and they had him lip-sync in the movie and he said he was awful at lip syncing. I then watched the movie again and he's right, he is awful at it. Ha, ha.

[@alexarchibald2477]

This just made my day!

[@willroberts9780]

Can't stop watching

[@miathompson9505]

In love with this

[@zephyrsibbison7972]

Best songs ever

[@bert_gimspon]

That glittery Jag though.

[@Randolf1958]

Really good music.

[@twofiveb]

I can definitely see how Jonathan Richman inspired Gordon Ganos (Violent Femmes) but now I see how he could have inspired Andy Kaufman when he played Latka in Taxi. Similar looks and facial expressions. LOL …

[@jeffreyfike9062]

Really good call on Andy, never caught that, bit can't unsee now! 😉🤘

[@dianecristina3319]

and re.Lakta the concerned naiveté.

[@radiodamon8750]

I didn't know . Sad . Long live the modern lovers.

[@sebastian4451]

gracias

[@Nebrosky_Fun_Made]

Это вообще Большущее СЧАСТЬЕ, что попадаются сохранённые в окуительном качестве куски вот таких отличных музык из далёких теперь уже 70х, допустим. Правда, глядя на всё это действо, закрадывается мыслишка, что здесь явно не весь гиг представлен - не 20 же минут они там играли - часика полтора-то уж всяко. Скорей всего, это всё-таки то, что у них вышло наиболее удачно в тот раз. Наверное.

[@solomongrundy5]

In case you don't know, "Buzz Buzz Buzz" is a cover - the original is by the Hollywood Flames from 1957 and sounds different.

[@kenlieck7756]

I did not know that -- but you probably didn't really need to include the "sounds different" part. That's like pointing out that his version of "The Rose" sounds different from Bette Midler's!

[@drstevie]

brilliant :)

[@dartanghaneluard6156]

c'est cool: exceptionnel! j'ai adoré! : )

[@MsMiika13]

old days old tymes old skool

[@owenwilberforce6138]

It’s funny that his whole approach of a kind of 50’s style of showmanship was consistent from the start. Maybe he loved Velvet Underground, but he seemed to be reaching for a more innocent but intelligent way to be an alternative to the excess of the 70’s.

[@ditchlily7361]

yeah… he’s a hard one to peg, I sometimes think he truly was his own biggest influence

[@Unexpectedtiger9]

Me encanta

[@darrenlund3835]

Oh my word...Jonathan...I love Jonathan. Sorry to hear about Leroy Radcliffe.

[@josejuniorpereiracambuim7920]

Parabéns pelo trabalho, muito talentosos.

[@SleepyDust]

he is such a sweetie

[@RnREnglands]

Arguably the very first pink rockers...... remember they came together in 1970 .....but very little exists ...

[@domenicgalata1470]

The Stooges

[@pauljacobson2207]

The Feelies do a great cover of Egyptian reggae

[@cassady7582]

does a mouse fall from the ceiling at 19:34? Also I love this

[@KenLieck]

Something else falls and hits the stage right before that too -- but only the thing you mentioned actually *crawls away* after it hits the ground, yeah...

[@ElBrooklyn1]

Someone is throwing toy plane gliders toward the stage. One winds up on the hi-hats just a few seconds after you saw the “mouse.”

[@owenwilberforce6138]

This has to be one of the first examples of New Wave come to think of it.

[@KenLieck]

Yep. Modern Lovers are considered proto-punk/New Wave.

[@lewisham]

Abdul & Cleopatra = Dignified and Old

[@threeinitiates8260]

Its interesting how he became so popular in europe