On four cold windy nights over Thanksgiving for the past 23 years Jonathan Richman has played the Middle East Upstairs in Central Square Cambridge, MA. Jonathan Richman, a punk legend from Natick, has been covered by the likes of Galaxie 500, David Bowie, Joan Jett, The Feelies, John Cale and even the Sex Pistols in their live sets.
From the noisey origins of punk came The Modern Lovers legendary ‘Roadrunner’, and then came Richman’s 35 year solo and touring career— during which he continued to make gems such as ‘Vampire Girl’ and ‘I Was Dancing in a Lesbian Bar’. Live, accompanied by Tommy Larkins, on drums, Richman remains as spirited as when he was first with The Modern Lovers and producer and member of The Velvet Underground, John Cale in 1971.
There was no opener on the Saturday he played, the last show until he comes back next year. Both He and Larkins walked through the crowded Middle East Upstairs taking the stage to an excited crowd.
Richman with a strapless acoustic guitar breathed newness into his songs with humor and an infectious smile. He switched seamlessly between improvisation, use of different languages, and material old and new. An endless bevy of factual knowledge of renaissance and European artists was interspersed throughout his set, which had a dizzying effect. Though far removed from the largeness of The Modern Lovers, the provocation and inspiration of his form countervails the need for the noise and distraction of his past.
Abounding and relentless in his approach to songwriting, still skewering bourgeoisie sentiments with wit and skill unparalleled in modern music— Jonathan Richman continues to turn not only punk culture, but all culture on its head with his unique style and exuberance.
What Jonathan Richman continues to do for the Boston Music scene is an inspiration for many to strengthen and rally around its storied past— and to invigorate the present and future. While artist spaces, venues, affordable housing and employment opportunities remain of primary concern in Boston today, maybe all those songs about Route 128 will remind us to help keep our scene alive.
Photo credits: Jesse Manfra
