Jonathan Richman

I went to Jonathan Richman’s show at Whelans on Saturday night.  Very unusually for me, I had absolutely no experience of his music or act before stepping into the venue: I was there at the command of a friend in London who’d seen him the night before and said I had to “beg, borrow or steal a ticket” (direct quote).  I am now a fan.

He was utterly mesmerising for the entire set, managing to keep the heaving venue hanging on his every word, with just himself on the classical guitar and Tommy, his drummer, for support.  When I wasn’t laughing I was close to tears.  Songs were interspersed with energetic, unaccompanied dancing.  He is a hero.

Here’s a link to a muxtape an obliging acquaintance made for me.