The Modern Lovers

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The Modern Lovers were an American rock band led by Jonathan Richman in the 1970s and 1980s.

The original band, billed simply as “The Modern Lovers”, existed from 1970–74 but their recordings were not released until 1976 or later. It featured Richman and bassist Ernie Brooks with drummer David Robinson (later of The Cars) and keyboardist Jerry Harrison (later of Talking Heads). The sound of the band owed a great deal to the influence of The Velvet Underground, and is now considered one of the leading bands of the “” scene. It pointed the way towards much of the Punk, New Wave and Indie rock music of later decades. Their only album, the eponymous The Modern Lovers, contained stylistically unprecedented songs about dating awkwardness, growing up in Massachusetts, and love of life and the USA.

After recording several tracks in 1972 and ‘73, including “I’m Straight” (referring here to abstaining from drug use), and “Government Center”, Richman wanted to scrap the tracks that were recorded and start over with a mellower, more lyrical sound. The rest of the band, while not opposed to such a shift later, insisted at the time that they record as they already sounded. They continued and eventually, the first album was released in 1976. Long before its release, however, creative differences split the band apart.
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  • ksjn

    modern wuvers in the 20th century

    yesterday evening

  • DanLovesAlice

    Even though he was a massive VU fan, it's clear that Jonathan Richman's drug of choice is pure rock 'n' roll, and what a powerful and potent drug it is too. I firmly believe that the Modern Lovers' debut record is one of the most perfect albums ever made!

    28 days ago

  • Nakkinak

    I just ordered the vinyl lp, just because.

    last month

  • Nakkinak

    We need some guy like jonathan

    last month

  • KasparovDeepBlu

    BABY YOU'RE A RICHMAN, BABY YOU'RE A RICHMAN, BABY YOU'RE A RICHMAN TOO

    last month

  • pewpewlasers

    im in love with rock and roll

    March 2012

  • KasparovDeepBlu

    Jonathan, be my Girlfren [2] < i guess we downloaded the same file

    March 2012

  • jennymellor

    All right you Modern Lovers what do you say?

    February 2012
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