The Modern Lovers

Musical Group

Forfans of proto-punk, 1970s rock and followers of jonathan richman
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The Profile

American rock band led by Jonathan Richman, emerging in the early 1970s and noted for a proto-punk sound. Their debut album (released by Beserkley) is widely cited as influential.

Jonathan Richman led The Modern Lovers. Early demos were recorded in 1972 by John Cale and other tracks involved producer Kim Fowley; the debut album was released in 1976 by Beserkley. Keyboardist Jerry Harrison later joined Talking Heads.

The review praises The Modern Lovers' debut as a proto-punk rock landmark led by Jonathan Richman. It highlights tracks like "Roadrunner", "Pablo Picasso" and "Hospital" and notes the difficult recording history. The reviewer points to influences from Velvet Underground, The Doors and early psychedelia.

Notable Quotes

❝ Jonathan Richman was the leader maximo of the Modern Lovers and this debut is probably the musical pinnacle, or at least the most genuinely rock & roll album of his over-thirty-year career, for the presence of some proto-punk sounds and many wave anticipations.