I Jonathan
In an album that dares live up to its self-referential title, Jonathan Richman plumbs the past in the off-kilter style his legions of admirers adore. For the uninitiated, it can be alarming to hear Richman's low-tech, vocals-way-out-in-front musical arrangements coupled with wistful remembrances of the simpler, cornier days of youth. ButI, Jonathanis redeemed by its sincerity. No snarky mockery can be found as the adenoidal singer celebrates the "Rooming House on Venice Beach" of his younger days. A bridge to the present is nicely built on tracks such as "Parties in the USA" and "I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar." This well-crafted pop album, recorded with a bunch of pals in Richman's basement studio, is a compelling argument against the necessity of pairing age with bitterness.--John Moe