Deja vu

The Pastel's "Thru Your Heart" ep dropped through my letterbox the other day, me picking up their trail where I left it back in 1991. I remember reading somewhere that they rated Moe Tucker and the track I've posted (due to it being my favourite) is highly reminiscent of those few Velvet Underground tracks on which they let Moe sing, and to accompany it I was going to post one of them, probably "After Hours".

The Pastels: Firebell Ringing


While I was pondering the buzzer went and I agreed to take in a parcel for a neighbour. I was amused when the delivery man staggered up to my floor with a giant (100cm x 60cm x 50cm) box. Not what I had expected. Anyway, that made me think of posting "The Gift". But I didn't.

Instead, in a not very impressive leap, my mind turned to the similarly weedy rock of Jonathan Richman. The first things of his that I heard were "Road Runner" (probably at a club, or who knows, maybe on the radio), and "Pablo Picasso" (in Repo Man). Liking both very much I picked up Rev-ola's re-issue of "The Modern Lovers" round about the time it came out.

The Modern Lovers: I'm Straight


Shortly afterwards I saw him play at the Leadmill. One of my favourite gigs. I can't remember how much I paid - probably about four quid. The club had been done out in cabaret style and it was lovely, so I was surprised by how few people were there. I find it hard to believe he played there really. On the night he didn't do "Road Runner" (I don't think he ever does). But the gig, as well as being a very enjoyable evening, was also an induction into his highly idiosyncratic back catalogue and I came away knowing that I'd be (judiciously) buying it up wherever I saw it. And so it has proved.

Jonathan Richman: You're Crazy For Taking The Bus


From "Jonathan Goes Country", an album with a most amusing front and back sleeve. I almost posted "The Neighbors" which features some subtle Spanish guitar work and the beguiling co-vocals of Jody Ross - somebody I'd like to hear more of but about whom the internet is silent.

Jonathan Richman: I Eat With Gusto, Damn! You Bet


The weirdest of his recording that I've heard. There's something vaguely demonic about this track I think.