The Stop & Shop Will Never Be The Same Again.
206. Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers "Roadrunner"
One of the primary changes wrought by punk rock is that it opened up the field of performing to allow different people in and created a whole new kind of 'rock star.' And here's where it all begins.
Jonathan Richman was an awkward, nerdy Jewish kid from suburban Boston who didn't do drugs and who possessed a striking childlike innocence. Richman seemed an unlikely candidate to become the next Rod Stewart. So he didn't even bother trying instead opting to simply be himself, which in retrospect was a supremely ballsy move. Featuring future Talking Head Jerry Harrison on keyboards and background vocals, this record with it's sloppily stomping beat, anachronistic organ riff, and most of all the exuberant background chants of "RADIO ON!" , is a perfect tribute to the simple pleasure and deliverance of driving around a suburban strip with the AM blaring. Uncool goofs, the song seems to say, rock and roll belongs to you, too or better yet, you can create your own kind of cool. Kind of obvious in retrospect, but revolutionary, too.
One of the primary changes wrought by punk rock is that it opened up the field of performing to allow different people in and created a whole new kind of 'rock star.' And here's where it all begins.
Jonathan Richman was an awkward, nerdy Jewish kid from suburban Boston who didn't do drugs and who possessed a striking childlike innocence. Richman seemed an unlikely candidate to become the next Rod Stewart. So he didn't even bother trying instead opting to simply be himself, which in retrospect was a supremely ballsy move. Featuring future Talking Head Jerry Harrison on keyboards and background vocals, this record with it's sloppily stomping beat, anachronistic organ riff, and most of all the exuberant background chants of "RADIO ON!" , is a perfect tribute to the simple pleasure and deliverance of driving around a suburban strip with the AM blaring. Uncool goofs, the song seems to say, rock and roll belongs to you, too or better yet, you can create your own kind of cool. Kind of obvious in retrospect, but revolutionary, too.
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