Jonathan Richman
Not So Much to Be Loved as to Love
(Sanctuary/Vapor)
Openness and innocence are what distinguish Richman, along with an engagingly flat vocal style. “Vincent Van Gogh” is brought back, to be joined by “Salvador Dali,” praised for being Richman’s “guide to the dream world.” Two tunes each in Spanish and French are a curiosity, since lyrical content is central to Richman’s appeal. This makes the album a bit thin as an introduction. Fans, however, should be happy their hero is still amazed by life.
—Doug Taylor
categories: Canadian artist
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.