Label: Concord
Release date: 23.04.2022
35th anniversary edition of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers' final studio album. First vinyl reissue, featuring all-analog mastering from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on "Hot Nights Sky Blue" vinyl. Delivering a surprisingly lush sound, the musicians perform an upbeat selection of playful, acoustic tunes, including “I Love Hot Nights,” “African Lady,” and “Gail Loves Me.” A favorite title in Richman’s lengthy catalog, Modern Lovers 88 has been praised by AllMusic as “Quite rocking, with heavy debts to doo-wop and Bo Diddley rhythms, and a jolly (though not sappy) summertime campfire feel.”
The Modern Lovers’ music is always a party and this album is one of their best. Simple and yet so catchy and packed with Richman’s refreshing childlike wonder at the world delivered in his instantly recognisable half-spoken vocals.