The Modern Lovers

This is probably the worst album I've ever listened to in recent memory. The vocals are like a drunk / strung out Jim Morrison, just slurring his words and not giving a shit. It was like a train wreck in slow motion. I have no original thoughts about this album, but neither did the artist when they were making it. I'm angry I spent almost an hour listening to this trash. A dumpster filled with the days expired produce on fire could make better music than this nightmare. Just unoriginal, uninspired, gutter trash. I could make a poop that would sound better than this. Fuck. Fuck these guys. Fuck whoever put this shit on this list.

I love Jonathan Richman's heart on his sleeve honesty and directness. He is like an anti-rockstar and yet things like Roadrunner epitomize rock and roll to me. He's so comfortable with who he is and just putting it out there. Really brave, and to me, relatable. Some of these tracks were recorded in 1971! They're like The Stooges' sensitive, goofier little brothers. Ahead of their time. 5 stars for Roadrunner alone but 5 stars for all of it.

It's brilliant, exactly the kind of music I love. A magical blend of rock/punk energies and wry self-deprecating earnestness. I love the absurdist yet heartfelt lyrics and effortless cool layered into every track.

Really?

I loved Jonathan Richman's interviews in Todd Haynes' Velvet Underground documentary (what a sweet man) and I've only read raves about Joshua Clover's new book, 'Roadrunner'--all about the opener on this album--so I was thrilled when this came up. Roadrunner is great, driving its way around the rock 'n' roll ring road, and picking up a hitchiking Mathangi Arulpragasam on the way. Understandably, it'll take more than one listen for me to feel like it's worth writing a book about. Richman's drawl isn't exactly fetching, but it's so unaffected that it's impossible not to like. Like hero Lou, his songs appear to hinge on arty-cum-straightforward lyrics but are actually driven by his lead guitar. By the time it finishes, he's introduced you to a peculiar set of charaters inhabiting an unusual sonic world, all without appearing to do much heavy lifting. Special.

No. Nope. nononono. At first I thought the music wasn't terrible in a low-rent Elvis Costello kinda way, something I'd be ok with hearing a band playing at a pub but me not paying 100% attention or having paid a large cover for. Unfortunately before the first song ended I really wanted to leave the bar. But I couldn't because I'm not in a bar, I'm at home listening. I'M TRAPPED! SEND HELP. "Hospital" makes me want to check into one. JFC. I think what frustrates me about music like this isn't at all that people like it - hell, listen to 35 minutes of someone banging on a pipe and screaming that's fine who cares. It's that something like this makes a list of 1001 albums you must listen to rather than 1001 albums that, well, only a few people and their roommates might like and you *might* enjoy it but it's really not anything groundbreaking (there I go being subjective again). But no - critics love this shit *and* enjoyed deriding other acts for being too complex. That's the part that frosts me a bit. Oh look! John Cale produced it - what a surprise. Jonathan Richman has the vocal range of a walrus high jumping. Apologies to the walrus who is undoubtedly trying their best. <inner voice: Stop pussy-footing around, this is your review dammit!> Holy hell this is one of the worst things I've ever heard. I hate this. 1/10 1 star.

Loved every second of this. Like something off the Nuggets compilation but somehow even more guileless than those offerings. The product of an utterly eccentric mind, and all the better for it.

I'm pretty sure Pablo Picasso was an asshole. Sounds like someone doing karaoke to The Doors. It's worth noting the talented keyboardist and drummer took their talents to more successful outfits. Jonathan Richman might have knelt at the altar of Lou Reed, but he's the poor person's Lou Reed. "Roadrunner" is a great song, but not the version that opens this album (the Sex Pistols cover is what makes it a classic). Richman should stick to making pizza ovens. The more I think about this album, the more it bothers me because it's not bad, per se. But it's so impossibly overrated, and it just sort of loiters and eventually gnaws.

I found this hard going. Had to stop 4 times and go back to it in order to finish. Meandering, turgid, I really don't understand the appeal of any of this. Not for me.

Oh my joy at having this album come up today! One of my faves of that era. They had all the energy and attitude of other proto punk bands, but with real humor and heart. "Road Runner," full volume, heading down the road. It doesn't get any better.

Yesterday I had to review Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits. Spoiler alert: it is an overly-polished, commercialized, bland-rock unit-shifter. It has almost no rock and roll in it. I feel mildly exploited by the music industry just for listening to it, and I desperately need a palate cleanser... And here it is! The Modern Lovers! There are a bunch of Jonathan Richmond songs that I love (the singles from this album, plus Egyptian Reggae, I'm a Little Airplane, a few others), but I have always had a hard time working out the variations on albums and weird release chronologies associated with an artist trying to get stuff released on a series of marginal independent labels. So, I've never sat down and listened to an album all the way through. An ordinary band of a bunch of ordinary guys with ordinary concerns trying to be the Velvet Underground or the Doors, and, in their DIY shortcomings, showing us a whole new thing. God knows why record companies even considered releasing an album by this band. But I love the unpretentious, low budget charm of this record, and the sense that anyone could do it. Bless John Cale for producing them without stuffing it up. It is the epitome of 'low technique' rock and roll. Roadrunner, Pablo Picasso and She Cracked are actually all classic songs, especially Roadrunner which is one of the great odes to listening to the radio. The song that really grabbed me listening today, however, is Modern World. I love the line "Put down your cigarette and drop out of high school", followed by Jonathan Richmond's laconic "alright", which is one of the most rock and roll utterances ever. Really enjoyed this. Would buy.

Unbelievable 70s album with direct correlation to the 90 indie scene.

Proto-punk that sounds a lot like the Doors meets the Clash, except doesn't overplay the keys. Roadrunner and Pablo Picasso are big highlights; this album is right up my street, and it was no surprise when I learned two of the members were also in the Cars and the Talking Heads.

The issue with 'The Modern Lovers' is that it leaves you wanting to listen to The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed. I read that lead singer Jonathan Richman was obsessed with the Velvet Underground, and you're left in no doubt after listening to this album. But you are left wondering why he decided to opt for an all together different narrative in his lyrics. Supposedly he's just lived an entirely clean and positive existence to date. Hard to criticism him for that. But part of the grand appeal of the Velvet Underground and Lou Reed's solo work is the dark, edgy nature to the lyrics. In the Jonathan Richman world, 'Perfect Day' is just a song about having a really great day. Smoke a doobie, Jonathan! Lyrics aside, you can't not love a bit of New York 70s art rock. It's stuffy, it's pretentious but it's absolutely iconic. You can see the direct lineage from The Modern Lovers to all of the indie music I dabbled with at university in the mid-noughties. From Belle & Sebastian to The Moldy Peaches, it's all there at various points through the course of this album. I just wish the band had strapped on some shiny shiny boots of leather before penning it.

Kind of like the Strokes meets the Rolling Stones, but less appealing than it sounds. Lyrics/vocals are weak, and I'm not getting any of the innovation I would expect from an album appearing on this list. Some of the guitar work is decent, but that's about it. 1.5/5. NOTE: just looked up the album and saw that it was unreleased for years before coming out in 1976 and that I listened to an extended version of the album. Not sure what the big deal behind this one is.

Alternative, what I imagine 1976 emo angst driven teenager would have listened to. Probably one of the first of it's kind, which is cool. But overall forgettable and boring to me.

Not a bad album at all but a little forgettable. Instantly recognised the first song from School of Rock but the rest was fairly similar. Also sounded like they were trying to be the Velvet Underground

This sounds like an amateur band that I could go see in the local pub. Not bad, but not good either.

Kind of bland, very indebted to The Velvet Underground. It's not bad, I'm just not really sure why it's here. Nothing really stuck out to me too boldly. Favorite track: "Modern World"

I cannot see myself listening to this again nor recommending it to anyone in future.

Possibly the most important band to never release an album during their existence, and this set of demos is our proof. Jazz academics like to categorize Thelonius Monk as 'post bob' even though he was a contemporary of and inspiration to the people who invented bebop. The same dynamic exists here - this is sort of post punk music created prior to the invention of punk. A lot of first generation punks took inspiration from this. The Sex Pistols covered "Roadrunner" (which at some point we should stipulate is one of the all-time great road songs). BTW, if you EVER EVER EVER get a chance to see Jonathan Richman perform, YOU MUST ATTEND. I saw him just a few months ago and it was one of the very, very, very best performances I have witnessed so far, and I am old and have seen a lot. Ecstatic is the word that comes to mind. When we locked eyes at one point I spontaneously burst into tears, like I imagine I might if the Dalai Lama laid hands on me. A great performer! An American treasure. Truly.

Amazing. Developing the velvets sound to another level. Peak indie before indie existed.

Back in 1995, me and some friends would jam in an upstairs room. It was always some variation of a fast 12-bar blues, and one of us would latch on to some phrase and improvise lyrics. The difference is, we new the improv was bad and would throw it away. Not these guys, they actually committed their repetitive improv lyrics to vinyl over some variation of surf rock. Everything is at the same tempo (except for 2 songs that are at the same slow tempo) which makes it a very repetitive listen. "Roadrunner" is fun, but the fun wears off quickly. For good seminal proto-punk I'd rather listen to the MC5.

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of The Velvet Underground and Talking Heads is the Modern Lovers: chronologically, musically, and lyrically. SO FUN. Jonathan Richman apparently loved great music, influenced by the New York music scene of the late 60s, but he was more optimistic than rebellious. He sings about his love for the old world, and for that matter his love for the modern world. On "Old World" he sings: I had a New York girlfriend And she couldn't understand How I could still love my parents And still love the old world All this is taken up another notch on "She Cracked." What a song. Spoiler alert: she cracked but he won’t. Enjoying life is its own kind of rebellion. Five stars for one of the greatest “unknown” albums of all time. *** Best songs: Roadrunner, Pablo Picasso, Old World, Modern World, She Cracked Best cameo: “Pablo Picasso" on the "Repo Man" soundtrack Best memory: Finding my own copy of this rare and collectible, out-of-print record in an Ann Arbor record store circa 1988 Best opportunity: the one you have if you received this album today.

Imagine if you will: a band featuring members of The Cars, The Talking Heads, and David Johansen’s band, fronted by the troubadour from There’s Something About Mary. And that’s literally The Modern Lovers. These were supposedly all demo recordings, never meant for public consumption. But there are some bonafide bangers on this record. Roadrunner was made famous via a Sex Pistols cover. But this original version is the superior take on the song. And Pablo Picasso was, of course, never called an asshole. A lot of different versions of the album were released over the years. So not every version contains I’m Straight, which is sad for people who don’t own those versions of the album. Is it the first straight-edge declaration in rock music? I believe it is. The whole thing is a fascinating document. It sounds like a band accidentally inventing punk and new wave, while looking through the lenses of the Velvet Underground and The Doors. And the whole thing is gloriously uncool. Just wonderfully out of step with the time when it was written and recorded. Or any time really. I can’t think of any era where a mass public elevates something like The Modern Lovers. It’s too personal, too sensitive, too specific. And of course that’s what makes it great. And it’s exactly why this album should be better known by the public at large.

Why do I love this so much? Partially because it's good, but ya know, these songs are pretty repetitive and they go on for a bit, two things that usually repel me. But I just love this album. I love it!

Roadrunner, Pablo Picasso-classic. The rest of the record drags a bit for me but it’s still a banger.

This is a great album. Haters have no style or patience.

Distinctive sound thanks to Jonathan Richman, a sound I occasionally crave and almost always enjoy. He risks being clever at the expense of being interesting but small price to pay for his niche status. To me, he's like the Grateful Dead in that when you want to listen to their music, there's nothing else really like it.

on its own, the modern lovers is an average album. it was listenable and had some enjoyable parts. but when compared to the other proto-punk albums that i've listened to on this list, this album is amazing, easily a 5! i suppose it's the rock elements that allow me to enjoy this record more than other proto-punk albums, but it still doesn't make me excited. i think i might just prefer my punk more produced/commercialized. it was a cool listen though with the punk, rock, and experimental combination.

Wears its VU influence too much on its sleeve for me, while not really measuring up (in the vocal department particularly, and emulating Lou Reed is frankly not that high of a bar to aspire to). While Reed assumed the persona of coldness and flat affect in some of the characters he voiced, in these performances that shoe fits a bit too well. And the lyrics aren't as clever as they think they are, though not without charms.

This guy 'sing's like a true doucher, but the music is pretty good.

Eh bah franchement pas incroyable. Robert déçoit une énième fois avec ses propositions d'albums de plus en plus discutables.

Uninspired, insipid, and derivative. I know it’s easy to be a critic, but I really think all these words apply. Nothing about this album feels new for its time; every aspect of it is a worse version of a previous band’s work. Pretty boring. I might have given it a 2, but the lead vocals were the most lackluster I’ve ever heard, so I feel justified giving it a 1.

Just go listen to The Stranglers if you want to hear what these guys wanted to sound like.

Repetitive and boring lyrics, instruments are meh

What a hell of a reward for getting back into it! I love this album. Looking it up, it's cool that John Cale has a hand in this. I can see it. Listening notes: -Roadrunner is a subdued entry imo. Why does he have the AM radio on tho? FM is much better... -Wish I could put my finger on what makes Richman such a compelling vocalist. His slurred nonchalance doesn't seem that unique, but he nails it -I adore the use of Organ on this album (had to look it up to figure out what it was). -Hospital. Ooh man. Probably qualifies for my 100 favorite songs all-time Review: Incredible no skips album. Such a key point for the development of alt music, and crazy to believe this is happening in only 1976.

There's a picture of the Modern Lovers featuring four of them looking all punk: long, unkempt hair, clad in leather and denim and brooding. And then there's Jonathan, standing off to the side in a white cardigan and khakis, smiling sweetly and looking entirely out of place. That's pretty much the energy he brings to this album too. He sings about what the punks sing about, whether it be romantic frustration or the generation gap or the government. But he's not angry about any of it; he kind of romanticizes his loneliness, he still loves the old world, he wants to go play music at the government center to cheer up the bureaucrats. Some of these are the cheeriest songs about feeling alone that you'll ever hear!

Último día del mes y vamos con un álbum que no he escuchado de una banda que creo me suena de nombre. Lo que leo por su reseña me engancha, así que me dispongo a escucharlos desde la curiosidad. Desde el primer tema me recuerda a lo que leí en la reseña completa: una voz con tintes de Lou Reed, de Iggy Pop y con un sonido proto-punk, proto-indie, desde una voz como decepcionada con la vida, que canta desde ése lugar, grita, se apasiona y no pretende mostrarse puramente luminosa. Los teclados me recuerdan a Ray Manzarek y me hacen acordar lo mucho que me gustaban los Doors y de que hace tiempo no los escucho. Ahora que lo pienso, hay también leves atisbos de Jim Morrison que se terminan colando. Las guitarras, por otra parte, me recuerdan a Television. Vuelvo nuevamente a un comentario hecho para otro disco de éste reto sobre que siempre lo proto-punk me encantó: cómo en una misma época surgió una cantidad innumerable de bandas, sobre todo en Estados Unidos, que iban por el mismo camino, me parece fascinante. Debo decir que pasa a mi lista de discos favoritos, desde ya. Muchas gracias y hasta mañana, ya con el mes de agosto encima.

I’ve heard and loved Roadrunner before but I had no idea how good this band was. It’s no surprise they’re one of the bands mentioned in LCD Soundsystem’s Losing My Edge; the influence from Jonathan Richman to James Murphy is a straight line. It’s crazy this came out in 1976, it sounds so contemporary I can only imagine it was a very divisive record at the time. Glad this list got me to listen to this though, it was exactly the sort of thing I love and now a ton of other Jonathan Richman albums to check out as well.

Heard a few times before but it only really hit me this time just how overwhelming the Velvet Underground influence is on here, probably why i enjoy it so much. Obviously 'Roadrunner' (one of the best songs ever) takes almost directly from the Velvet's 'Sister Ray' (probably the best song ever), but the album is filled with those vibes.

The Modern Lovers. What a fabulous Album. Even the most cursory of historical dives on this band tells the story of there inevitable disbanding before they even had a chance to explode. However, no amount of troubled history can overshadow the amazing work that is this album. Track to track, it is a tour-de-force of Pre-Punk proclamations for those not yet ready to rebel. The vide is full of energy and attitude that invites you into all the familiar struggles of youth and reminds even those of us that are older, that we should have taken them all more seriously than we did. Yet, even the album arrives after its own time. Do yourself a favor and stop what you're doing, clear the room that has the best sound system you own, and listen to this album! You'll be glad you did, and you'll lament that this is all we really get from the Modern Lovers.

A fabulous bridge between the Velvet Underground and indie rock.

This could be a soundtrack to a Quentin Tarantino movie. I mean that in a good way.

I love this record. I wish it had come into my life earlier than it did so I could have had longer enjoying it than the poor few years that I have.

I have some memorable moments with the Modern Lovers, the highlights of which I will list below. - Jonathan Richman is a friend of a friend (Ted, who Stijn knows), and I have met him a couple times. He is a strange fellow, and generally delightful. He answered my question about some lyrics. - When I moved to New York, Roadrunner came on just as I was crossing the Manhattan bridge into the city came on the radio. It was a great soundtrack for what felt like the beginning of a new chapter. - Later that year when I was sad and living in New York, I listened to Hospital way too much, and it was very good wallowing music. - I love hearing these songs as a connection to the Boston music scene of yesteryear. Apparently the Velvet Underground were huge in the Boston underground scene, and Jonathan Richman was there connection in town. I would kill to have been at those shows. Basically I love this album, and Jonathan Richman's solo work. Hospital is my favorite song on the album. Its a wild blend of mournful and humorous, which is a very rare balance to strike. Album cover: (A)

It's one of those albums that's not like anything else out there. A dude doing whatever the hell he wants, not trying to sound like anyone else. I can tell he was a fan of the Doors, the Stooges, and the Velvet Underground in terms of the abrasive, charismatic, humorous vocals and noisy yet melodic and repetitive beats and riffs (almost punk-like, almost krautrock-like). They were contemporary with the first glam rock artists like the New York Dolls which also had a back-to-roots rock n roll style, but you can't lump these guys in how the glam rock artists did it. It's different, and it's cool. I like all the tracks. They're low key and pleasant, never too loud or annoying. The lyrics are simple and sincere, easy to follow but has a lot of personality and quirkiness, hard to not like. This puts a lot of emotion behind the minimalist, vocal-centered tracks "Hospital" and "Girlfriend." Bonus points for the Boston-centered lyrics having lived here for the past 6 years. Production is raw, and the synths are dated, but contemporary to the Velvet Underground. Not necessarily bad, just makes a slightly harder listen. But I wonder what they could have done with the technology when they released this record in 1976. This is especially tough in the bonus tracks, which seems to get worse in fidelity with each track. By the end, "Dance With Me" sounds like it was recorded with a toaster. Every song is memorable and sticks out, which plenty of moments that'll get stuck in your head. This goes for the bonus tracks true. It does make me kill to see them live. Fortunately, Richman does perform in Boston fairly regularly, so I'll have to look out for the next chance I get. Giving it the full 5 stars for originality and replayability with no forgettable or throwaway tracks. Effort and creativity was put into every one, even the bonus tracks. However, it is pretty abrasive, and so it could be improved with better technology (for the instruments, recording, and mixing), and with an appropriate re-ordering when including the bonus tracks.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... love this, absolute genius! Even though this isn't really an "album" it's incredibly influential. Straight line from the VU to this to everything great in the indie world.

I love this album. First heard Pablo Picasso on college radio 10ish years ago and immediately thought - "What is this??" Since then, the album has become a favorite - love all of the Boston references, storytelling, etc. Favorite songs are Pablo Picasso, Hospital, I Wanna Sleep in Your Arms, Old World (but really love all of them)

Great lyrics

Fantastic, will revisit

You just know that many UK Punk bands must have heard this and took its energy.

Just a fun, unpretentious record.

I was like why it sounds like Stooges, Pistols, and Velvet all at once and Ive read it was a major influence to those bands. I wonder why I wasn’t introduced to them before. Nice album, need more listens but overall it’s really good.

A much older, much cooler guy gave this album to me one time when he was moving. I wish I was as cool, because I remember telling him I didn't like it. He said "You will someday." Well Jerry, you were right. It fucking rocks. Love it so much.

"I don't think I know anything by Modern Lovers" ...then proceed to recognize 3 out of the first 4 songs on this album. Though I think I'd only heard the cover of Pablo Picasso off the Repo Man soundtrack before this. Overall, I enjoyed this, and glad to be exposed to it

The Modern Lovers Roadrunner is a classic, an absolute banger. I didn’t realise it was actually recorded in 1972, I always thought it originated in the early punk and garage rock period when it was released. Although 1972 does make sense, as you can see the connection with the Velvet Underground with its two chord driving rhythm and detached, stream of consciousness delivery. That undoubtedly sets the formula for much of the rest of it, but it's a winning template for me - organs, driving, vaguely motorik drums, pulsing bass, drawling vocals and non-linear lyrics. While none of the songs quite match Roadrunner there are some excellent songs. Astral Planes has a nice bluesy boogie, Old World is very akin to Roadrunner but establishes a nice hypnotic sense, and the organ is excellent. Pablo Picasso adds a bit of The Doors to the Velvet Underground, and again has a great, insistent beat. She Cracked might be the most post punk sounding track, despite preceding punk by 5 years, with its scratchy guitars and drum pattern. Alongside Girl Friend, Hospital adds a slightly different shade, breaking the overriding rhythmic pattern, with Someone I Care About bringing back normal service in between, as does the fine closer Modern World, with its echoes of I Heard It Through The Grapevine. I very much enjoyed this, a great 35 minutes of proto post-punk garage rock’n’roll, that was well ahead of its time. Solid 4. 🛣️🛣️🛣️🛣️ Playlist submission: Roadrunner

Velvet Underground influence? Check. Motorik style drumming? Check. Punk attitude? Check. This one’s a winner to my ears.

I've heard this album a few times in my life and I always forget it's from the '70s. It seems newer than that. I feel like it grows on me the more I hear it. 4/5.

Crap. Didn’t get a chance to listen to this today, but based on that cover art and having the word “modern” in the name I’m gonna say… solid four stars. Don’t let me down album I didn’t listen to!

An amazing cross between Doors-style rock and proto-punk

Proto punk, American that somehow sounds British.

what I learned - he wants a girlfriend - he is NOT stoned

As a middle aged man it's hard to get too excited about an album full of songs about wanting a girlfriend. It was fine.

I prefer when Jonathan Richman is dancing in the lesbian bar (aouh aouh)

Hit and miss

Was described as proto punk but reminded me more of the doors. Was alright some interesting wounds and ideas.

A debut album of a band that is founded by a literal teenager, it is not surprise that "The Modern Lovers" is one of those "proto-punk" albums. But is this really a landmark in proto-punk? Let alone in the influences in punk itself? I can definitely hear punk being conceived along the angsty lyrics and sounds, but it sounds more like a '60s rock inspired fiddling than a genre conceiving album. In terms of sound, it's pretty chill but boring sometimes. It was narrated that the band had a conflict about the direction of their sound; towards more mellow stuff or keeping and improving the aggressive sound? I would love it if they went with the former, but unfortunately, punk clearly went with the latter.

Weird, but in a good way. "I'm straight" is basically hey hey you you I don't like your boyfriend.

The Modern Lovers' Roadrunner, which opens their eponymous album, is a straight up rip off of the Velvet Underground, right down to the overdriven organ. But here's the thing--I like what they're ripping off. I enjoy Jonathan Richman's geeky delivery and innocent lyrics. I enjoy their basic sound, which is wholly indebted to VU. And the song Pablo Picasso always makes me laugh. But is it really all that? Does it deserve a place on the 1001 Albums list? Nah. The idea that the Modern Lovers is some kind of groundbreaking release or album is revisionist bullshit. There's nothing here that VU hadn't already done. In fact, The Modern Lovers basically just took one aspect of VU and played variations on it. They do it consistently and well, but even though I enjoy this album, to claim some sort of exalted status for it is just silly.

definitely hear the proto-punk sound. Overall not bad. Don't like the language on Pablo Picasso.

Not bad but not amazing.

Enjoyed this, previously only knew Roadrunner. Tad too long maybe

Torture.

At the time I'd have given it four stars. Couldn't say why now though!

The art rock schtick wears thin very quickly. || Whining about Picasso being an asshole but still getting girls, and some other lyrics felt very 'nice guy' incel. Even if Picasso was as famous a jerk as he was a painter haha. 2 stars.

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers (1976 [1972]) This little treat of American protopunk (recorded in 1972 but not released until 1976) is suitably and simultaneously mindless and groovy. The lyrics are unduly simple and repetitive. They lack insight, intricacy, or even humor, even though one gets the sense that they try (e.g., “Pablo Picasso” and “Girlfriend” [lyrically spelled “g-i-r-l-f-r-e-n”]). So, okay, this is not thoughtful poetry. The overly dominating chord progressions and melodies are likewise unduly simple and repetitive. With subpar solo vocals that far too frequently descend into non-tonal verbalizations, the ‘songs’ rarely rise to the level of music. The instrumentals are, however, interesting. There is consistently fine electric bass grounding, deft, precise drumming, and sometimes haunting, droning layers of keyboards and inelaborate electric guitar elements. But there’s no real virtuosity evident here. The grand exception to this wallow in mediocrity is the song “Hospital”, which actually has tempo, time signature, and rhythmic variations, as well as lyrical depth and development. It has a probing theme—a contradiction in love, noting the first-person lover’s distinction between the beloved’s being and the beloved’s actions. (“I can’t stand what you do, but I’m in love with your eyes”). But the song is still flawed by melodic monotony, and it was recorded with an unnecessarily high level of hum and tape hiss. All in all, this album doesn’t quite qualify as cool. 2/5

every song sounds the same

Hearing the first few notes and vocals of Roadrunner I thought is this a wannabe Velvet Underground? After doing some reading, apparently the answer is yes. Never heard of these guys (or really the lead guy). It wasn't awful. Well, the lyrics were kinda terrible - cheap Velvet Underground knockoff. But the arrangements were intriguing. Not my thing and zero production value, but I can appreciate it and what they were going for. Sometimes trying a bit too hard to be the Doors, but like a kid brother who is even more strung out. Tough one to rate. Not worse than a 2, not better than a 3. Which one is it? F the lyrics are awful (Girlfriend? Pablo Picasso? ugh). Sorry that's the clincher.

I got worried when I saw they were influenced by the Velvet Underground AND produced by John Cale. There were a few moments of VU-ishness (e.g., "Cracked") and that's not good because I'm not into VU. But, the rest was ok. I wavered between a 2 and 3. I really liked Roadrunner - good track. I kind of laughed at the British punk accent Jonathan Richman affected particularly in the beginning of Astral Plane. Dude, you're from Boston. I think the main reason I'm going with a 2 is that at the end of the day it was mostly the same song over and over, and I'm never a fan of that.

I’ve never heard of the band before and not really a fan of the album just thought the whole album was meh. Some of the lyrics were strange and not much of a fan of the vocals 2/5

I don't know. It's quirky. Maybe impressive / different at the time. Do I want to hear it again? Probably not.

I find them kind of annoying overall, to be honest. I realized it's part of the idea probably, but I really only enjoyed a couple tracks.

Not a good singing performance, almost slurrish singing, uninspiring and monotonous music

little bit boring

Not for me. 1/5

This is one of those albums that has to be on the list because it's historically important as a thing that presages the emergence of genres (in this case punk/grunge) and not because it is good. Because let me tell you, this album is not good. It's a painful slog to get through and I was glad it was over when I finished it.

Roadrunner is an OK song, but most of this is laughably amateurish.

speak singing

Muy largo me aburrió

🤔 I am guessing this singers parent never told him “No, you cannot do that,”

There is so much music that is just exactly like this, and there's nothing in any if it lyrically or musically worth experiencing.

Stupid rock. What a boring and poor sounding voice.

Didn't know what sounds like a smalltown bar karaoke performance is one of the 1001 albums I have to listen to. Is it just to appreciate that other music is better? Did not finish.

Stupid music. Let’s just talk our way through songs. No talent.

this is the meeting-that-could-have-been-an-email of albums

It's called The Modern Lovers because modern bands loved it at some point to make music that is loved more. Not really a diss but uhh yeah I'll take the modern stuff thank you.

I’m so tired of British trash like this being considered good. “I’m Straight” is a whole song about not smoking weed??? Maybe if you did you’d actually write good music. Fuck, I’m jealous of anyone who’s never listened to this trash.

too british

God I am sick of 70s music. I might abandon the website if this is just going to be an overview of the 70s. The vibe is OK but the lyrics are quite poorly written. The "modern lovers" ? more like the "pre-pubescent lovers". The whole album seems juvenile, like listening to a kid in primary school trying to articulate love and relationships. I'm going to stop it 8 songs in. Why tf does anyone "need" to listen to this album before they die?