Modern Lovers: The Modern Lovers LP

Originally released on the Beserkley label in 1976 (though most of the material was recorded in 1973), The Modern Lovers eponymous first album is a universally lauded proto-punk classic. It's an album that bridges the gap between The Velvet Underground, a band whom leader Jonathan Richman was obsessed with, and the first wave of punk rock. The timeless 9-track effort features production from VU's John Cale and Kim Fowley (The Runaways) and a stellar line-up rounded out by Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), David Robinson (The Cars) and Ernie Brooks. While also displaying the goofy wit that would later be Richman's signature, The Modern Lovers is equal parts emotional, angst driven, life affirming, and, from start to finish, absolutely brilliant!