Album: Jonathan Goes Country

Introduction
" Jonathan Goes Country" is a 1990 album by American singer-songwriter Jonathan Richman, best known as the creator and frontman of the modern-rock band The Modern Lovers. The album, which marks Richman's l lth solo release, showcases the artist's expedition of timeless country music. With a revitalizing mix of covers, originals, and revamped Modern Lovers tracks, "Jonathan Goes Country" provides a compelling look into the distinct talents of a cult hero in American music.

Background and Inspiration
In the late 1980s, Jonathan Richman became progressively amazed with conventional country music. According to interviews, Richman was very first drawn to the genuine story-telling quality of the genre and appreciated how nation singers addressed styles of love and heartbreak with truthfulness and vulnerability. Richman had actually previously experimented with numerous musical styles, from punk rock to blues, and he now wanted to attempt his hand at incorporating country sounds into his own songwriting.

In spite of the initial apprehension from fans and critics alike, Richman was figured out to create a country album that was true to his creative vision. From the start, he desired the album to be a love letter to the all-time greats of country music, and he did so by surrounding himself with knowledgeable session artists and vigilantly studied the works of legends such as Hank Williams, George Jones, and Merle Haggard.

Production and Release
" Jonathan Goes Country" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, with experienced nation manufacturer Jim Rooney at the helm. For the album, Richman enlisted a group of top-notch studio artists, consisting of guitar player Al Casey, steel guitar player Lloyd Green, and drummer Kenny Malone. Their specialist performances helped raise the album's total sound and feel, supplying a solid structure for Richman's quirkiness and genuineness.

Upon its release, "Jonathan Goes Country" amassed blended reviews from critics. Some praised the album for its blend of country music and alternative rock, while others slammed Richman's venture into nation as a gimmick or misguided experiment. The industrial reception was modest, fitting with Richman's history of releasing critically well-known but not commercially successful albums.

Tracklist and Highlights
" Jonathan Goes Country" includes a varied mix of covers, originals, and revamped Modern Lovers tracks - all with the unmistakable influence of conventional country music. Some standouts from the album consist of:

1. "Since She Started to Ride" - A catchy, up-tempo track that chronicles the story of a city girl turned equestrian, showcasing Richman's affinity for story-telling and wordplay.

2. "You're Crazy for Taking the Bus" - A country-translated version of a fan-favorite Modern Lovers song, reimagined with twangy guitar riffs and a honky-tonk rhythm that allows the humor of the lyrics to shine.

3. "Your Good Girl's Gon na Go Bad" - A cover of a classic Tammy Wynette tune, showing Richman's heartfelt respect for c and w's leaders.

4. "Corner Store" - An initial track filled with classic images and sweetness, with Richman's plain vocals set versus a mild nation waltz, similar to George Jones' earlier work.

Legacy
Over 3 decades after its release, "Jonathan Goes Country" stays an interesting entry in Jonathan Richman's varied discography. Although at first met uncertainty, the album has actually found a devoted fan base throughout the years with nation fans and alternative rock enthusiasts alike. Richman's earnest love and gratitude for c and w continue to resonate with listeners, offering a revitalizing and wholehearted homage to a timeless category within the constantly evolving world of American music.