The original Modern Lovers (Jonathan Richman, Jerry Harrison, David Robinson, and Ernie Brooks) never really recorded an album. This disc is basically a collection of demos recorded in '72 and '73. That said, it has gone on to be universally recognized as one of the best rock 'n' roll albums of all time. Richman shifted gears radically in coming years, and while his later music is still compelling, he rarely approaches the brilliance of songs like "Road Runner," "Girlfriend," and "Hospital."

Harold Check