I failed to brush up on my Jonathan Richman before seeing him for the first time in concert. Usually I like to hype myself up for a show by listening to that certain act for days on end. For whatever reason, I only immersed myself in the whimsical Ólöf Arnalds and barely any Richman. What I got that night was a wake up call and a reminder that I need to be listening to more Jonathan Richman than I think I do.

In a 3-day snit at The Swedish American Music Hall, Jonathan enlisted Icelandic folk crooner Ólöf Arnalds as his opening act. Not to be confused with multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds, Ólöf is an adorable Dutch-built woman that arguably puts Joanna Newsom to shame. Sorry but after listening to her latest album, Innundir Skinni and witnessing her disarming performance last night, it seems Ólöf Arnalds may be one of my favorite performers of the year.

This may be partially because I am a huge Icelandic music geek but also because the amount personality and vulnerability that Ólöf showed on stage was enough to become an instant fan. She switched from various acoustic guitars to mandolin to an eventual acapella solo, all of which floored me and all expectations I had. Gentility breezing through songs from 2007′s Við Og Við and the upcoming Innundir Skinni, along with a few covers of traditional Dutch and Irish folk songs, Ólöf’s distinguishable voice charmed everyone who observed her set that night. Including Jonathan Richman himself, who took the stage after her set to explain why he booked her for these shows and making sure everyone there appreciated that fact that they experienced Ólöf Arnalds. To quote him, “Ólöf Arnalds just happened.”

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[mp3] Ólöf Arnalds – Innundir Skinni from Innundir Skinni (2010)

Now for guy who’s influenced dozens upon dozens of artists with Modern Lovers and his own solo work, the man himself stays remarkably humble and hilariously eccentric. Whether you are a newcomer to his music or a long time fan, Jonathan did not disappoint that night. I’ve always seen Jonathan as a clownish version of Lou Reed or a less pretentious David Byrne politley resonating into my soft spot for honest singer-songwriters.

Singing in Spanish, Italian, French and English, Richman effortlessly entertained a hypnotised audience of all ages.  He displayed his usual positive presence, spontaneous dance offs, and charismatic performance style with random crowd banter, then returning to his set like a kid too excited to stand still. Higlights include Mr Sorrow (my favorite), Pablo Picasso (of course), and a few of my favorites off A Qué Venimos Sino a Caer.

Overall, a very special night and highly recommended for anyone even slightly familiar with Jonathan Richman.

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[mp3] Jonathan Richman – When I Dance from I’m So Confused (1998)

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