Government Center is the last song on the Modern Lovers album I own, which is the 1986 Berserkley/Rhino release. It begins with a bass line that bears an unfortunate resemblance to "I Think We're Alone Now", but Jonathan Richman's enthusiastic vocals relieve us from any emotional damage. His voice jumps out of a megaphone, encouraging the band to work hard and play well for the folks at the government center:
make the secretaries feel better
when they put those stamps on the letters
I hear the word 'ledgers', not letters, but it's hard to say. Anyhow, the Modern Lovers are gonna make it swing at the center, with all the "great desks and chairs", bring smiles to the secretaries, get the office boys jumpin around. Their only challenge is stuffy "old Mr. Ahearn." He's probably the boss, or an impatient regular patron. Calm down, Mr. Ahearn! Makes me think of Mr. Weatherby. I have no idea what sort of government center this is, what services it provides, or why the Modern Lovers are playing a gig here. Were they invited, or is this some sort of spontaneous occurrence?
I really like the organ on this song, played by future Talking Head Jerry Harrison. Nice handclaps as well. Then there's the backbeat drumming of future Cars member David Robinson. Bassist Ernie Brooks was Harrison's roommate at Harvard University. And clean cut Jonathan Richman, later to sing and appear in There's Something About Mary. It would be cool if the Modern Lovers reunited at some point, but apparently Jonathan Richman has no interest in playing these songs again. Waaahhhh!
No comments:
Post a Comment