Jonathan Richman - Now Is Better Than Before (Later)

[astroboirap]

whats with the hand thing during the solo

[finecrystal]

@astroboirap I think he's gotten used to playing electric with a whammy bar/tremelo and in switching to acoustic still makes the motion out of habit. probably. or it might just be an affectation. who knows?

[5507156693]

Great! Love the man

[amylNRG]

Damnit, I was just starting to like Jonathan Richman. A web site encouraged me to click through to "Dancing in a Lesbian Bar", and I loved that, so I took a look at this. It's OK, though I suspect that his schtick gets old real fast. BUT, what really put me off is the discovery that Jools Fucking Holland, the wanker-king of pretension, likes him. No more Richman for me. And as for Holland: "Jazz Club", anyone?

[extremelybusy123]

@amylNRG who cares who likes what. Apparently you listen to bands based on who likes them. Amy, just relax. Get into early Jonathan Richman (Modern Lovers). They basically invented punk rock. As he got older he moved more towards balladry like this, also awesome. Richman's songs have been covered by everyone from John Cale (Velvet Underground) to Iggy Pop. He's a legend and just because Jools Holland likes him doesn't mean you shouldn't. Listen to what sounds good to you. Very easy.

[amylNRG]

@extremelybusy123

Well, I'd forgotten this until you posted your comment, and that reminded me to look at it again. I was right in my earlier posting: the schtick gets old. It's like listening to those "comedy" records from the 1970s: the first time you hear them, you think, "hey, this is great", but the joke wears thin after you've heard it on every breakfast show for a week.

As for Holland: I don't hate everything he likes, but I find his taste a pretty good indicator of pretentious wank.

[sofyaani]

I learnt alot from this great man

[pwkid]

I knew I heard this guy from somewhere! He had a part in There's Something About Mary :)

[GardnerLepp]

This song is from "Rockin 'n' Romance" which I have been unable to find at all on CD. I have it on vinyl, which is incredible. But I'd like to get it on my MP3 player. Jonathan is a genius.

[flanissimo]

only one dislike??? I"m surprised. I love his performances and his songs, but I'm surprised that there's only one dislike. Most of my friends dislike his stuff. But they're still my friends. And some of them'll come around to see his greatness. Others: not so much.

[astroboirap]

so honest and pure. he looks a bit like the skinny one from laurel and hardy though

[ToiletWave]

This is primo Jo Jo, wow. Can any other artist manage such detail and candor, with such unpretentious grace?

[mypocketsausage]

very sad when you take into consideration this was just before he devorced his first wife of ten years

[JoanDeLosGretel]

@mypocketsausage But that's the thing. You have to belive till the end, most of all in the bad times. If it doesn't work in the end, bad luck, but you tried at least.

[opalousas]

Jonathan is great, I love all of his songs......

[lcmtvbreath4]

you know, when i first saw this video a while back I thought he was "air whammy"-ing... but I remember seeing a concert bell player doing a similar thing... waving his hand in front of the mic... an it does create a little shimmer in the tone... awesome...

[CanOfMinus]

He has to be a wizard. I mean, how else can you explain that he's singing directly to you from a youtube clip posted 3 years ago... wizard... that's how.

[blablablamiau]

Wow, both Jools and Jonathan look so young in this video. Must have been some time since then. :D Love it!

[gazbo40]

Been a fan for over 25 years. never listened to anyone who makes me feel the way jo jo does..i hate it when i play some to friends and they dont like it or just dont get it!! love him .

[cdphatty]

holy shit how long has jools holland been doing that show

[KingAndrew00]

Pause at 2:20 - is the guy in the white shirt on the left Morrissey?

[astroboirap]

amazing, love jojo <3

[ThunderHeart1231]

Troubadour Extraordinaire

[steveritt]

His second mike for guitar solo technique was often used some years ago but the low height of it here is a bit too much theatre, playing up a little for TV, eh JoJO?

[mindatrisk]

It's genius and soooooooooo cute! The little invisible whammy bar wiggles are so fucking cool.  I love him.

[kingshitgoldenboy]

@steveritt

what rock 'n roll artist or band doesn't have an aspect of theatricality? fuck you. Rock 'n roll isn't neuroscience or masonry

[TheHippyjohnny]

Freakin amazing and clever as always.

What a talent.

[oiwatchulookinat]

Beautiful and silly and amazing. Does anyone know where I can get "Rockin' and Romance", or at least the songs from it.

[uwantbreadbai]

Nice. I like his Spanish version better though.

[jamestbrophy]

whats the spannish version called

[uwantbreadbai]

"Ahora es Mejor". I don't think you can find on youtube, but if you have ever seen "There's Something About Mary" he plays it in there.

[hectorlavoe87]

yeah!! spanish version is nice--

[sithsombra]

@uwantbreadbai Do you know where can i find the spanish version to download?

[ehnin]

They are both nice.

Spanish: " A veces pienso que aquì todo es seguridad; una seca castidad donde antes fue ardor, ahora es mejor"

[sithsombra]

@ehnin Do u know where i can download it? the spanish version?

[theodoregrimes]

anyone got the chords?

[youvexme]

nice song. Has some elements of Mr Blue by the Fleetwoods unless I am mistaken.

[vegomatic2]

the best !

[grungeralbo]

fantastic..his great songs..match perfect with the great movie there's something about mary

[chilenocool]

Cool guy!!! he moves his hand like he wear a guitar with tremolo... fantastic Mr Richman...

[GilSon1k]

Yeah, Jonathan Richman is the man.

[ysfaljanabi]

can sum1 work out the tabs for this song?

YSF

[dustin11]

Why tab it? Look at his hands.

[gentlemanoffortune]

I love my pal Jonathan.

[doctormartinboots]

never boring,never disapointing ,makes you laugh and cry in equal measure,luvly stuff