In this inaugural episode of Important In Your Life, your hosts Jonathan Mann and Carolyn Petit start the show with a showstopper! Yes, we begin our exploration of Jonathan Richman’s career with "Roadrunner," arguably his most legendary song, and one which was covered by Joan Jett, the Sex Pistols and many others.

Our conversation starts with a quick look at our personal introductions to Jonathan’s music, and some thoughts on why some people become such lifelong, devoted fans. We then discuss what makes "Roadrunner" a quintessential Jonathan tune, one that contains, even at that early stage, some of the qualities that would go on to define him as an artist. We also discuss his uneasy relationship with the possibility of mainstream success, how his love of the modern world has evolved, and the numerous versions of "Roadrunner" that Jonathan recorded and released.

Listen to "Roadrunner":

1971 demo tape version

album version

UK chart version

1977 B-side version

Listen to "Sister Ray" by The Velvet Underground 

Read There’s Something About Jonathan by Tim Mitchell

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