Personnel: Jonathan Richman (vocals, guitar); Jody Ross (vocals); D. Clinton Thompson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussion); Tom Brumley (steel guitar); Nick Sibley (harmonica); Ned Claflin (accordion); Joe Terry , David Byrd (piano); Lou Whitney (bass instrument); Ron Gremp, Bobby Lloyd Hicks (drums).
JONATHAN GOES COUNTRY is a great idea carried out to perfection from start to finish by Richman's infectious energy. The geeky troubadour is joined by the pride of Springfield, Missouri, The Skeletons. Skeleton members Lou Whitney and D. Clinton Thompson also produced the album, right in their hometown. The set opens with one of seven new Richman numbers, "Since She Started To Ride," a song which, if Nashville weren't such a closed shop, would have made a delightful entry on the country charts.
It says much about the simple strength of his songs that they easily stroll into country terrain, never sounding anything short of completely natural. The five covers, which Richman, of course, characteristically makes his own, are also a delight. Of particular note are Goffin-King's "I Can't Stay Mad At You" (popularized by Skeeter Davis, and done here as an instrumental), and the closing selection, "Satisfied Mind."
