While he may feel that he's just coming to grips with the recording medium, the records that Jonathan Richman has made over the past 30 years have long held a special place in the hearts of his fans.

Richman began playing guitar at the age of 15, and in the early 1970s formed Modern Lovers, whose raw, minimalist sound and emotionally forthright songs helped to lay the groundwork for punk rock. But by the time the group's landmark debut album (including the much-covered 'Road Runner,' a top five single in Europe) was released in 1976, Jonathan had already moved on to a quieter sound and a gentler lyrical focus.

Since then, he's continued to record and tour prolifically, first with a series of Modern Lovers line-ups, later on his own and eventually as a duo with drummer Larkins. Over the years, Jonathan's music has absorbed a multitude of influences, from doo-wop to country to a variety of international styles, without sacrificing the artist's effervescent personality.

Richman will play the Róisín Dubh on Monday 12 May at 9pm. Tickets, €18, are available from the Róisín Dubh.

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