Jonathan Richman "Abdul and Cleopatra"

As a history lesson I'm guessing this story might not really receive a passing grade, however, as a love song it's as good as they come.  Although Jonathan claims to have been miserable when he wrote the song, his guitar playing and his dancing will surely lift anyone out of the doldrums.  Watch "Abdul and Cleopatra" after the jump.

I've seen Jonathan Richman many times in all sorts of venues.  I think my favorite was around 1988 in New York City where he performed in, as I recall it, someone's railroad flat apartment.  It really had a party feel to it, but I'm certain that I purchased tickets in advance just like any other show.  The crowd was sparse and Jonathan was solo.  My favorite part of the show was when he sat at the foot of the stage changing a guitar string and then challenging the audience to help him re-tune the guitar.  It was like we were all just hanging out with Jonathan in his living room.



"Abdul and Cleopatra" on The Beserkley Years: The Best Of Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers


Thanks to blob83000 for the upload to YouTube.