Ever since the mid 1970s, Jonathan Richman has been the ultimate rock-&-roll manchild, his wide-eyed view of the world making him something like the Mr. Rogers of the music scene. BECAUSE HER BEAUTY IS RAW AND WILD presents a slightly different Richman, who in his mid 50s is getting more in touch with the darker, sadder aspects of life. In decades past, it would have been unthinkable for a Richman album to include a cover of a doomy Leonard Cohen song ("Here It Is") or a tune about the singer observing his mother on her deathbed ("As My Mother Lay Lying"). It feels significant too that he offers a revision of "Old World" from his very first Modern Lovers album. There are plenty of considerably lighter moments, of course, but RAW AND WILD still marks an undeniable maturation in Richman's famously innocent worldview.

Richman is one of modern music's most original artists, and quite possibly the friendliest, most sincere live performer on the face of the earth. This is his fifth release on Vapor, and his first new album in three years. Features eleven new tracks, plus a new version of "Old World" and a Leonard Cohen cover, "Here It Is". Vinyl version features bonus track on a 7-inch single.

1. Because Her Beauty Is Raw And Wild
2. No One Was Like Vermeer
3. Time Has Been Going By So Fast
4. Es Come El Pan
5. Our Drab Ways
6. The Lovers Are Here And They’re Full Of Sweat
7. Le Printemps Des Amoureux Est Venu
8. When We Refuse To Suffer
9. This Romance Will Be Different For Me
10. Old World
11. Our Party Will Be On The Beach Tonight
12. When We Refuse To Suffer
13. Here It Is
14. As My Mother Lay Lying