Jonathan Richman

On Jonathan Richman’s Because Her Beauty is Raw and Wild, the seminal songwriter revisits “Old World,” a notable track from his previous band, Modern Lovers. “Well, the old world’s a thing of the past/The old world’s fading fast/Well I/I say goodbye to the old world,” he croons in the new version. It’s an odd sentiment for a guy who refuses to get a cell phone and “has nothing to do with the Internet” but there is wisdom in those words even if Richman doesn’t take his own advice. A goofy performer best known as the creepy troubadour in There’s Something About Mary, it’s easy to get distracted by his silly onstage dances and overlook the profound observations sprinkled throughout his music. Don’t. With Tommy Larkins. SARA BRICKNER

Tue., May 4, 9 p.m.; Wed., May 5, 9 p.m., 2010