Best known for his proto-punk chants about driving around suburban Massachusetts, former Modern Lovers frontman Jonathan Richman has been releasing solo albums and touring the country for decades, presenting a whimsical and earnest take on the modern world through strange and experimental songwriting. Think of him as a weirder Lou Reed. Richman now seems perfectly content making crowds swing and laugh to his acoustic compositions about mundane topics like cross-country bus trips and corner stores. While the fame of his former band undoubtedly helps sustain ticket sales, Richman’s status as an esoteric troubadour has drawn new fans intrigued by songs with titles like “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar” and “I Eat With Gusto, Damn! You Bet.” At 9:30 Club, he’s joined by drummer Tommy Larkins, with whom he previously collaborated on the soundtrack for There’s Something About Mary. Richman’s touring in support of his first album in five years, Ishkode! Ishkode!, released earlier this year on Blue Arrow Records. Jonathan Richman performs with Tommy Larkins at 6 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $20. (202) 265-0930. 930.com.