Offbeat but In Key

Even in the character-filled world of pop music, Jonathan Richman stands out. Who besides the mercurial singer-songwriter from Massachusetts could carve out a career swinging between the emotional extremes of songs such as “Ice Cream Man,” an ode to Good Humor vendors everywhere, and the self-explanatory “My Career as a Homewrecker”?

From his influential ‘70s proto-punk days fronting the Modern Lovers to his current incarnation as a cult-size folk-pop-rock troubadour, Richman has seemed bent on delving into all of life’s absurdities, whether they be Martians, polka dots and moonbeams, little dinosaurs, the Veg-O-Matic or the roller-coaster ride of romance.

But although Richman’s music provides a peek into his uniquely idiosyncratic world, the man himself is willing to share only so much. A natural charmer onstage, the boyish-looking 48-year-old is a private figure who would rather discuss just about anything except himself.

Richman, who performs with drummer Tommy Larkins tonight in Long Beach, is notorious for one-line answers to questions, which was partially the case after he agreed to an interview with The Times, but only by fax.

Asked what prompted him to use former Cars front man Ric Ocasek as producer of his new album--”I’m So Confused,” on Neil Young’s Vapor Records label--and what qualities Ocasek brought to the project, Richman replied: “It was my label’s idea, and Ric is a prince of a guy.”

Richman, who now lives in Berkeley, fortunately proved less evasive on other topics, particularly how he happened into his role in last year’s surprise hit movie “There’s Something About Mary,” with Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon.

That’s Richman and Larkins who provide the musical narration that helps propels the film. Richman also sings the title track and “True Love Is Not Nice.” (The latter is on “I’m So Confused.”)

Richman’s ties with directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly led to their casting him in “There’s Something About Mary.”

“They’d seen Tommy and I onstage lots of times, and we were bit players in their previous movie [‘Kingpin’],” Richman said. “So one night, they invited us to dinner at this fancy Italian restaurant and asked us if we’d seen ‘Cat Ballou.’ They wanted us to do the same kind of thing” that Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye did as a makeshift Greek chorus in that 1965 comedy-western.

Richman said he read the script and called the Farrellys the next day. Not only was ready to accept the role, he had already written the title song.

Not surprisingly, Richman says the film has generated lots of public recognition, noting that he’s been stopped in the airport by people pointing out, “Hey, you’re the guy who’s serenading from up in the tree.”

“I love being recognized for my part in the movie, and I still enjoy singing the theme song,” Richman says. “ ‘Mary’ was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.”

While hanging out on location in Miami, Richman discovered he and one of the film’s stars shared a common interest--Cuban music.

“Matt Dillon is a big fan, and we checked out the live music scene, which is thriving down there,” he said. “He also gave me a shopping list of Cuban musicians to seek out. It was great, too, because their records were easy to find around town.”

When not recording or performing one of his 150 or so concerts each year, Richman works as an apprentice stonemason in Northern California. He started about four years ago, carrying around a bag of cement for a friend who is a mason. He’s since graduated to “building patios and stuff that doesn’t rise too high.”

“It’s physically demanding work, but I enjoy it,” Richman said. “I’ve helped build some really nice stone walls and stairways. It’s a different sort of accomplishment than making music, but it’s satisfying just the same.”

Some musicians tour expressly to support a current album. Not Richman, who tours whether he has something new in stores or not. He also still relishes left-field venues--such as the bowling alley bar he’s playing tonight--despite his heightened profile since “Mary.”

“I love traveling and playing. . . . I don’t really think much about where,” he said. “Touring is what I do. It’s hard to imagine having more fun doing something else. I met Tommy in Phoenix about six years ago when I needed a drummer. Now, we’ve done about 600 gigs together. He’s become my pal.”

* Jonathan Richman performs tonight at 9 at Java Lanes, Lava Lounge, 3800 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. $10. (562) 597-6171.