I couldn't be more excited about listening to a couple of new Daniel Johnston cd's I found in the used bin last weekend. They are FUN and ARTISTIC VICE. FUN is produced by Paul Leary from the Butthole Surfers and is generally dismissed as not a very relevant release. I disagree. Sure its sounds 'produced,' and Daniel only plays on a couple of songs, but like all of his releases, there are a couple of the songs that just make you want to quit your job and tap maple trees for syrup. Life in Vain and Silly Love are astounding. I think the entire cd is great.
ARTISTIC VICE is produced by Kramer from Shimmy Disc fame. I believe this was his first 'band' album. I also remember that this was recorded in West Virginia in the garage at his parents house. It opens with the classic, My Life is Starting Over, a song that wouldn't sound out of place on the Modern Lovers debut or any Half Japanese record.
I still love the early 'cassette tape' stuff of Daniel's. I have a hard time even describing how I feel about those songs.
If you haven't watched the uplifting DJ Documentary, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, you're missing out.
THIS JUST IN - I notice that Daniel is scheduled to play in Indy May 9!!! No details yet. Hard to believe. Jad Fair is coming June 1. Indy is now the height of coolness for some reason.
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