Daniel Johnston

This guy is a reject.

But not just a reject. A reject with Bi-Polar and huge problems with depression. On stage he shakes uncontrollably which makes for an emotional and intense performance. I should know because I see him. But this is the reason why I love him so much, and really, it's all part of the Daniel Johnston charm. And is really what makes him so great.

Firstly the main thing you should know about Mr. Johnston is that his recordings can be very harsh. By very harsh I mean, not suitable at all for the mainstream listener. I'm sorry if that sounds pompous, I hate people that are all "Oh my god that is soooooo mainstream!". I was one of those people once upon a time. But there is no other way to discribe his music. Generally if any person or radio DJ was introduced by Johnston at a first glass they would probably think something along the lines of "WTF is this, he can't sing! And the music sounds terrible! Like it was recorded on a $50.00 machine! (which it was)" But that is the whole beauty of it though. It is something so raw and powerfull that even the hardest of music lover would cry at his heartfelt melodies.

His lyrics are so achingly heartfelt that you can't help but shed a tear on songs like "Speeding Motorcycle" and "Mind Contorted". I can tell you the Johnston Live experience is exactly the same. It's brilliantly weird. And what made it even more brilliant is that all the Arty Farty brighton students were looking at each other as if to say "Oh my goodness Carrie, what on earth is the terrible sound, this man can't even hit a pitch". I know that this is a terrible generalisation but to be honest with you it really annoyed me that most of the people were there for Laura Marling. The support band said "I hope you enjoy tonight, Daniel Johnston is playing" and someone in the crowd said "And Laura Marling!!". I wanted to punch the woman that said it in the face. Go to a Laura Marling gig if you like Laura Marling.

Anyway, He was absolutely brilliant live, and I even shed a tear at one of his songs. It was a great experience and I really reccomend you go and see him.

Anyway, This is that part of the blog where I post you an album of his on Spotify, Enjoy this, It's his most accessable album in my eyes:
http://open.spotify.com/album/1LTB8S4XXajOZLw4g6Wox8