Is and Always Was

[Henry Long]

So, who has Daniel's new release and what do you think about it? Reviews/comments/concerns welcome...

[Johnnie]

i tend to like  everything he does these days...i've always appreciated his passion above all else..i love his (gravelly) voice lately up against the more polished musical backdrop..his stuff only gets better...the only track i'm not crazy about is "i had lost my mind"...wh y?

[shloonktapooxis]

I thought it was really good, every song was great. My favorite is "Fake Records of Rock and Roll."

[D. Sulpy]

i tend to like  everything he does these days...i've always appreciated his passion above all else..i love his (gravelly) voice lately up against the more polished musical backdrop..his stuff only gets better...the only track i'm not crazy about is "i had lost my mind"...wh y?

Maybe because it's a remake from "Don't Be Scared' - not that there's anything wrong with "Don't Be Scared," but that may be why it might not seem to fit in with the other numbers.

[ItsHardToFindAFriend]

Ive only downloaded the "freedom" sample Mp3
but its amazing

and once i get enough money im thinking of getting the record =) I really like the Album art for it

[Johnnie]

that's what it is dsulpy...it doesnt fit in and why record a total classic like that when he writes new songs all the time, from what i  hea r

[NoCowOnTheHorizon]

Aside from Queenie the Dog, the chorus is kind of irritating, I think it's a great album. "Without You", "Mind Movies" and "Fake records of Rock n Roll" are my favourites.

[mememe]

Just listening.. I think Mind Movies is one of the best albumopeners right now.. after a day out in the real world putting it on helps go to sleep in abetter mood. I have started listening to Dan just found him a few weeks ago and listening to Hi how Are You and Was and Ever Is on the same day is just great! The sound is very nicely done and I can hear the years in his voice, but after so many songs it´s understandable. But lyrically its the BOMB as always.

[mememe]

I just experienced somethin pretty powerful with this album.. I have been on a very good mood for weeks now, sorted out lots of stuff, writing and trying to live like I believe I should etc.
Thenlast night I had an evening out at a bar with some people I know not so well, that ended with me being handed a spliff with raw sensimilia. It had been a very nice evening and all, but as it happens to me sometimes (usually around people I don´t know so well) I get really paranoid when stoned. Thats why I mostly smoke by myself, so I can go thru those feelings in peace.
So, anyway... I went totally paralyzed and could barely speak to this one girl, who was laughing at the situation.. Everything, and I mean everything, just turned against me in my mind. (nothing new to me, I have been depressed most of my life) So I went back home, still in horrible mental turmoil, and put on Is And Ever Was.. As the album played it was like the songs were about that exact moment I was in and the thoughts and feelings I had. Especially the B-side was just brutal.. the love that never was. So i just had to fight my way into thinking that I can survive, that I don´t know everything and that my dream of being a better humanbeing is still alive, that I can trust the hope and love I have felt again for a long time, and that there is no turning back to depression. But that I must get off my "high horse" and keep up the good Work, learn to respect others and stay grounded. But the point is that again I found another point of view in Dans music that spoke straight into my bones. So this morning I listened to Is And Ever Was again, my hands almost shaking while I put it o the turntable, and again got the proof I needed. That I should accept that sometimes love just never was and knowing the reasons why will set me free.

It also made me realize that when listening to Daniel Johnston, when it works the best, I don´t listen to Daniel Johnston but myself. It triggers thoughts and feelings that I need to get out and get to know. If only there would be more people like Dan in this world, I can honestly say it would be a better place.

[zambian-astronauts]

I think "Freedom" is one of the better songs he's put out in the last few years.
The album sleeve is awesome aswell.

[Henry Long]

As the album played it was like the songs were about that exact moment I was in and the thoughts and feelings I had.

Nah, you was just high...

[mememe]

actually I think I was just "low"

and the same thing often happens to me under no influence at all. Mostly music just triggers it but sometimes it is just spot on what I need at the moment. When it happens with a new, unfamiliar album or something that plays on the radio it´s just magic! Usually I tend to play stuff that I know will give me some sort of comfort or inspiration, but when it hits you "behind the tree" like that it´s a hell of a ride and not always a comfortable one. I have had those moments that I had to press stop ´cos the truth hurt too much

[Stress Records]

These kids today... I tell you what.   (said in my best Hank Hill voice)         

[mememe]

Im 32 years old. Said in a worn out old man´s voice 

[mememe]

As the album played it was like the songs were about that exact moment I was in and the thoughts and feelings I had.

Nah, you was just high...

Ok.. you know the song where he sings "When love comes with nightmare teeth..." listen to it and you know what Im talking about