Why on Earth is this board so dead?

[D. Sulpy]

I've thought about this a lot of late, and have been especially encouraged by Rob's post to respond.

If you look at all that Daniel has been involved in since 2005's "The Devil and..." Documentary, it's overwhelming.

First off, a touring schedule that would have given Hank Williams a heart attack. Then there's the brilliant and beautiful labor of love, "The Angel and Daniel Johnston – Live at the Union Chapel." Major art exhibitions, including the prestigious Whitney Biennale and the wonderfully realized Rizzoli Publication Art Book, collecting hundreds of reproductions. There's an iPhone game. Back to back critically acclaimed rock operas. Dozens of collaborations with a number of musicians, bands, artists and others. Three released albums. At least six or seven side projects with their own releases (or in the can and ready to roll). The gorgeous and under-appreciated Munster Records box set. The Hihowareyou Radio Shows. Television appearances, interviews, you tube clips, toys, greeting cards, tote bags, and the "Infinite Comic Book of Musical Greatness!" And there's still MORE coming! All this, in six years!

Okay. So Daniel's been on his very own never-ending tour. To me, the vast majority of the time, he simply sounds like he's going through the motions in order to rake in some bucks. Nothing wrong with that, of course, and I'm happy to see him financially secure, of course... but what happened to that compulsively creative genius we've both been following for many years? As for the other things you mention, they're mostly peripheral products relating to Daniel Johnston - NOT Daniel Johnston projects. Truth is, there's been one real album from the guy in the past eight years... and tote bags aren't a replacement for that.

As for Rob's post (and my apologies for taking so long to respond), You're right – what's the point in producing new product for a market that doesn't really exist anymore? And, as you say – we have a whole generation of young people who scoff at the idea of actually paying for music. Still, with the exception of "Fun," Daniel's never been on a major label anyway. Given his status and popularity, I doubt very much that he wouldn't be able to find an outlet for anything he chooses to record.

[Henry Long]

...the vast majority of the time, he simply sounds like he's going through the motions in order to rake in some bucks...

Well, I haven't been to all of Daniel's concerts, but the same could be said for a number of "greats," from Dylan to Alice Cooper. The key phrase may be "sounds like," because I believe no one chooses to simply go through the motions, it just sometimes happens after a decade or so of performing in a different city nearly every night and trying to be professional about it. No one wishes it for themselves intentionally, but it may be a survival mechanism.

That "compulsively creative genius" we all know and love is only human, and simply cannot sustain that momentum and energy (not to mention mania) which initially sparked those magnificent tape recordings. It's like if Iggy and the Stooges circa Raw Power had stayed that way, for 40 years! Had they tried, it would have looked like self-immolation, and they'd all probably be dead. It had to change. It's simply the course of things. We'll never know what goes on in Daniel's head, or how hard it must be to be dependent on a cocktail of chemicals to manage his serious health issues and still be able to maintain a business. The business of Daniel Johnston.

Daniel draws everyday, performs with the Nightmares, tours, and who knows what else. He doesn't owe anything to anyone, and, most importantly, he's not alone in making decisions for his recorded output. That is now a matter of family discussion, which is what seems to work best for him. For everything the man has been through, I am personally grateful just to still have him around, you know? If he simply wanted to just kick back and watch old horror movies on DVD for the rest of his life, I'd be down with it, as long as he was happy. We as fans have a lot to choose from to satiate our desire for more.

I understand your points Doug, and they are all valid. I'm just trying to humanize this artist and musician a little. And as for the peripheral stuff relating to Daniel, like the tote bags, etc., I mentioned that just to illustrate a point that there is a lot of Daniel product on the market at this time, and not to suggest it as a substitute for his music or other personally creative endeavors. I'm not 100% sure what you mean by there being only one "real" album in eight years, but I will venture to say that had it been up to Daniel himself, there'd be ten, and they'd all be real.

[D. Sulpy]

No one's denying that Daniel has the perfect right to sit back and spend his days watching horror movies, drinking Coke, reading comic books... whatever.

I'm just saying it's sure looking like he began to wind down in the early 2000's... and I think that's a shame, because I love his music and want to hear more of it.

As for "real album" – I mean an album issued as DANIEL JOHNSTON. Not a compilation. Not live. Not a collaboration with someone else. Since "Fear Yourself," in 2003, the only album we've had like this is "Is And Always Was" in 2009.

[GregPolard]

Just chiming in to say I'm glad to see some more posts.  Keep 'em coming!

[ghostjr.]

The two records mentioned, although badged "Daniel Johnston" releases were, in fact, the collaboration of which you speak, Doug.

Dan had little to do with anything other than providing vocal overdubs to tracks of which foundations were already laid upon walking into the studio.

I dig Fear Yourself, but there aint much Daniel Johnston going on. A few piano songs I suppose, but nevertheless. Can't say much for the other one. Heard it once, and well..................I don't hear Danny there. He doesn't even know the guy (the producer), nor can he recall his name when asked about it.

[Stress Records]

http://pitchfork.com/news/43091-hear-a-new-version-of-a-daniel-johnston-classic/


If you want a daily fix of something Daniel related, go here:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stress-Records-Museum-of-Love-featuring-the-art-of-Daniel-Johnston/34700824580

[dables]

Personally, I would LOVE if someone gave Daniel a 4 track cassette machine or something and let him home record at his own leisure and eventually put that out. Why does he have to go the studio and have all these guest musicians play stuff? Why not just put out another home recorded SOLO effort? I would love that, and it would definitely sell.

[Henry Long]

I'd buy it. But I wonder if that can ever happen again.

[dables]

I'd buy it. But I wonder if that can ever happen again.

Why wouldn't it? Somebody buy Daniel a cheap, easy to operate digital 8 track or something and some good mics and let him have at it! I would LOVEEEEE a return to the original format of a man alone, with minimal instrumentation, recording in a bedroom. It would sell, no matter how it sounds just because of what it is, I think. Best idea ever IMO!