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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic album from a troubled genius, 26 April 2003
I stumbled upon this album quite by accident in my local record store, but it hasn't been off my CD player since. Quite simply, if you love music you will treasure this album.Research reveals Johnston has been a major figure in the American underground indie scene for many years, thanks to recommendations from the likes of Kurt Cobain, David Bowie and MTV's "Cuttin Edge". A highly creative singer-songwriter, Johnston pens songs of love lost, existential despair and hope tinged with sadness. His battle with manic depression naturally infiltrates his music, but there's a depth to his music which defies this simple categorisation. Vocally, he's no Nick Drake, but like so many great singer-songwriters before him (Bob Dylan being the obvious example) you forgive him this; for the quality of melody is so high, and the feeling he puts into his songs is so intense. "Now" kicks off the album in style, sounding for the most part like a cheap home taping. It probably is: Johnston started his career by handing out home-made tapes of his music on the street to prospective fans. "Love Enchanted" is a moving ballad of theatrical proportions, Daniel's clunky piano playing echoing the lyrics perfectly: "Would you follow me anywhere? / Are you entertained by deep despair? / [I'll] have you on the edge of your chair / wondering what love's sorrow got you there" "Fish" is the standout track here. Slightly reminiscent of the Barenaked Ladies at their best, it's cheery singalong chorus masks the rather dark lyrics. Love is a strong and constant theme: "Power of Love", "Forever Your Love" and "Love Not Dead" being key examples. The latter is another fast paced, guitar driven track; think Mull Historical Society, or the Lightning Seeds (before they went mediocre): "And when i saw her standing there / everything was all right /
I took a journey in my mind / and as I saw her beauty she was so kind / that was a good sign" Unfortunately by the end of the album, Daniel's vocals are wildly off-key. "Living it for the moment" could be a fantastic song, but the vocals are so out of tune it's hard to tell. It's a shame the vocal track wasn't re-recorded, because it sours the close of the album with a rather amateur feel. Don't let that put you off. This is a superb album, with more great melodies packed into each song than most artists fit on one album. It's highly imaginative, unusual and creative, and it'll leave you wanting more of this fascinating musician.
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~ Daniel Johnston
~ Various Artists
~ Daniel Johnston
~ Daniel Johnston
~ Daniel Johnston
