Around five years ago I went through a phase of interest in “Outsider Music:” music composed and performed by folks who know exactly what they’re doing, even if no one else does.
This is music that is not purposefully strange, such as the kind of thing Frank Zappa might do, but music that is pure in its difference because the source isn’t consciously attempting to be odd. (Irwin Chusid’s “Songs In The Key Of Z” book and accompanying cd’s are a wonderful intro to the concept)
Daniel Johnston is one of the more famous purveyors of this “outsider music,” most of his songs containing an accessible pop strain that distracts you from his psychosis and often somewhat broken, lo-fi delivery.
Coming late to the party, I’ve yet to purchase any of the self-released Johnston albums but have enjoyed the two-disc set “The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered” (despite the title, Daniel is still quite alive), which showcases Johnston’s original tunes on one disc and more famous folks covering him on the second.
The unblinking (unknowing?) honesty that Johnston reveals through his lyrics can be at once inspiring and disturbing.
Good Morning You
Daniel Johnston – The Late Great Daniel Johnston
Good morning you
You’ve got the world, what’s in your way
Good morning you
Had to stop to think of something to say
You sat in a chair and you were there
You looked at the wall and started to stare
Good Morning You
What do you plan to do?
Good morning you
Though you can hardly move
You sat in a chair and you were scared
There’s so much you could do if you dared
Good morning you
You’ve got the world, what’s in your way
© Daniel Johnston
Here’s a video of the song as covered by The Rabbit on the “Late Great” compilation, and here’s a video of another song, “Living Life” both written and performed by Daniel, as well as also included on the “Late Great” comp.
I just recently saw “The Devil & Daniel Johnston”…an interesting little documentary on the man & his music.
The only problem I had with this film was that it left me less interested in Daniel than I had previously been. His illness manifesting itself as almost virulent religiosity likely has a lot to do with this reaction – but I still like a lot of his music.