Album Review: Daniel Johnston - Is and Always Was

DANIEL JOHNSTON
IS AND ALWAYS WAS
(Eternal Yip Eye Music)
www.hihowareyou.com

It's hard to ignore the fact that Daniel Johnston suffers from bipolar disorder. On the first track of Is and Always Was he confesses that he's "...just a psycho..." The music surrounding these words pure folk rock genius, and is actually surprisingly well-produced (a contrast to Johnston's very early work recorded on a $60 boombox, I'm sure).

However, it's Johnston's actual vocal delivery that keep this record real. They are beautifully unique with an unimitable lisp or slur. It gives the recording an instantly lovable innocent feel, even when Johnston's lyrics are sad.

If we split Is and Always Was into two sides (you know, like a tape of vinyl release), the A-side would be the better of the two, filled with most of the jangly pop songs. The flip side would have the droning sad stuff--with more distortion and more reverb. Would it be fair to say that this is a reflection of Johnston's bipolar disorder? Naw, let's just say it's a great record.

MP3: Daniel Johnston - "Freedom"