Daniel Johnston

[radhead]

This eccentric songwriter that has been confusing audiences for decades. In some ways, I'm surprised not to hear more about him in Christian circles, due to the Biblical themes he sometimes writes about. But, from listening to him, I think he's truly one of the biggest idiots on the planet. I don't even know what his spiritual beliefs are. He was raised in a Christian home. Some of his songs are about "the Devil," super heros, and unrequited love.

He became well known when a fan by the name of Kurt Cobain began wearing his shirt everywhere. Unfortunately, Daniel doesn't seem to be able to handle the world as well as Cobain did.

He is kind of a Syd Barrett type character. Like other musicians who had a bad trip and never truly returned.

 

[blackwasp]

Daniel Johnston is bipolar.

I don't think people can "have a bad trip and never return". Psychadelics can agitate psychological disorders that an individual already has, but they're also used in therapy.

Daniel Johnston isn't controversial or an idiot. He writes unpretensious and honest music.

listen up and i'll tell a story
about an artist growing old
some would try for fame and glory
others aren't so bold

everyone in friends and family
sayin "hey get a job
why do you only do that only
why are you so odd?

"we dont really like what you do
we dont think anyone ever will
it's a problem that you have
and this problem's made you ill"

listen up and i'll tell a story
about an artist growing old
some would try for fame and glory
others aren't so bold

the artist walks alone
someone says behind his back
"he's got his gall to call himself that
he doesn't even know where he's at"

the artist walks among the flowers
appreciating the sun
he does this all his waking hours
BUT IS IT REALLY SO WRONG?
-DJ, "Story of an Artist"

 

[antiarte]

A film about him just came out on DVD, The Devil and Daniel Jonhston.

And to the OP, didn't Cobain shot himself? Not very good at "handling the world" neither, I think.

 

[radhead]

Some people think he's one of the world's greatest living songwriters. But having talent doesn't stop someone from being a jerk (or whatever he is).

When I was younger I used to like eccentric artists like this. Nowadays I feel like, I wish that people like this could become more normal and happy, even at the expense of their art.

People place way too much value on "art."

People are so clueless.

 

[radhead]

The makers of the film "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" are the biggest types of idiots of all. They are the kind of people who perpetuate the idiocy of lunatic artists. The fact that they are spiritually lost is truly the core of the problem. They talk about Daniel growing up in a Christian home, but not being a Christian himself.

I mean, how could he be a Christian, right? Anyone that talented could never become one of those Christians. We love him too much for that to be a possibility. Daniel, please don't change. For us, please.

Yikes. Anyways...I was hoping to see an MTV Cutting Edge appearance from the late 1980's. I'm surprised it wasn't in the film. Daniel was still young looking but had started to put on a little weight. He had some musicians helping him out, probably local Austin guys. Kind of raw rock and roll style. Pretty cool.

 

[antiarte]

People place way too much value on "art."

This is true.

 

[radhead]

His parents said he was too concerned with his art, not in being a well rounded person.

"Is it really so wrong?" he sings. Yes, Daniel, it is. He dishonored both of his parents in major, distinct ways.

"Some would try for fame and glory, others aren't so bold." Few are as bold as Daniel Johnston who scammed his way onto MTV, as one typical example.

He created his persona as a way to avoid growing up. He's phony. Maybe if he pretends to act a certain way, he won't have to grow up. He can leave college to join the circus. His music isn't even true art because it's not created from a genuine person.

I have more respect for people who struggle and are able to cope with the world as a result. They attempt to lead well rounded lives. I'd rather hear music from those kinds of people.

 

[cashbyjohnnycash]

He created his persona as a way to avoid growing up. He's phony. Maybe if he pretends to act a certain way, he won't have to grow up. He can leave college to join the circus. His music isn't even true art because it's not created from a genuine person.

I have more respect for people who struggle and are able to cope with the world as a result. They attempt to lead well rounded lives. I'd rather hear music from those kinds of people.

How do you deduce that his mental illness is "phony"?
And how do you justify your comment about "respect for people who can cope" with the message of Christ?

 

[LuigiRussolo]

I have worked with quite a few folks struggling with a bi-polar disorder and Johnston is right on the money in terms of behavior. He is obsessed with evil and Satan-I have seen many people like this. Some of the visual art I have seen coming from those in the manic phase is cool beyond belief.

Being mentally ill does not make one a good artist but it does help a person see the world with a unique set of lenses.

I don't know if he is the great artist he is cracked up to be but songs like "Funeral Home" (morbid and very funny) and "Don't play cards with Satan" can be catchy and it's fun to hear him sing some hymns that I grew up with. I enjoy his music!

As far as I was concerned, the best part of the movie is his meeting with the woman who inspired him.

 

[white_frog914]

Sounds to me like someone has a personal vendetta...

 

[radhead]

How many of you know anything about this artist? Some of the postings in this thread haven't said anything about his music. They've just been attacking my own opinions. I'd like to hear what you really think about his music, if you actually have an opinion.

I happen to think he's a phony and I'm not alone. I actually think he's a pretty huge phony. I have a real objection to that. Sorry.