The Devil is in the Details!
September 3rd, 2009
It was almost 25 years ago that Daniel Johnston first appeared on MTV, finagling his way into a live performance and interview on a show based upon the thriving Austin music scene at that time. Johnston is a singer/songwriter/artist who rose to underground cult status while battling crippling manic-depression that may in fact fuel his genius. Thus, we are lucky that Daniel Johnston is playing this Friday night at Neumo’s, gracing Seattle with one of the greatest musical geniuses we have seen in quite some time.
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His life-long battle with depression and schizophrenia was the basis for the 2006 documentary film, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, a chronicle of the artist’s life from his youth through being offered the most artist-friendly contract in major label history to bouts of depression that landed him in institutions. For those out there that are not familiar with Johnston’s music, at first listen you might exactly wonder what is happening…the chords are sometimes a little off, the voice resembles a childlike sing-a-long, and the songs themselves aren’t always the most intricate pieces of work. But once you start listening to the songs through the lens with which Johnston writes, once you can truly hear how amazing the songs really are, Johnston’s true genius comes through. Because of that, this is a show you certainly do NOT want to miss. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned that Kimya Dawson (yes, the Kimya Dawson who did the Juno Soundtrack, is also playing…) Here are a couple of tracks if you aren’t convinced yet:
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Friday, September 5th
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Neumo’s, 8pm, 21+ $18 adv
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