cwnorman Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 The High Line and Daniel Johnston Score another one for Bowie: as part of his High Line Festival, he has arranged a rare appearance by Daniel Johnston, the Austin, Tex.-based outsider artist who writes Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kathyp Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 That Daniel Johnston can perform at all is pretty amazing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Thanks for posting this - my friend lives in Brooklyn, is a fan, and hadn't known about this before today. He's at the show now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I could be wrong, but Johnston's entire celebrity seems predicated upon a lot of people convincing themselves that he's a brilliant artist because wouldn't it be cool if this dysfunctional guy were a genius? And we were cool enough to recognize it? I have a sneaking suspicion that the idea of Daniel Johnston is far more compelling than the reality of Daniel Johnston. (That seemed to be the real theme of that documentary about him, even if the filmmakers, too, were completely sucked into the myth.) There's something oddly patronizing about the whole thing. That said, I'd probably go see him if given the chance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oatmealblizzard Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Yeah, I passed on seeing him tonight for that very reason, Beltmann. Maybe I should have gone as I do like a few of his songs, but more so when they are sung by someone else. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WilcoFan Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I feel the same way about Pet Sounds. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jc4prez Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 have you guys actully taken the time to listen to his music? THERE IS A REASON THEY WERE SUCKED IN! Get off your high horses and listen, listen to the words, listen to the melody and try to tell me he isnt an amazing songwriter. If examples need be given by all means i will Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cwnorman Posted May 16, 2007 Author Share Posted May 16, 2007 Thanks for posting this - my friend lives in Brooklyn, is a fan, and hadn't known about this before today. He's at the show now. Glad to help Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oatmealblizzard Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 have you guys actully taken the time to listen to his music? THERE IS A REASON THEY WERE SUCKED IN! Get off your high horses and listen, listen to the words, listen to the melody and try to tell me he isnt an amazing songwriter. If examples need be given by all means i willI have listened to him a LOT over the years. As I mentioned, I like quite a few of his songs. Just didn't really feel the need to see him perform live last night, that's all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Covers of his songs are way better than him playing them.* i.e. He's a good songwriter, but doesn't have the best vocals and isn't the greatest musician. *I particularly like To Go Home by M. Ward. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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