Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered
Here we have a flawed but interesting introduction to the songs and recordings of one of the twentieth century’s great, maudlin pop musicians, Texas-based Daniel Johnston. This double CD has a pack of alt-rock superstars--among themBeck,Tom Waits,Vic Chesnutt,Bright EyesandCalvin Johnson--tackling Johnston’s idiosyncratic and visionary songs, while the other disc has the originals, in the same order. With the exception ofTV on the Radio’s Ubu-ish take on "Walking the Cow" and Waits' over the top version of "King Kong," there’s not much to say about the covers CD. Sincere indie-rock takes on Johnston's amazingly strong, emotionally intimate songs? How obvious and boring is that? Why have the work of one vocally eccentric artist interpreted by a bunch of wimpy dudes? However, as a sampler of his work, disc two is exemplary, focusing primarily as it does on his '80s home recordings. If you look at this as a great mixtape that comes with some silly covers, you’ll enjoy it plenty.--Mike McGonigal