‘Daniel Johnston In The 20th Century,’ sees the release of alternate versions of known Johnston classics and a treasure trove of newly unearthed archival recordings
In a nostalgic ode to the late indie-rock maestro, Daniel Johnston, a monumental project is set to resurrect and immortalize his 20th-century discography.
Aptly titled ‘Daniel Johnston In The 20th Century,’ this ambitious initiative promises to breathe new life into Johnston’s early works, beginning with his lo-fi gem, the 1981 homemade cassette ‘Songs Of Pain.’
The undertaking is spearheaded by the legendary Shimmy-Disc founder and long-time collaborator, Kramer, who meticulously remasters each of the first 14 releases from 1980 to 1998.
For the first time, listeners will have access to Johnston’s formative creations in 24-bit lossless audio, a sonic journey into the raw, emotional landscape that defined his early career.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, 100% of the profits generated from this archival venture will be channeled to the Daniel Johnston Estate, dedicated exclusively to preserving the musical and artistic genius of the iconic singer-songwriter.
‘Daniel Johnston In The 20th Century’ marks the initial phase of an ongoing commitment to constructing a comprehensive archive, all available on Bandcamp.
The forthcoming ‘Daniel Johnston in the 21st Century’ promises a monthly release of 12 titles throughout the year, enticing devoted fans with a subscription option.
Looking ahead to 2025, the project takes an exciting turn with the release of alternate versions of known Johnston classics and a treasure trove of newly unearthed archival recordings.
These gems include demos, interviews, and live performances, providing a deeper understanding of the enigmatic artist’s creative process and evolution.
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Daniel Johnston’s emergence in the 1980s was a musical anomaly, documented by his emotionally charged and lo-fi compositions.
From the debut of ‘Songs of Pain,’ Johnston’s work became a mirror reflecting his struggles with mental health and the quest for love and acceptance.
Despite his passing in 2019, Johnston’s influence persists, as evidenced by vinyl reissues and a 2020 documentary, “The Devil and Daniel Johnston.”
Johnston’s influence echoes on. Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon recently released a cover of “Somethings Last a Long Time,” and Devendra Banhart continues to champion Johnston’s music.
Contemporary artists like Sufjan Stevens and Animal Collective also show his DNA in their introspective explorations.
Beyond the musical realm, Johnston’s visual art, adorned with colorful characters and childlike wonder, continues to inspire. His iconic “Hi, How Are You?” frog has transcended album covers, gracing murals, t-shirts, and even a postage stamp.
Johnston’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of unfiltered self-expression and raw emotion, an enduring reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected corners of artistic genius.
