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Daniel Johnston takes a more high-fi approach

For a few decades now, Daniel Johnston has remained an underground legend. Unfortunately, he’s known more for the people who are fans of his works (with Kurt Cobain being the most notable) then for his actual music. It’s usually described as being amateurish in the best possible way: Intensely passionate but lo-fi, like the private love songs written by a heartbroken teenager. Fans have come to expect that from Johnston, but on his latest, Is and Always Was, Johnston deviates from what his fans have come to expect, delivering a series of polished pop songs with producer Jason Falkner.
The AV Club has a review up today for the new record, and notes that despite the very different sound, fans of Johnston’s writing will still find plenty to enjoy here. According to the review, “Johnston has often spoke of his idolization of The Beatles and desire to make hit pop songs, and that’s what Falkner (who’s worked with Paul McCartney, among many others) delivers, playing many of the instruments on shiny, upbeat tracks and completely ignoring Johnston’s musical past.”
Check out the review and listen to some of the new tracks. Then check out StubHub.com and see if Johnston has concert tickets are out for this little known but brilliant artist.