 | | Daniel Johnston |
Johnston’s past has already been well documented, particularly in Jeff Feuerzeig’s superb documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, a film that has reignited interest in an artist who had seemed destined for obscurity. The support acts played short sets before returning in dribs and drabs to back Johnston, the highlight of these being Jeffrey Lewis with his brilliant self-deprecating songs. As he pointed out, the comedy club venue seemed to be bringing out his inner comedian. He even performed a hilarious Nirvana cover – using illustrated cards he’d prepared earlier. When Johnston took to the stage, it was to rapturous applause. He appeared, plonked down his book of lyrics and ploughed straight into a song. To be frank, it was, at times, an uncomfortable experience – imagine the moment that Johnston and Adem (playing along on ukulele) got confused over which song they were playing and you’ll get the picture. But, and this is a big BUT, through the out of tune guitar and his frailty, there shine melodies of pure gold. Johnston has a way with melody that would leave Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson scratching their heads in admiration. It’s a genius that soon leaves worries about the unconventional approach to performance behind. Lyrically as well, there are moments and images that crack a smile, like the “flat tyres on memory lane” and those that are so emotionally honest, they are heart rending – “all the people laughing...so much pain, so much pain” Switching between guitar, Fender Rhodes piano and the various permutations of backing band, you were with him all the way. And you needed to be. There were moments when backed by locals Former Bullies that he seemed more relaxed, boosted by the increase in decibels, others where they all got lost and couldn’t quite find the end of the song. However, the lack of artifice and directness of his songs bypass the usual stuff and nonsense that surround so many artistes. Somehow with Johnston, all the finest melodic and lyrical elements of rock and pop are crystallised in this most unlikely of figures. When he sang “my life is starting over again”, you could sense that the audience were moved, happy and keeping their fingers crossed with hope of hearing more in the future from Johnston. For now, a shambolic triumph was enough. | 
