1990 | Artistic Vice (Reissue)

VINYL FORMAT. Includes free download coupon! This vinyl reissue comprises two albums, 1990 and Artistic Vice. When several albums of Daniel Johnston's homemade recordings appeared in the late 80s, it created a significant buzz in music circles. Studio owner Mark Kramer was quickly on the scene, bringing Johnston to his own Shimmy Disc label for this fine album. 1990 is a collection of extremely polished and staggeringly honest odes to love, comic book heroes, and music. Steve Shelley and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth accompany Johnston on "Spirit World Rising," but most of the set finds Johnston alone at the piano or guitar.

Artistic Vice was the first album on which Daniel Johnston fronted a band. This CD is a testament to Johnston's own innate musicality that the songs lend themselves to perfectly to the casual accompaniment heard here. They can shift easily from quiet country balladry to punkish rave ups. As always, his songs are direct, honest, hook-laden, and immediately coverable.