The Devil in Daniel Johnston

On March 31st of this year will see the release of an incredible documentary about an incredible person. If you haven't heard of Daniel Johnston and are a fan of music, art and its interaction with mental illness then Daniel is for you. I only recently started to listen to his music and really get to know the person and cannot wait to see the whole Documentary when it is released. I have seen an hour or so and it is truly unique filmaking and its subject goes beyond that. An incredibly talented musician and artist, Johnston struggles with his inner demons hell bent to drag him down.

Here are some links to help you out

A HiDef trailer in quicktime. http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/devilanddanieljohnston/hd/

The official movie site, learn all about the film, Daniel and its Director here http://www.sonyclassics.com/devilanddaniel/aboutthefilm.html

I didn't want to post links to his music for free but I know it can be found on Itunes and Real Rhapsody. On Rhapsody you can stream all his full songs with membership unlike I-Tunes where you have to buy them outright. And Yes, the artists get paid even if you stream only.

You can also head over to Daniels official site and learn more about him, check out his art and purchase all his CD's.

I recommend starting with his very first low low fi recording "Songs of Pain", all recorded with a $50 tapedeck and just Daniel and his piano. He has a few great studio albums also, his only major label work "Fun" is a great start as is "Rejected Unkown" a more recent work.

The beef says check it out and tell us what you think.

JA