Though one is a Motown
legend and the other is an indie schizoid, Daniel Johnstons has the same
psychic aches and pains as the late Marvin Gaye. The Trouble Man was
torn between the sacred and profane: Johnston is scared of girls and
God. Both men lived with their parents beyond the age of 30.
DANIEL JOHNSTON / Rejected Unknown (Which)
On similar yet different lines, Daniel's ultra-personal songs rang out with
much bona-fide pain and suffering through the years bringing him legions of
devoted fans and just plain rubberneckers. Going eventually from home
cassette phenomenon to major-label curiosity, this long-awaited release is
the perfect cohesion of all Daniel's fans had hoped for; great songs with a
simple, inventive yet loose bunch of musicians who complement him perfectly.
He even takes a mock stab at arena-rock that thankfully is aware of its
parameters.
