March 17, 1999

• 3/17/1999  from http://www.io.com/~bolsinga/dates/1999.html#sh414

• SXSW Whammo was actually funny stuff. I've seen him do a Ween hoot nite, he's a slam poet, and he's in the Asylum Street Spankers. His band had the drummer that was in Starfish. He tells little funny stories in between songs that have pre-recorded tapes playing in the background. One of the funnier songs must've been called "Surf the Net," since he yelled it to the punk rock sounds alot. It had a great line "Yeah I know Mother Nature. I've been to her web site." Daniel Johnston had no piano this time around. He started out solo on the acoustic guitar, with the usual songs about his unrequited love for funeral home woman. The last part of his set he was backed by a rock band. It added to the music, making it much more powerful sounding, but I believe that it drowns out Daniel's emotional singing. I think that what makes him listenable is his lyrics, and if they are overwhelmed, it doesn't sound so great. But I'll definitely see him again at the Cactus, with the piano.