Customer Reviews

Fun

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this on recommendation, and after a listen through, it sat on my shelf for a year or so. Now I'd consider it among my favorite albums, one I've possibly listened to more than any other. The songs are incredibly varied- from totally whacked out synthesizer experiments, to Ramone-esque rockers like 'Psycho Nightmare', to nervous blues renditions like 'Catie'- but Daniel's unique, personal lyrics and tenuous voice hold everything together really well. My favorite song is "Happy Time", a nostalgic/messianic self-portrait. Daniel's earlier non-studio albums are also great, but this album is unique for its clear sound and simple production.

Everyone knows Daniel as the legendary singer-songwriter who influenced the likes of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam). Johnston's "homemade" cassettes feature some of the most brilliant, intimate, and sometimes frightening songs of the last 30 years. "Fun", produced by Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers), offers a lighter side of Daniel. He's older, wiser and having more, well, Fun! Highlights include the rocking "Love Wheel", "Life In Vain", "Crazy Love", and the wonderful "Happy Time." Be sure to check out Daniel's orginal folk-art images on the cover and inside the liner notes. And, the "purple duck of happiness" is featured on the CD itself!

As a devote Johnston follower I have found that none of the CD records he has released compare to the Stress Record tapes he made thru out the 80's.
It seems that whenever Daniel has a band behind him his material just sounds plain if not bar bandish. For the true beautiful agony and despair of his talent search for the Stress record tapes. In particular, "The What of Whom" tape/album will make your heart implode. These tapes are usually just Johnston playing piano or guitar, raw and uncontained by a band. Do yourself a favor.

Daniel Johnston is a hero to anyone who had all these ideas but couldn't put it out in a nifty format for the every person to swallow easily. You have to take this album like he was right there in your room performing for you, then you'll get how good his pop sense is, although sometimes it does admittedly get ridiculously bland and silly, it's worth it cause there are so many gems in here.

Highlights include:

Love Wheel, Mind Contorted, Silly Love, Love Will See You Through, Delusion + Confusion, & Rock 'N' Roll/Ega

This one is not to be missed

His major label debut. with legendary [...] Surfers guitar player/producer Paul Leary and Drummer King Coffey. I highly reccommend this album for all Daniel Johnston Fans

This is the best Daniel Johnston CD I have heard yet. It is inspiring and warming to my heart. Daniel Johnston has that lispy-soft-soothing voice that makes me melt with every word he utters. "Love Wheel" kicks off the cd with a bang, BA-BOOM! catching your attention with the very first note played. Keeping "the wheel" in motion we move on to "Life in Vain," a beautiful conception of tasteful lyrics and harmonizing guitar. This close to home tune inspires my deepest thoughts to conjure up their own meaning in this cluttered world. "Crazy Love" accurately depicts what an average male heart feels for a gorgeous girl. "Jelly Beans" sends me straight back to my childhood, especially when i wanted crappy music and a soda pop. Overall "Fun" rocks the hizzouse like snoop dogg with a mad lisp. I suggest to drop it like it's hott. love Beatrice.