Daniel Johnston, Feb. 22, Trocadero

POSTED: Thursday, February 28, 2008, 12:55 AM

Filed Under: Music Show

Photo | Lauren Zalut

'Cause we don't need reason and we don't need logic, we've got feeling and we're dang proud of it

Before Daniel Johnston came out on stage, the crowd was as nervous as it was anxious. There's a lot of uncertainty involved in a Daniel Johnston show: Cancellation is a distinct possibility, as is a disaster of biblical proportions. But Friday night wasn't about his backstory (if you don't know it, read this, or, better yet, watch this).

After struggling to fit the strap of his tiny guitar over his massive frame, Daniel played the first two songs solo. While waves of boisterous applause washed over the stage, he abandoned his Lilliputian ax and turned the strumming duties over to his friend Brett Hartenbach. There wasn't much banter from Daniel between songs — he spoke slowly, unsteadily, repeating himself a few times and giving the impression that he was reading the words off the page. By the time the duo closed a five-song set with John Lennon's "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," the crowd had relaxed, secure in the knowledge that there would be no cancellation and confident that disaster seemed unlikely.

After a short break, Daniel returned with Philly's own Capitol Years backing him. Leading off with "Man Obsessed," the full-band version tore through seven of Daniel's most memorable songs as well as a Beatles cover and a second Lennon cover. As the last strains of "True Love Will Find You in the End" rolled around the upper levels of the Troc, the house lights started to come up. The crowd screamed and clapped and protested even louder, chasing the lights away in short order. Daniel returned to the stage with Brett and all of the Capitol Years, the whole bunch crowded around a single microphone for an a capella version of "Devil Town." The crowd sang along loudly at Daniel's request. Friday night wasn't a safe bet, but the payoff was worth the risk.

Posted 2008-02-28 10:30:02

And isn't that what makes Daniel Johnston so f*&!ing great?!  Who else is as unpredictable and even "dangerous" - (in a very good rock and roll way) as Daniel Johnston?  Other shows are so choreographed.  Daniel's shows ride right on the edge...which makes the brilliant moments (like the version of "Worried Shoes" or "Man Obsessed") even more enjoyable.  A great show!

Posted by Matt Hotz @ 12:55 AM Permalink | Post a comment

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