Artistic Vice was the first album on which Daniel Johnston fronted a band. This album is a testament to Johnston's own innate musicality that the songs lend themselves so perfectly to the casual accompaniment heard here. They can shift easily from quiet country balladry to punkish rave ups. As always, his songs are direct, honest, hook-laden, and imminently coverable. The 33 year collector's edition vinyl release of Artistic Vice includes heartfelt words from his EYE Band bandmates, a specially designed lyric booklet with rare photos, coloured peach and light blue vinyl, and an entire second record with Artistic Vice outtakes, rehearsals, and unreleased songs that were supposed to make the original album in 1991. And, last but not least, we asked Daniel's friend and producer Kramer to remaster the records to give it extra sonic love and rock n' roll power. Just the way Daniel would have wanted it!
Released: October 2024
Cat: EYE321CE
Label: Eternal Yip Eye Music