A couple of days ago I watched The Devil & Daniel Johnston again. I'm still not sure about the word 'genius' being applied to him, but he definitely has a rawness and a power that few other songwriters can hope to match. The song that closes the film, 'Some Things Last A Long Time', is a great example. The quivering of Johnston's voice and the straightforwardness of the lyrics heighten the sheer emotion of the song to levels that make it impossible for your heart not to bleed for him.
If you haven't seen it, definitely give 'The Devil & Daniel Johnston" a watch. Even if you don't like his music, it's an incredibly revealing and respectful look at someone who has never quite managed to overcome whatever mental problems he has, but has still managed to create a global cult following. Check out the Beach House cover version of this song, too (on "Devotion") - I think it's my favourite of the many interpretations of Johnston's songs that have been recorded in the last 30 years.
Daniel Johnston - Some Things Last A Long Time
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