Before Daniel Johnston tragically died in 2019, he got to see one of his dreams come true: Playing the Big Apple. His estate has partnered with the label Shimmy-Disc to release Daniel Johnston Alive in New York City, a circa-2000 live album that marks the first official vinyl release of the iconic singer-songwriter performing in the US. It’ll be released in full on January 14th, 2024, while you can watch a clip of Johnston’s “Silly Love” performance below.
While the exact date is unknown, Shimmy-Disc founder Mark Kramer estimates the recordings were taken sometime in April 2000, after he dug them up 20 years later. Along with plenty of Johnston’s beloved originals — including two tracks that haven’t appeared on any of his other releases — he also pays homage to Paul McCartney with heartwarming covers of “Live and Let Die” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” What’s more, there’s a recording of a street interview Johnston gave at the time.
See a teaser for the live album and stream “Silly Love” below, and then keep scrolling to see the artwork and tracklist for Daniel Johnston Alive in New York City. Pre-orders are ongoing.
Daniel Johnston Alive in New York City Artwork:
Daniel Johnston Alive in New York City Tracklist:
01. Frito Lay, Sweetheart
02. Frustrated Artist
03. The Spook
04. Love Will See You Through
05. Silly Love
06. Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney & Wings cover)
07. You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away (The Beatles cover)
08. Casper the Friendly Ghost
09. Memory of Love
10. Bloody Rainbow
11. Super Love
12. Kool-Aid Medley / Funeral Home
13. Folly
14. Interview (excerpt)