Search - Daniel Johnston :: Artistic Vice

Had a great time recording with Dan!

Dr. Michael C. West | 02/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hello you twisted music fans! I'm Mike West and I played bass on the Artistic Vice album. We had a wonderful time recording this album in a funky Geo-Dome recording studio in the hills of West Virginia. Shimmy Disc's Kramer controlled the recording sessions and mixed most of the songs on site. He doesn's waste any time in the studio and sure didn't waste any on us. The best part of this recording process was the practice sessions that led up to the recording. We jammed in Bill and Mabel Johnston's (Danny's Mom & Dad) basement just outside Chester, West Virginia. This was the best of times. Danny was in fine spirits (mostly because I supplied his much appreciated "soda pop" and that sugar buzz kept him going). The picture of the band was taken in Danny's back yard and yes, that's me with the pacifier stuck in my mouth. Never got over that "oral stage". Guess that's why I became a Dentist! The songs on the album sound alot more produced than anything Danny had done up to that point. The "Eye Band" wasn't professional but we had our moments. I believe that the one song on the album that really stood out was "I Killed The Monster", a real life self-commentary by Danny. "Happy Soul" is also a great peek into the mind set of Daniel Johnston in the year 1991. On the spoken word song "A Ghostly Story" that's my music being played in the background. Didn't get credit for it on the album, but then again just being able to work with Danny on this release was enough payment. Give "Artistic Vice" a listen or two. It will grow on you like a fungus (or at least periodontal disease). "I'm so happy! "----Mike"

Best Studio Album

Jeff Smith | New York, New York | 11/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you move past Daniel's super low-fi recordings and into his more produced studio albums it can be hit and miss. Daniel just shouldn't be too produced, that's not what he is. Daniel is raw, don't try and package him. That's where Artistic Vice comes in. This album is a powerhouse of Dan and a band. If you enjoyed Songs of Pain and want to dip deeper into Daniel this is a good place. Love is in the air."