Hi, How Are You?: The Definitive Daniel Johnston Handbook

By Tarssa Yazdani

Affable alternative rock hero Daniel Johnston is a celebrated sensation, an intensely respected musician and artist of the last 15 years. Presented here is a definitive collection of his lyrics, stories, paintings and drawings, with critical analysis and interpretation from more well known rockers whose devotion has brought him above ground.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1887128417
• ISBN13: 9781887128414
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Soft Skull Press
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.5" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

A little gritty but generous portions.

Admittedly, the book could be sharper and more focused in its presentation, but since the governing principle of the volume seems to be to generously pack in as much Johnstonalia as possible, I think that's forgivable. The book provides an impressive selection of Johnston's color and black and white artwork and gestures towards how one might try to make something of them. Similarly, attempts are made to sort out the recurring characters and events of his songwriting. The collection is rounded out by some biographical overview, some reprinted interviews, some tour ephemera, and an odd collection of "how I met Daniel Johnston" stories written by Johnston in the personae of some of his friends. Much of this is for fans only, but they're also the likely audience for this book. I would agree that the movie "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" is probably a better overall introduction to the man, but casual engagement is not really the way to relate to Johnston's work anyway--to appreciate what he does musically or artistically, most people have to get beyond the sort of conditioned reactions they have to the rest of the world. And the book tries--more extensively than the film--to help people get inside the specifics of Johnston's work, even when those details are troubling. It is worth noting, though, that since the book is written and compiled by his friends and admirerers, its not the best place for a critical perspective on his work, but until there are more books about him, it remains a valuable resource.