Paul Mac

January 24, 2009

Yeah, he’s a freak…

Ahh.  Daniel Johns….the lead singer and songwriter of the Australian bands Silverchair and The Dissociatives.

Daniel Johns at the launch of Young Modern

Where to even begin?  I like to call him a genius.  I’m not alone here.  He is among Australia’s most respected artists.  Silverchair have won more ARIA’s than any other act.  I find it annoying, if not amazing, that most of the US hasn’t caught on.  Still, it works to my advantage, considering I would rather see him play in a small venue instead of a stadium.

Daniel has described himself as manic-depressive. He has survived anorexia and suffered from reactive arthritis.  He has toured the world from the tender age of 14…and he’s still not even 30.

So, why do I love him?  First and fore-most, his music.  Daniel has an amazing vocal range and he is a more than capable song writer.  He really has came a long way since his first album, Frogstomp.  He has an ability to get his point of view across, while at the same time using sometimes strange, and metaphoric lyrics.  Yep. Genious.

I also love his eccentric personality.  People have described him as pretentious and anti-social.  I prefer to call him unique and idealistic.  Daniel has been known to randomly use American accents on stage, and even go by an alter ego.  He has stated that he loves Hollywood musicals.  He doesn’t care for touring, but loves the process of creating and recording music. Daniel is also a vegetarian.

Did I mention that he is beautiful? What is there not to like?

ALBUMS

Silverchair:

  1. Frogstomp
  2. Freak Show
  3. Neon Ballroom
  4. Diorama
  5. Young Modern

The Dissociatives:

  1. Self-titled

Other works:

  1. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Rock! (With Paul Mac)
  2. Hathaway/Palmer (with Luke Steele) -Un-released
  3. Producer for The Scare’s forthcoming album

My Recommendations:

  • Diorama

— My favorite Silverchair album

— Features orchestrations by Van Dyke Parks

— Can be described as a little bit ‘rock opera’

Choice Track(s) — Across The Night,  Tuna In The Brine,  Without You,  My Favourite Thing, After All These Years

  • The Dissociatives

— Written and recorded with dance musician, Paul Mac

— Very catchy, upbeat, electro-pop

Choice Track(s) — Young Man, Old Man, Horror With Eyeballs, We’re Much Preferred Customers

  • Neon Ballroom

— Extremely personal and reflective lyrics

— Features piano by David Helfgott

Choice Track(s) — Emotion Sickness, Ana’s Song, Black Tangled Heart, Steam Will Rise

Silverchair performing Emotion Sickness Live