Released around the same time in 2006 as the acclaimed documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, this 21-track compilation features many of the troubled singer/songwriter's finest compositions. A well-regarded outsider artist who has struggled with mental illness,
Johnston is responsible for an impressive number of lo-fi classics that channel pop culture through his own quirky sensibility, many of which are presented here, including "Casper the Friendly Ghost," "Speeding Motorcycle," and "Sorry Entertainer."
Johnston's high-pitched voice is matched to melodies and lyrics that are remarkably lovely and affecting, making this a rewarding collection. (Note: Many of the songs featured on
Welcome to My World are also available on the second disc of The Late Great Daniel Johnson: Discovered Covered, with the first disc consisting of renditions by high-profile alternative rock acts such as
the Flaming Lips,
Tom Waits, and
Beck.) ~ Eric Schneider