Cult musician Daniel Johnston will release his latest album, titled Is and Always Was, on October 6. The album is the result of a partnership between Johnston and producer Jason Falkner, a well-known solo artist in his own right who has also produced tracks for Beck, Air, and Paul McCartney. The album was conceived as a “project that aimed to take the rock and roll symphonies in Daniel’s prolific musical brain and deliver fully-realized and professionally-produced recorded songs.” Thus, Johnston’s usual lo-fi, homemade recordings have given way to slicker studio tracks with parallels to the Beatles and 70′s pop-rock icons like Queen, Elton John, and ELO.

Discussing the recording process, Falkner reflects: “He possesses that rare individuality that makes the listener wonder where this music comes from. It was challenging to make our minds work together but I really found myself immersed in his musical world. It’s a unique place to live, that’s for sure!”

Tracklisting for Is and Always Was:
Mind Movies
Fake Records Of Rock And Roll
Queenie The Doggie
High Horse
Without You
I Had Lost My Mind
Freedom
Tears
Is And Always Was
Lost In My Infinite Memory
Light Of Day

Tour dates:
09.03.09 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
09.04.09 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
09.05.09 Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
09.07.09 Calgary, AB @ Knox United Church
09.08.09 Edmonton, AB @ Meyer Horowitz Theatre
10.02.09 Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival
10.13.09 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10.14.09 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
10.15.09 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10.16.09 Montreal, PQ @ UK Fed
10.17.09 Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
10.22.09 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
10.23.09 San Diego, CA @ Caines
10.24.09 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre