Schizophrenic, psychotic or unstable recording artists often come off as pure novelties. But their real appeal lies in the sheer earnestness of their attempts at rock stardom, whether or not they possess “talent.”
Kids of Widney High, Special Music from Special Kids
Imagine if someone stuck a tape recorder in an elementary school’s “short bus” and you’ll have an idea of what to expect with this record. Generic studio beats accompany a classroom full of “special kids” who use music as a means of expressing their innermost thoughts. With song titles like “Throw Away The Trash,” “New Car” and “Insects,” we really all could learn something from these Kids.
Wesley Willis, Greatest Hits Vol. 1
Before the late, great Wesley Willis left this world this summer, the Chicago schizophrenic left an astonishing catalog of about 50 albums. Almost-identical keyboard sequences accompany every song on every album, as Wesley croons tunes about people he knows, bands he likes, bestiality and his own struggles. In the mid-1990s he actually verged on mainstream success, with a video on MTV and a couple of major-label albums.
Daniel Johnston, Fun
Another ridiculously prolific schizophrenic, Daniel Johnston’s early work offers a rare glimpse into a tortured mind who views God and Casper the Friendly Ghost as his only salvation. Interestingly enough, Johnston has a pretty developed (albeit slightly twisted) pop mentality that makes his records surprisingly listenable. But once he was signed to a major label, his songs lost their lo-fi hiss and became nothing but generic.
Chris Burke, Singer in the Band
Yes, Down Syndrome-afflicted Corky from TV’s “Life Goes On” recorded an album. Yes, it’s as bad as you think it is. Yes, you are a horrible person for laughing at it. Yes, one can’t help but wonder if those “American Idol” auditions would have been more entertaining and inspiring if people like Chris had been there.
Larry ‘Wild Man’ Fischer, An Evening with Wild Man Fischer
This 1968 double album (yes, double album!) captures paranoid schizophrenic LSD burnout Fischer approaching strangers on the street, offering his singing services for cents and delivering on his promises. The results are intriguing, catchy and incredibly disturbing.
