Daniel Johnston, ‘Space Ducks’ – Free Album Stream

Celebrated singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston is back with a new release called ‘Space Ducks’ that features seven new tracks from the man himself and five inspired by Johnston and performed by various indie rock artists, including Deer Tick and Eleanor Friedberger.

The album hit retailers yesterday (April 17), and Diffuser readers can stream the whole thing right here, ranging from the bouncy title track to ‘Mean Girls Give Pleasure,” on which Johnston sings, “Mean girls give pleasure / It’s my greatest treasure.”

Despite his struggles with manic depression over the years, Johnston has produced an influential body of work, as evidenced by the number of guest artists on ‘Space Ducks.’ Friedberger sings the sweet ‘Come Down’ and Deer Tick perform ‘Space Ducks,’ an entirely different song than Johnston’s title track despite its similar title. Deer Tick’s track is a rocking tune with a psychedelic synth break. Fruit Bats, Lavender Diamond and Unknown Mortal Orchestra also contribute to the record.

This is not the first time rock artists have banded together to support the singer. In 2004, Beck, the Flaming Lips and others appeared on the tribute album ‘The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered,’ which featured the obviously alive and well singer on the album cover staring at his own headstone.

Take a listen to the record below. Johnston has also released a comic book and an iPad app to go along with the new music. He’s currently touring Europe, with a U.S. tour to follow.

Listen to Daniel Johnston’s ‘Space Ducks’