Austin Cult Figure Surfaces at Al’s Bar

Choosing his songs from a notebook in front of him during his Wednesday show at Al’s Bar, singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston offered tunes about unrequited love, rock ‘n’ roll heroes and sweet sanity that reflected a unique understanding of obsession and an astute grasp of pop craft.

That combination, along with his history of manic depression, has made the Austin-based Johnston a notable cult figure in the rock underground. Falling somewhere between Brian Wilson and Roky Erikson on the spectrum of musical eccentrics, he started releasing his music on cassettes in 1981, and his rare L.A. appearance drew an enthusiastic, capacity crowd to the downtown club.

Playing acoustic guitar and singing in a weedy voice that made him sound a bit like a grittier Neil Young, the heavy-set artist came off like an odd cousin with his reserved but engaging presence and friendly banter. He first performed solo, then was backed by the Austin band Brown Whornet during the nearly hourlong set.

Guided by his chief heroes, the Beatles, Johnston’s music was surprisingly melodic and disarmingly sweet, with moods ranging from poignant to humorous. Some songs were as delicately romantic and nakedly emotional as early Beach Boys, while others had the experimental rock drive of Pere Ubu or the Pixies.

Although Johnston paid homage to his heroes, the players put their own stamp on such tunes as Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” with bopping jazz-pop renditions that would have been right at home in some cosmic cocktail lounge.