With his debut, Danielson provided the Christian market with one of its most endearingly primitive albums. Some of his scattered mainstream airplay caught the attention of Kramer--not the Seinfeld character, but the avant garde New York musician--who also heads the New York City-based Shimmy Disc label. For Danielson Family's Tell Another Joke at the ol' Choppin' Block, Kramer is in the producer's chair; and, with several of his siblings joining him in the studio, Danielson's one-man vision has given way to a slightly slicker production values. This is not a bad thing, since the upscale approach only serves to accentuate Danielson's singular way of expressing his applications of biblical truths. Besides, don't get the idea that, in this instance, "slick" means anything like the cookie-cutter mentality of many Christian producers. Family members--ranging from age 12 to 24--add banjo, glockenspiel, drums, piano and other keyboards, to create what one might call "modern psychedelic music." Although "Jesus Music" was born at the time of the hippie movement's conquest of contemporary culture, Christian music has never had much use for the mind-expanding characteristics of psychedelic rock, even when it had a like effect on our spirits. But Danielson Family's ...Choppin' Block addresses subjects such as death, monogamy, motherly love and devotion to the Most High--all without benefit of hallucinogens. Even if Danielson Family remains an acquired taste, it won't be for lack of originality or talent.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse November 1997Reviewed by Alex KlagesIt isn't often that truly unique music makes it into the market, or is considered to be commercially viable by major record labels. It is, however, a pleasant surprise when an artist who may never be a big seller is given a decent shot by a record company. Such a case is Daniel Smith, and his family band, Danielson. The biggest difference between this album and its predecessor, A Prayer For Every…Garlic Press #6Reviewed by scottwhat strikes me most impressively about the danielson family is the creativity and freshness about the music. it's strange and unconventional, not modern or punk rock, an alternative to "alternative". this can be scary for many listeners, fearing an adventure into a strange land. dan smith, the main danielson persona, has a unique style of singing, adding more to the strangeness. i think a good…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Linc LefeisteWith their second release, The Danielson Family has managed to do the unthinkable: win me over. While their first release was very original and had its good moments, it was way too long and too annoying to be enjoyable. But this time they had an excellent producer in Kramer (Ween, Low). He managed to draw out the best in Daniel Smith while leaving behind the worst. While still bizarre and…Similar sounding releases
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