On October 6th, Daniel Johnston will look to add to his already illustrious career… but in a way you might not think. For his newest studio album, Is and Always Was, the legendary singer/songwriter decided to step away from the lo-fi in favor of the masterful production of Jason Falkner (of Beck, Air, and Paul McCartney fame).

The intention, as the issued press release explained, was “to take the rock and roll symphonies in Daniel’s prolific musical brain and deliver fully-realized and professionally-produced recorded songs.” The result, if you believe the same press released, is described as Johnston’s “greatest” work to date… talk about not holding anything back.

For a preview, check out a stream of one of the album’s 11 tracks, “Freedom”, below. Johnston will support the release with a North American and U.K. tour this fall. Get all the goodies below.

Check Out:
“Freedom”

Is and Always Was Tracklist:
01. Mind Movies
02. Fake Records of Rock and Roll
03. Queenie the Doggie
04. High Horse
05. Without You
06. I Had Lost My Mind
07. Freedom
08. Tears
09. Is and Always Was
10. Lost in My Infinite Memory
11. Light of Day

Daniel Johnston 2009 Tour Dates:
09/03 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
09/04 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
09/05 – Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
09/07 – Calgary, AB @ Knox United Church
09/08 – Edmonton, AB @ Meyer Horowitz Theatre
10/02 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/13 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/14 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
10/15 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
10/16 – Montreal, QC @ UK Fed
10/17 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
10/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
10/23 – San Diego, CA @ Cain’s
10/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre
11/01 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde
11/02 – London, UK @ Union Chapel
11/03 – Manchester, UK @ Town Hall
11/04 – Edinburgh, UK @ Queens Hall
11/05 – Gateshead, UK @ The Sage
11/06 – Leeds, UK @ Brundenell Social Club
11/07 – Cardiff, UK @ The Gate
11/08 – Bristol, UK @ Trinity Arts Center
11/11 – Den Bosch, NL @ W2