Album Review: Father John Misty’s “Pure Comedy”

WRITTEN BY: BEN ABRAMS

Josh Tillman (more commonly known as Father John Misty) has been an important force in folk rock music for the past decade and beyond. He has around 12 solo records under his belt, most as Josh Tillman, but the most recent three under his moniker. In 2008, he began drumming for the seminal Fleet Foxes, who would quickly become one of the largest rock groups in the world. Upon leaving the band in 2011, he would begin his career as Father John Misty. His first record, Fear Fun, arrived in 2012 on Sub Pop Records, with a second out in 2015. Tillman’s latest LP, Pure Comedy, scoffs at society and is his most thoughtful musical venture.

On past records, Father John Misty focused on combining poignant lyrics with catchy instrumentals. Sweet chords fill up the songs, as Tillman sings satirically about his relationships and himself. The new songs mainly leave behind the poppy choruses in exchange for even more significant and provocative lyrics. Some may be disappointed by this new direction, because at least half of the album cannot be listened to casually. Pure Comedy features essay-like lyrical structures that are linear in form.

To truly understand what Tillman is trying to tell his audience, you must listen as if he is giving a speech. Attentiveness will be rewarded in the case of this album, because of how compelling much of the subject matter is. On the album’s title track, Father John tells of how babies are born underdeveloped and unfit to survive alone. As children, we must be prepared for the harsh realities of the world we live in, but Tillman proposes that the adults that bring us up are often not competent enough to show us right from wrong.

Father John Misty has always been indiscriminate as to what ideas he decides to attack or applaud, but it is especially apparent on these tracks. His opinions do not pledge allegiance entirely to either side of social or political debate, and this adds a sense of authenticity to his work. The ongoing issues that humanity must face can be attributed to the nature of living, but also to our incendiary behavior towards ourselves and others. Pure Comedy preaches that in the face of such ridiculousness and inequity, all you can do is laugh.

Notable Tracks: “Pure Comedy”, “Total Entertainment Forever”, “Ballad of the Dying Man”, “Leaving LA”, “So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain”

Father John Misty will be performing Friday September 15th at the Skyline Stage @ The Mann Center with Phosphorescent.