Unpredictable and controversial, this is worth hearing just for the lyrics
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In releasing the title track from his upcoming record Pure Comedy, the notorious and wild Father John Misty (aka Joshua Tillman) is showing a mature development in his music. This soft, meandering ballad is the perfect concoction of the Father John Misty we all know and love from I Love You, Honeybear, pairing a “life goes on” tone with a clear folk influence and a more experimental approach, forming the music around the lyrics rather than the other way around.
As Honeybear‘s ‘Bored In The USA’ previously demonstrated, Tillman is not afraid to comment on the state of the world today, but ‘Pure Comedy’ reaches out further. The political cynicism of the lyrics beautifully contrasts with the cheerful tone of the music itself, incorporating a description of sacred texts as “written by woman-hating epileptics” and singing, aptly for Donald Trump’s new America, “Where did they find these goons they elected to rule them?”
It really is pure comedy, commenting on the state of humanity in such as light-hearted way. In comparison to ‘Real Love Baby,’ his last single, the subject matter seem almost surprising. However, Tillman always is (and will remain) unpredictable in his music and his performances, making him one of the most exciting artists out there. Whatever other matters Pure Comedy goes on to tackle, it will no doubt be worth listening to.
‘Pure Comedy’ is out now via Bella Union
