Josh Tillman’s third record under his Father John Misty alter ego isn’t quite as all-conquering as his near-perfect second album as FJM, I Love You, Honeybear, which topped this list for me with ease in 2015. Nonetheless, it’s a masterful piece of work that both retains most of what made I Love You, Honeybear so great, while also moving in different directions. Pure Comedy mines a similar musical vein to the previous FJM records, with melancholic piano folk-ballads being the main thrust. Equally, the music here definitely is more understated than on his earlier FJM releases, and in that sense this is a more intimate offering. Lyrically though – which is always where Tillman truly excels – this record moves away from the deeply personal ruminations on his relationship with his wife and his own flaws to explore much broader themes. Pure Comedy considers the human condition more generally, looking not so much at Tillman’s own failings but society’s. He variously attacks millennial infantilism and entitlement, unchecked capitalism, the vacuous nature of modern entertainment, Trump era psychosis and religious and political self-righteousness. It’s a fairly depressing ride, but one lightened by (admittedly, dark) humour throughout. It also is a record incredibly lacking in humility. Tillman has never been plagued by any doubt as to his own sense of righteousness, despite him always being so open about all of his other flaws. That may mean this isn’t for everyone, but it’s a beautiful, if vitriolic, album that essentially looks to take the human race to task. Pure Comedy will act as catharsis for those who share Tillman’s worldview and likely irritate those who don’t. My sense is that this is precisely as was intended. You can criticise its unchecked certainty, but – especially for what musically is quite a simple, slight record – I marvel at the ambition and skill here. A true artist.
sample track: Pure Comedy