I loved the previous Father John Misty album, "Fear Fun", and was initially disappointed with this new batch of songs. They didn't seem to have that same captivating quality to them. At least not initially. But after a few dozen listens, I'm won over once again. Great album!
The songs may not have as many hooks as the ones on "Fear Fun" but the playful lyrics more than make over any ever-so-slight slack in the melodies. I haven't heard a singer-songwriter display such wit, wisdom, sarcasm, and sauciness since the glory days of Randy Newman. Honesty, Father John Misty, aka Josh Tillman, deserves to be recognized as one of the best songwriters around nowadays. His lyrical brilliance and melodic tunes are an addictive combination.
This new album was produced by rising star Jonathan Wilson, who also sings and plays on many of the songs. The CD comes with a fold-out poster that has all the lyrics to the songs. The poster design is a bit cumbersome --- I would have preferred a "normal" booklet --- but at least you get something extra for your money. Speaking of which, there actually is a small booklet of sorts this is included with the CD, dubbed "Exercises for Listening." These "exercises", it turns out, are very funny tips from Mr. Tillman on how the listener can better appreciate certain songs on the album. For "I Went to the Store One Day," for example, he suggests:
Go to a store you darkly shuffle through for cigarettes and glass bottles of water everyday Lay down in one of the aisles Wait for someone to pick you up
I'm not sure I'm willing to try that one, but for a musical "pick up" this CD is a winner from start to finish!
This is one of the best CDs I have bought in a while. Every song is well-written and contains powerful lyrics. I can highly recommend this CD to everyone!