Pure Comedy

1. thomaslamb

   May 2, 2017

   10

   This offering seems to be dividing some existing fans for some reason. I don`t know why but some albums just do. To me, it seems like aThis offering seems to be dividing some existing fans for some reason. I don`t know why but some albums just do. To me, it seems like a perfect progression from the last album. Overall, it is less about love I`d say and more observational of mankind. It sounded fantastic to me upon first listen, but after a few plays it really shines.
   I think the production is absolutely top notch (once again) and therefore benefits being played on decent hi-fi and demands to be given full attention.
   For me, it`s his best yet and I shall continue to spread the word emphatically!
   I`ve given it 10/10 which I never do but the guy who wrote the glowing review and then hit 0/10 needs balancing out (and I`m not sure that it isn`t a full ten anyway :)… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
2. dimmedwitnick

   Apr 7, 2017

   10

   This is going to be a divisive record, but I predict history will prove to be very kind to an album that reveals itself in waves. Musically,This is going to be a divisive record, but I predict history will prove to be very kind to an album that reveals itself in waves. Musically, "Pure Comedy" isn't as diverse as the preceding albums. But the production and arrangements are spectacular. I could not help but make comparisons to Sgt. Pepper's. Just like the lyrics, there are plenty of layers beyond the surface.
   
   Lyrically, this album will be a challenge for some. Some of the lyrics can come across as pretentious, but I really feel that the overarching theme of the album is that we (as individuals and collectively as a species) are not nearly as big a deal as we think we are. History has a way of making the anxieties of today, nothing more than a footnote or a fading anecdote. That reality isn't lost on Josh, and he knows those same rules apply to him even as a moderately popular indie folk rock star. A song like "Ballad of the Dying Man" might seem like a criticism of others, but it is just as much a criticism of himself. And self righteous fans like myself that feel like we have to defend him from Taylor Swift or Kanye fans. As if it matters.
   
   But I don't think you are wrong for not seeing it or feeling the vibe. If the sweetness behind the sarcasm of FJM has never really reached you in previous releases, I don't think it will necessarily break through on this album. In fact, it is less likely to.
   
   I have a hard time not saying this is his masterpiece. Because I also felt the same way about Honeybear. And Fear Fun. The truth is, I just dig Josh Tillman's take on the world. And absolutely adore his chosen method of delivery of that message.… Expand

   • 3 of 7 users found this helpful
4. alantheisen96

   Apr 7, 2017

   10

   Pure Comedy is the kind of album that makes you feel like a piece of **** for being a human being, but at the end of listening you're gladPure Comedy is the kind of album that makes you feel like a piece of **** for being a human being, but at the end of listening you're glad you're not anything else.… Expand

   • 9 of 19 users found this helpful
5. boredreviewer

   Jan 22, 2020

   8

   By far his best album. Concise, thoughtful and self aware. Not as accessible as his other albums but will stick with you far longer if youBy far his best album. Concise, thoughtful and self aware. Not as accessible as his other albums but will stick with you far longer if you dive into it… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. craigaustin18

   Apr 9, 2017

   7

   Lyrically I like the album and much of it's subject matter. Musically it lacks the diversity of Fear Fun and even Honey Bear. I don'tLyrically I like the album and much of it's subject matter. Musically it lacks the diversity of Fear Fun and even Honey Bear. I don't understand all the negative reviews and it's not as good as many of the critics claim it is....solid 7 IMO.… Expand

   • 3 of 5 users found this helpful
7. poetsofswift

   Jun 27, 2017

   7

   I really like the lyrics on this album but melodically it's not very diverse. I hate, however, the "preachy" feelings that I get from PureI really like the lyrics on this album but melodically it's not very diverse. I hate, however, the "preachy" feelings that I get from Pure Comedy, he's acting like he's the new Messiah trying to save us all from capitalism and tumblr blogs for **** sake.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. NerdNoir3

   Apr 8, 2017

   0

   Philosophical thinking MASTERPIECE.
   This remembered me Pink Floyd mellow sounds found in the album The Final Cut.
   Possibly one the bestPhilosophical thinking MASTERPIECE.
   This remembered me Pink Floyd mellow sounds found in the album The Final Cut.
   
   Possibly one the best albums of the year!
   
   Can't wait for more of this in the near future.
   
   :D… Expand

   • 3 of 49 users found this helpful

See all 42 User Reviews