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. MacsMusic

   May 14, 2018

   8

   Pure Comedy is one of the most attention-grabbing, distinctive, interesting albums of 2017. The lyrics are harsh, utterly entertaining, andPure Comedy is one of the most attention-grabbing, distinctive, interesting albums of 2017. The lyrics are harsh, utterly entertaining, and thought-provoking. Musically, PC is usually simple, but almost always extremely effective and beautiful. The music, lyrics, and vocals work very, very well on PC. "Total," "Ballad," "Two," and the final song have great, sickingly honest lyrics that don't get old. That's another great thing about Pure Comedy; it feels timeless. I find myself coming back to PC more often than most 2017 albums, and it never fails to entertain me. Unlike some people, I do not think that everything FJM touches turns to gold, but most of it shines pretty bright, musically if not lyrically. PC is a wildly entertaining, intelligent album that's extremely well produced and (mostly) well written.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Ricko

   Feb 7, 2018

   7

   I'll start with the positives. "Pure Comedy" is a definite grower. If you don't like it the first time, second time or even the 5th time,I'll start with the positives. "Pure Comedy" is a definite grower. If you don't like it the first time, second time or even the 5th time, don't worry, if you liked his first 2 albums, you will eventually get this one, appreciate its lyrical cleverness and how the instrumentation suits the overall theme of the album. On the negative side, it's an extremely repetitive album. 75 minutes or so of what essentially sounds like the same two or 3 songs over and over. The repetition covers lyrical theme (there only seems to be one - how human life is one big mindless joke that we're all doomed to be consumed by, except for the oh so clever Father John Misty) and the music. It's like lounge music for atheist/darwinists, a genre I don't find particularly enticing. I loved the mans first 2 albums but I can only go as far as saying I like this but probably won't revisit that often. A couple of songs in this vein would have fitted in well on his back catalog amongst the druggy folk social commentary stuff but an hour and a quarter of the stuff is too much of an ask. Hopefully next time out he'll take some better drugs and bring out something a bit more enjoyable and a bit less elevator.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
7. zabboo

   Apr 11, 2017

   6

   This record is way too long and way too preachy, though it does have its clever moments. Overall it's okay, but could stand being shorter and sweeter.

   • 4 of 6 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

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