Father John Misty
Greatish Hits: I Followed My Dreams and My Dreams Said to Crawl
Sub Pop Records [2024]
Album Overview: Father John Misty is the stage name of Josh Tillman, a multi-talented singer-songwriter who began his career as a solo artist and drummer for Fleet Foxes. He adopted the Father John Misty persona in 2012, creating a distinct blend of folk, indie rock, and satire that explores themes of love, cynicism, and modern life. Over the past decade, he has become known for his sharp wit, poetic lyrics, and expansive soundscapes. Greatish Hits: I Followed My Dreams and My Dreams Said to Crawl is a compilation that offers notable tracks from Father John Misty’s five studio albums. The collection spans his career, featuring fan favorites, a previously unreleased song, and the first album appearance of the popular track “Real Love Baby.” This release encapsulates the essence of his music, highlighting his rise as an artist. The track list is not in chronological order, but the closing unreleased track fits well with the 16 other songs. Greatish Hits follows a classic template for these types of compilations and it really works for Father John Misty.
Musical Style: Father John Misty’s music merges folk, indie rock, and orchestral pop with a touch of psychedelia. His sound is characterized by lush arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and a blend of traditional and modern influences. The emotional depth and swagger in his music are often underscored by an ironic, sometimes sardonic, lyrical approach.
Evolution of Sound: Over the years, Father John Misty has evolved from raw, folk-based beginnings to more elaborate and diverse sonic landscapes. His early work leaned heavily on acoustic arrangements and introspective lyrics, while later albums introduced more ambitious production, wider influences, and biting social commentary. This progression is evident in the selected tracks here, and it stands out even more due to the non-chronological arrangement of the songs.
Artists with Similar Fire: If you enjoy artists like Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and The National, then Father John Misty should be appealing. These artists all share a penchant for lyrical depth, storytelling, and blending traditional genres with contemporary themes.
Pivotal Tracks: Key songs in this compilation include “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” from Fear Fun, “Bored in the USA” from I Love You, Honeybear, “Mr. Tillman” from God’s Favorite Customer, and “Leaving LA” from Pure Comedy. The new track, “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All,” is an over-eight-minute groover complete with horns and seems to fit into his most recent big persona and jazzy outing with Chloë and The Next 20th Century. “Real Love Baby,” which opens the record, also adds a fresh layer to this curated selection of songs.
Lyrical Strength: Father John Misty’s lyrics are known for their wit, insight, and reflection on human nature. His songwriting often addresses complex themes, blending personal experiences with broader societal observations. The lyrics can be both introspective and outward-looking, offering a critique of contemporary culture while exploring themes of love, disillusionment, and existential angst.
FATHER JOHN MISTY REVIEW HISTORY
Chloë And The Next 20th Century (2022) / God’s Favorite Customer (2018) / Pure Comedy (2017) / Live At Rough Trade (2015) / I Love You, Honeybear (2015) / Fear Fun (2012)
FATHER JOHN MISTY LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Sub Pop Records
- Father John Misty: Greatish Hits – I Followed My Dreams and My Dreams Said to Crawl [Album Review] - August 15, 2024
- Endless Valley: Kaskashir [Album Review] - August 14, 2024
- Dion Lunadon: Memory Burn (EP) [Album Review] - August 7, 2024