Pure Comedy cover

Pure Comedy

Father John Misty · 2017

74 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A sprawling, introspective journey blending orchestral arrangements with sharp social commentary and haunting melodies.

Why this album works

'Pure Comedy' received widespread critical acclaim, landing high positions on several year-end lists and debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's poignant critique of modernity and its philosophical underpinnings resonated with listeners, making it a defining work of 2017's music landscape.
Best for
sprawling introspection with peaks thought-provoking social commentary vibes patient unfolding of narratives
Context
By the time 'Pure Comedy' was released in 2017, Father John Misty, the stage name of Josh Tillman, had solidified his status as a key figure in indie rock following the success of his acclaimed album 'I Love You, Honeybear' in 2015. This album marks a significant artistic evolution as it tackles themes of existentialism and satire while reflecting on contemporary American culture during a politically charged era.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pure Comedy Standout 6:24
  • 2 Total Entertainment Forever Standout 2:53
  • 3 Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution 4:18
  • 4 Ballad of the Dying Man 4:50
  • 5 Birdie 5:19
  • 6 Leaving LA Standout 13:11
  • 7 A Bigger Paper Bag 4:41
  • 8 When the God of Love Returns There’ll Be Hell to Pay 4:04
  • 9 Smoochie 3:45
  • 10 Two Wildly Different Perspectives 3:12
  • 11 The Memo 5:16
  • 12 So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain 9:58
  • 13 In Twenty Years or So 6:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata