Fear Fun is the kind of album that can name-check Sartre, Heidegger and Neil Young in the same song.
These twelve tracks are full, they’re self-aware, they’re straight up funny, and it’s these traits that immediately separate Father John Misty’s folk-rock from what Fleet Foxes do.
Fear Fun is worth every one of the resources that went into making it.
Whereas Helplessness lived up to its title through a narrator that found inspiration in leaving childish things behind, Misty treads the same notions of spirituality in a decidedly earthier manner.
Despite Tillman’s adoption of the Father John Misty pseudonym, Fear Fun is a very personal album.
Fear Fun leaves his previous work in the dust.
It's clear from the start with the gorgeous opener, "Funtimes in Babylon," that Tillman's is a singular talent
'Fear Fun' is a country-leaning, wise-cracking masterwork.
Fear Fun's deft mix of folly and grandeur strikes a nice balance between the over the top hippie shenanigans of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and the vapid, calculated debauchery of Lana Del Ray.
Ultimately, it’ll be hard to find a more awe-inspiring album this year than Fear Fun. This is a record that deserves a spot in just about any contemporary music collection.
If Fleet Foxes, or indeed, beardy folk/roots music in general, leave you cold, then you probably won't find much to enjoy with Father John Misty.
Tillman soaks up the sounds, smells, and free-floating strangeness of his environment, and revels in its humanity.
Tillman varies things up on Fear Fun, reveals an adventurous palette, and makes what may be his best album to date.
A striking, adept piece made accessible by Tillman’s clear-as-a-bell voice, Fear Fun is the ideal companion for a weird headspace.
With a few exceptions it's middle of the road music for middle aged middle managers.
At 12 tracks ... Fear Fun could do with a good trim.
The authorities fear my version of "fun"
This is Sugar Daddy Johnny Misty's debut album, and it is called "Fear Fun", for the way authorities fear me when I have a box of matches and 15 gallons of gasoline.
Anyway, I like how "Fear Fun" is a unique and captivating mix of indie folk and psychedelic rock that showcases the Sugar Daddy Johnny Misty's raw talent and poetic lyricism. Throughout the album, Sugar Daddy Johnny Misty's lyrics are both introspective and ... read more
if adventure time were music, it’s this; this is sally hatchet.
this is nonchalantly epic. it’s hazily lush. it’s timeless, and it can be beautiful as any genre you want it to be. i would deem this album's genre as adventure-songwriter.
J.Tillman re-debuts solo music under a vague, chill name
Though it's a bit underwhelming when compared to his more recent releases such as Honeybear and Pure Comedy, Misty's debut provides its listener with jams, ballads, and plenty of nihilism. And really, that's all you need for a FJM record. Also I really want the album cover as a poster.
Least Fav Tracks: Well, You Can Do It Without Me , Only Son of the Ladiesman
Fav Tracks: Nancy From Now on , I'm Writing a Novel , This Is Sally Hatchet , Everyman Needs a Companion
While not as good as the two following albums, this album was still pretty good. The songs people seem not to like as much have a tongue-and-cheek charm that I enjoy.
Dynamic performances from Josh, funny jokes, and lush instrumentation are what makes Fear Fun such a pleasant album to listen to.
highlights: Only Son of the Ladiesman, This is Sally Hathet, Eveyman Needs a Companion.
lowlight: O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me.
1 | Funtimes in Babylon 3:39 | 85 |
2 | Nancy From Now On 3:54 | 87 |
3 | Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings 3:10 | 83 |
4 | I'm Writing a Novel 3:35 | 79 |
5 | O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me 2:23 | 77 |
6 | Misty's Nightmares 1 & 2 3:13 | 68 |
7 | Only Son of the Ladiesman 4:09 | 76 |
8 | This Is Sally Hatchet 3:57 | 76 |
9 | Well, You Can Do It Without Me 2:43 | 69 |
10 | Now I'm Learning to Love the War 4:16 | 74 |
11 | Tee Pees 1-12 3:16 | 65 |
12 | Everyman Needs a Companion 5:18 | 75 |
#2 | / | Paste |
#8 | / | Slant |
#10 | / | The Line of Best Fit |
#13 | / | Under the Radar |
#14 | / | Pazz & Jop |
#14 | / | Spinner |
#15 | / | FILTER |
#16 | / | American Songwriter |
#20 | / | BBC |
#22 | / | Obscure Sound |