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CRITIC REVIEWS
90
It’s that confusion that makes ‘Fear Fun’ what it is – the more styles and lyrics jostle and reposition, the more we understand the man underneath it all.
84
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.
80
'Fear Fun' is a country-leaning, wise-cracking masterwork.
80
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.
80
It's clear from the start with the gorgeous opener, "Funtimes in Babylon," that Tillman's is a singular talent
80
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.
80
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.
75
Tillman soaks up the sounds, smells, and free-floating strangeness of his environment, and revels in its humanity.
73
Tillman varies things up on Fear Fun, reveals an adventurous palette, and makes what may be his best album to date.
70
A striking, adept piece made accessible by Tillman’s clear-as-a-bell voice, Fear Fun is the ideal companion for a weird headspace.
70
Former Fleet Fox continues strong solo run with symphonic folk odyssey. Every vocal harmony shimmers.
70
These are songs about trying to find onself, realizing how cliché that quest is, and then further realizing that there's no choice but to push through anyway.
60
With a few exceptions it's middle of the road music for middle aged middle managers.
if adventure time was music: adventure-songwriter. 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. j.Tillman re-debuts solo music under a vague, chill name, an adventure songwriter
this is nonchalantly epic. it’s hazily lush. it’s timeless, and it can be beautiful as any genre you want it to be. j.Tillman re-debuts solo music under a vague, chill name, an adventure songwriter
Catchy, fun little debut record from FJM with infusing melodies and sometimes surprisingly-good songwriting. Sure, it's not his best solo work (might even be his 'worst') but it's certainly very enjoyable for a light-hearted listen.
Maybe one of the greatest folk album's of the decade, Father John Misty begins his new career, polish his new nickname with a mashup of concepts, satirical references and twits concepts of the all decade. Is like a traveling man with all his music stuff across the country, with all the brand new equipment always a brilliant production but with a story to tell
Tillman's debut as Father John Misty is an exciting peek into what the talented songwriter has to offer. Fear Fun isn't all that inventive or as fleshed out as his later works but it is still a pleasant listen.
Best Track: Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
Worst Track: Tee Pees 1-12
Best Track: Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
Worst Track: Tee Pees 1-12
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Year End Lists
| #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 |
More Lists
Track List
- Funtimes in Babylon
- Nancy From Now On
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
- I'm Writing a Novel
- O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me
- Misty's Nightmares 1 & 2
- Only Son of the Ladiesman
- This Is Sally Hatchet
- Well, You Can Do It Without Me
- Now I'm Learning to Love the War
- Tee Pees 1-12
- Everyman Needs a Companion
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Added on: February 2, 2012