Father John Misty is in love and ‘Bored In The USA’

Cover of “I love You, Honeybear.”

By Adilene Rodriguez

Few artists are able to transition from genre to genre organically and still make their music sound good; it takes a talented artist to make that shift. It takes an even more talented artist to do that in a single album.

Josh Tillman, ex-drummer of the folk band Fleet Foxes, released his second studio album under his persona of Father John Misty on Feb 10. The album, I Love You, Honeybear, is filled with songs of different genre variations and interesting instrumental arrangements.

Father John Misty transcends his strong folk roots and creates a coalition of musical madness, driven from influences of genres that include baroque rock, soul, and jazz-fusion. He even has an electronic number, “True Affection,” that sticks out like a sore thumb, but nevertheless serves as a testament to Father John Misty’s genius.

Accompanying the fusion of noises, are Tillman’s poetic, sometimes bizarre, and comical lyrics. The variation of lyrical content is what helps makes this album more remarkable. In the song, “The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment,” he puts his writing abilities on display to come up with a song so enchanting you overlook that it’s about a one-night stand.

This song, along with other songs like “Nothing Good Ever Happens At The Goddamn Thirsty Crow,” is were Tillman’s story-telling talents are impeccable.

Then you have the song like “Bored In The USA” which he first performed on the “Late Show With David Letterman” in November of last year, where news of the album was first announced.

His performance of the song, which was backed by a string orchestra, drew laughter from the crowd as he sang about the useless education he received and asked “President Jesus” to save him, a reaction very few, if any, of Letterman’s musical guest get.

Whether you’re listening to the mariachi horn-filled, “Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)” or Father John Misty’s gospel of love, “When You’re Smiling and Astride Me,” this album is sure to be pleasing to an array of music fans, regardless of genre preference.

Even though it’s still early on in the year, I Love You, Honeybear is already one of the best albums of the year and you can expect it to be on many of best albums lists at the end of 2015.

Key Tracks: “When You’re Smiling and Astride,” “Strange Encounter,” “Holy Shit”

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