Father John Misty may not necessarily be a “new” name—J Tillmann has a handful of excellent solo records, as well as credit on Fleet Foxes’ albums—this album is most definitely a new experience. Understandably wanting to make a record that was neither the folk of his solo releases—or that might be an obvious-sounding record from a former Fleet Foxes member— he took a non-musical road trip, came up with a novel, and then came up with a handful of songs that recall Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson, songs that are rich in arrangement and witty and humorous lyrical content, all tempered with Tillmann’s drop-dead gorgeous angelic voice and his way with a harmony. Just listen to that heavenly opening song, “Funtime in Babylon.” It’s hard not to fall for a record that sounds so softly beautiful as that introduction.
The main attraction, though, is that Fear Fun is, well, simply a fun time. There’s the catchy, asking-for-a-sing-along of “Everyman Needs a Companion” and “Well, You Can Do it Without Me,” the sardonic observations of “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” and “Only Son of the Ladiesman,” and the romantic pop of “Nancy From Now On.” The best moment on Fear Fun, though, is found in the rambling hilarity of “I’m Writing a Novel,” a surreal tale that’s worthy of Shel Silverstein and Bobby Bare, one that involves seedy hipsters in denial, talking dogs, and a run-in with Neil Young. It’s a fine line between clever and stupid, of course; the lyrics are absurd on paper, but Tillmann delivers them in such an intense, earnest manner, it’s hard not to laugh out loud at what he’s describing.
Fear Fun isn’t a complex record; it’s a well-balanced album that blends serious and silly, insightful and delightful. It doesn’t tax the ears; it simply invites you to not fear fun. If you do, you’ll discover one of this year’s most pleasant releases.
