Six fantastic albums every Father John Misty fan should listen to

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Father John Misty‘s songwriting style, marked by sardonic wit and self-awareness, can be tricky to define precisely. His songs depict humorous character studies yet also contain deeply emotional pieces about love and mortality. He’s an innovative artist, but as the saying goes, everything has roots in something that came before.

In simpler terms, the oldest figure in folk-rock hails from a lineage of charming gentlemen and rock stars known for their controversies, who have an inherent need to reveal their contradictions to their audience. Misty’s latest album, titled “Mahashmashana“, can be seen as a fusion of his past work and also a daring leap in terms of subject matter and maturity.

The playlist we’ve created isn’t intended to uncover or lessen Father John Misty’s unique artist identity. Instead, it complements his impressive discography and delves deeper into the genres and themes he has explored throughout his career. If you’re a fan of Josh Tillman, you might also enjoy these artists and albums.

Mind Games – John Lennon

In simpler terms, although John Lennon has numerous iconic singles and albums to his name, his 1973 release, “Mind Games,” is often overlooked due to its release during a challenging period in his career. Unlike other works of his, this album doesn’t contain a major hit, but it explores more deeply the personal aspects of his life, particularly his complex relationship with Yoko Ono.

If you resonate with the introspective musings on marriage and self-doubt found in God’s Favorite Customer (2018) by Father John Misty, then you might want to give Mind Games a spin. Notably, Misty covered Lennon’s title track during his early touring days, so it’s worth checking out!

Mythical Kings and Iguanas – Dory Previn

Dory Previn isn’t widely recognized, but she is often praised by Misty as one of her favorite songwriters. A quick listen to her 1971 album “Mythical Kings and Iguanas” will explain why. Previn, much like Misty, has a masterful grasp of language, making each lyric she sings resonate with an unusual, slightly dreamlike subtext.

These classics such as “Mary C. Brown and the Hollywood Sign” and “Angels and Devils the Following Day” have titles reminiscent of Misty’s album tracks, and they maintain the somber yet whimsical atmosphere that characterized his 2017 masterpiece, Pure Comedy.

Scott 4 – Scott Walker

Scott Walker may not seem like an obvious comparison to Father John Misty, but the idiosyncratic singer and songwriter has had a massive impact on Misty’s recent output. Walker’s albums, especially those that were numbered, balanced off-kilter narratives with lush orchestral arrangements that gave them a profound sense of melodrama.

“Scott 4” from 1969, often regarded as Walker’s best work, is a must-listen for those who are fans of the eerie romanticism in Father John Misty’s album, “Chloe and the Next 20th Century,” which was released in 2022.

Death of a Ladies’ Man – Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, known for his unique style, teamed up with eccentric producer Phil Spector in an attempt to break away from his usual minimalistic sound. However, Cohen was not pleased with the outcome of their collaboration. The album, “Death of a Ladies’ Man” (1977), initially received harsh criticism from fans and critics alike upon its release. Yet, over time, this unusual, Spector-influenced record has gained favor among listeners.

The album carries an ambiance reminiscent of a Sunset Strip bar as closing time approaches, while Cohen’s voice, subtly amplified by Spector’s production, seems to emanate from the melting pot of music that birthed Misty’s uninhibited debut album Fear Fun (2012). It’s likely no accident that Misty includes a track titled “Only Son of the Ladies’ Man” on this record.

Warren Zevon – Warren Zevon

fewer musicians elevated the gritty sound of Los Angeles to something admirable quite like Warren Zevon did. This talented songwriter was fond of creating tunes about the misfits, substance abusers, and dreamers who populated the City of Angels, a theme that resonates strongly in his impressive piano-driven rock songs such as “Desperados Under the Eaves” and “Carmelita.

Zevon didn’t flinch from the twisted allure of these characters; he also didn’t consider himself superior to them. Instead, he found the beauty in the disorder, a quality reminiscent of Father John Misty’s “I Love You, Honeybear” (2015). If you enjoyed Misty’s tales of barroom and bedroom exploits on that album, you’ll find this 1976 self-titled release intriguing.

Eat the Worm – Jonathan Wilson

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but observe an intriguing pattern in this playlist – each selection seems to echo an album by Father John Misty. However, this final track deviates from that pattern, yet it holds a significant place for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic piece of music. Secondly, Jonathan Wilson, who is the mastermind behind producing most of Misty’s albums, imbues his unique artistic essence into what we, the fans, adore about Father John Misty.

Wilson may not possess his collaborator’s vocal prowess, but they both share a fondness for rock music reminiscent of Laurel Canyon and lyrics that strike a balance between being obscure and humorous. Eat the Worm, released in 2023, is similar to Misty’s recent album, but with a rougher, more mature edge. I recommend you give it a spin.

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2024-11-22 19:00