Star rating - 10/10
I have
been waiting for a gig in 2012 to blow me away - one of those unexpected gems
that knock you off your feet. So far - and I've got to say it's been slightly
below par. Then along comes Joshua Tillman aka Father John Misty who promised 'real shit from my heart to yours' - and
boy did he and his brilliant five piece band deliver. In truth they are more
rock and roll, with a dash of Nashville, than folk balladeers - which may come
as something of a surprise given his previous Fleet Foxes pedigree. But it was a very pleasant surprise
indeed.
They played
lots of great tracks from his Fear Fun
album, which, like the opening number Fun
Times in Babylon, really seem to be inspired by his new home in Los
Angeles. And good though they sound on record, they sounded absolutely glorious
live, filled out into something extremely special with the beautiful sound of
his band, and his substantial live presence.
Tillman
is a gregarious diva with all the moves and fabulous slinky hips. He is handsome,
charming, and witty with a very musically talented band. He is not afraid to
send himself up, or use his falsetto voice, as in Nancy From Now On. Particular highlights from the set were the country
inspired Tee Pees 1-12; and the
sweeping Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.
But in
truth I find it hard to pick out favourites. From start to finish the music was
intoxicating and the lyrics paint a vivid picture, with dark undertones, reminiscence of
Steinbeck or Hemingway. FJM has a great rapport with his audience. He claimed
to be 'shooting for adorably cantankerous
but think I just end up at prick'. I have to disagree, and what's more, I
think he knows exactly what he is doing. He is a totally entertaining rebel and
a true performer. He even stopped a number to break up a minor scuffle in the
audience, and resumed when he had suitably admonished the participants.
With
his lavish sweeping tunes and rich lyrics, it's difficult to assess how much is
a performance and how much he is gloriously bonkers - but in truth it doesn't
matter. Look out, maybe not Hollywood, but certainly music world - here comes
Father John Misty. He is hot - you have been told!
No comments:
Post a Comment