Father John Misty Gives “Pure Comedy” a Western Makeover on “Pure Country”

John Tillman, aka Father John Misty, has just shared new version of his song “Pure Comedy,” with Pitchfork. The country rendition is aptly re-named, “Pure Country.” The harmonious piano melody from the original song is still present, but it is now coupled up with a stirring steel guitar. The song is less Elton John and more Willie Nelson. In addition, the production on the song is completely revamped. The song is slowed down, and given a hazy sound. It sounds as if it is going out of an authentic juke box in the middle of a desert. It is less Laurel Canyon and more Grand Canyon.

The original song was the title track for Misty’s recent album Pure Comedy, which came out this past April. The album is Tillman’s third studio album under his moniker Father James Misty. Tillman has also released six studio albums with his birth name, and has worked with the band The Fleet Foxes in addition to his work as FJM. Recently, Misty confirmed that he was in the midst of mixing new album that he would release in 2018. He joked that he would call it Pure Comedy II. If so, the whole album may be a spin off the original work. Misty may be, once again, reinventing himself and trying on a new hat. It looks like this time, it won’t be Fedora-instead it may be a Stetson Cowboy hat.

photo credit: Sharon Alagna