Father John Misty - Chloë And The Next 20th Century [2 LP]

Josh Tillman's fifth album as Father John Misty arrived four years after 2018's God's Favorite Customer, marking his most sonically adventurous pivot yet. Written and recorded between August and December 2020, Chloë and the Next 20th Century trades the psych-folk and grand statements of earlier work for lush orchestral arrangements steeped in pre-rock era aesthetics. With Drew Erickson crafting string, brass, and woodwind arrangements that evoke 1930s and 1940s popular music, Tillman reunited with producer Jonathan Wilson and engineer Dave Cerminara at Wilson's Five Star Studios. This double black vinyl pressing includes a tip-on gatefold jacket and insert, presenting the album's cinematic sound with elegant packaging.

The album primarily foregoes the psychedelia and folk-rock of FJM's past for big band and lounge balladry and even bossa nova. Lead singles "Funny Girl," "Q4," "Goodbye Mr. Blue," and "Kiss Me (I Loved You)" showcase Tillman's unexpected turn toward mid-century stylings. Opening track "Chloë" features an organ and vibraphone combo evoking a jazz age tea dance, while "Goodbye Mr. Blue" nods to the mellow country rock of Glen Campbell and Harry Nilsson with sighing strings and gentle guitar twang. "Q4" displays baroque pop with Gallic flair, while "Olvidado (Otro Momento)" adds a Latin twist with cocktail lounge exotica. The album closes with the seven-minute title track, where strident guitars cut against any nostalgia, creating a brooding meditation on art and culture.

This double LP edition captures every detail of the album's sophisticated production, from pizzicato strings to brass flourishes. Recording sessions at United Recordings featured veteran musicians Dan Higgins and Wayne Bergeron contributing to the album's rich sonic tapestry. The tip-on gatefold jacket and insert complement the album's vintage aesthetic while maintaining premium quality. The album received a 2023 Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, recognizing the meticulous craft behind its lush soundscapes. This pressing offers the complete vision of an artist exploring new territory while maintaining his distinctive voice and literary wit.

• Format: 2 Black Vinyl LPs
• Standout tracks: "Funny Girl," "Goodbye Mr. Blue," "Q4"
• Pressing details: Tip-on gatefold jacket, Insert
• Genre/style: Chamber Pop, Baroque Pop, Indie Rock, Jazz Pop
• UPC: 098787143010

The album's exploration of vintage orchestral pop creates a timeless quality that sets it apart from contemporary indie rock, proving Tillman's willingness to take bold creative risks even a decade into his Father John Misty persona.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Chloë
2. Goodbye Mr. Blue
3. Kiss Me (I Loved You)

Side B:

1. (Everything But) Her Love
2. Buddy’s Rendezvous
3. Q4

Side C:

1. Olvidado (Otro Momento)
2. Funny Girl
3. Only A Fool

Side D:

1. We Could Be Strangers
2. The Next 20th Century