Father John Misty and Ghost Tapes are our picks for the best shows around Denver this week. See you there, and if you don’t make it out, follow our music musings on and our selfies on . If you do, mind where .
Father John Misty
On Aug. 25, the same day as High Plains Comedy Festival’s return to Denver, a different kind of comedy comes to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. That’s the night sardonic indie singer-songwriter Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, slinks into the venue to check it off his list, with songs from his new album, “Pure Comedy,” in tow. A scathing look at screen-obsessed society, Tillman’s is a laugh-so-as-not-to-cry schtick, considering the intersection of survival of the fittest and the culture who brought you the reality TV show “Survivor” on songs with titles like “Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution.” Catch Tillman’s flippant balladry on Friday. Built to Spill opens. Tickets are $45-$55 via .
Ghost Tapes
, a crack at a miniature version of Austin’s South By Southwest music festival, is an ideal spot to watch for local talent simmering just below the surface of Denver’s music scene. At a set at the Skylark Lounge, Ghost Tapes was a major takeaway, popping triumphantly above the din with a care-free, funky set of throwback R&B. Led by the elastic vox of Ishka Phoenix, the group tangles with jazz chord progressions, occasionally political poetry and floor-slapping rhythms, a tricky high-wire act that they pull off with giddy poise. The band, who’ll release its debut album in October, plays Globe Hall on Aug. 28. will open. Tickets are $5-$8 via .
