The Jimmy C – Pretending to Be a Person

Pretending to Be a Person is The Jimmy C’s (Jamie Coghill) latest full-length, a 15-track DIY effort that combines power pop and country tinged sensibilities into a tasty package.

A Melbourne based multi-instrumentalist, Coghill has written, played, engineered, mixed, and mastered everything himself for two decades running. The album opens with semi-acoustic country-tinged track before moving through energetic power-pop, California dream-pop textures, classic 1970s rock riffs, a flash of soul (the 41 second “Babadum Bum Bum Baby”), and quirky 60’s retro pop. Painting from such a varied palette, Coghill keeps things interesting throughout.

Catchy Melodies Abound

A very hooky single, “Are You Angry” touches on everyday pressures and self-doubt. “They Put On A Show” is a mid-tempo, catchy track complete with classic guitar chime and wonderful harmonies. “Waiting For You” is a muscular track that takes off like a runaway locomotive. And there are ballads too – The XTC-ish “Near the Painting of the Girl By The Sea” comes to mind.

For fans of classic power pop (Jellyfish, XTC, Beatles, Redd Kross) filtered through today’s indie sensibilities, Pretending to Be a Person is a solid listen that never gets old. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, instead offering the listener catchy melodies, pop hooks and tasteful pop ornamentation. Get your copy at Kool Kat Musik.