22 Nov 2024
Jamie Strange - Jamie Strange - 'Thanks For Faking It Sometimes' album review
29 Jul 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
Fake; it is the four-letter word begging with ‘F” that no one dares to say. But today is the era of imitation. Life is full of faux fur, Botox and fake tans. Plastic blow-up dolls are saving people from their loneliness. Fake orgasms have salvaged a many intimate nights. Who can tell the difference between fake and real? ‘Fake IS the new real’ according to singer/ songwriter Jamie Strange, and he is absolutely correct.
Thanks for Faking It Sometimes is the debut album Jamie Strange and the album is a conventional pop/rock collection of tracks that attempts to delve into the depths of the dichotomy between authentic and imitation, and about finding your true self. This is what Jamie and Miss Brightstar (the mannequin on the album cover) represent; a juxtaposition between real and fake, all wrapped up in buoyant and catchy tunes.
The opening track is “I Wonder” and it is an appropriate opener with the chorus exclaiming “I wonder will I be a famous rockstar?” Subsequent track “Rockstar Clone” follows along the same lines as the former, touching on all the trivial questions of life and of fame. “High School Crush” is a duet with Kelly Slattery that brings it all back to youth and young love.
“Trust” is where Jamie pulls away from the superficial. It is slower-paced building up to a gospel and soulful chant. But the song also reveals the highlight of the album where Jamie sings with just the piano. It is earthy and honest and you get a glimpse of the real artist.
“My Life” returns back to the school scene with a grittier pop/punk song about the trials and pressures of adolescence. “Driving Late at Night” is a pop track that is laced with romance. “Screaming without Words” which features Andrew Killick, is a shadowy song that is attempting to reach beyond the first dimension. It is apparent that Jamie wants to connect with listeners in this song and it feels aimed towards the hollowness of humanity.
“Light at The End of the Tunnel” is a standout song that would be a great release track, certainly worthy of airplay. “Who am I?” asks the quintessential question of life. Sincere and well composed, out of nowhere the song features a hip hop flavour from Rhymin B which works surprisingly well with the rock melodies.
Jamie Strange is akin to bands such as Goodnight Nurse and Elemeno P. Like these acts, this album will mostly appeal to the teenage audience. This is because it is so relevant to what it is to be a teenager. The final track, “Empty Dreams” is an appropriate concluding track as it encapsulates what youth is, has been and always will be; something that runs throughout the album in its entirety.
Will Jamie Strange be a rockstar? Thanks for Faking It Sometimes is an interesting album. Once it breaks through the superficiality it has moments of real potential, particularly in the three notable tracks; “Trust,” ”Light at the End of the Tunnel” and “Who am I?” The binary of real and fake is cleverly presented. There are tracks that have that over-processed feel but they are contrasted with those moments where Jamie lets you peer into what is bona fide. So to be fair, thanks Jamie for only faking it sometimes because those moments when he keeps it real are worth wondering about.
-Janise
Fake; it is the four-letter word begging with ‘F” that no one dares to say. But today is the era of imitation. Life is full of faux fur, Botox and fake tans. Plastic blow-up dolls are saving people from their loneliness. Fake orgasms have salvaged a many intimate nights. Who can tell the difference between fake and real? ‘Fake IS the new real’ according to singer/ songwriter Jamie Strange, and he is absolutely correct.Thanks for Faking It Sometimes is the debut album Jamie Strange and the album is a conventional pop/rock collection of tracks that attempts to delve into the depths of the dichotomy between authentic and imitation, and about finding your true self. This is what Jamie and Miss Brightstar (the mannequin on the album cover) represent; a juxtaposition between real and fake, all wrapped up in buoyant and catchy tunes.
The opening track is “I Wonder” and it is an appropriate opener with the chorus exclaiming “I wonder will I be a famous rockstar?” Subsequent track “Rockstar Clone” follows along the same lines as the former, touching on all the trivial questions of life and of fame. “High School Crush” is a duet with Kelly Slattery that brings it all back to youth and young love.
“Trust” is where Jamie pulls away from the superficial. It is slower-paced building up to a gospel and soulful chant. But the song also reveals the highlight of the album where Jamie sings with just the piano. It is earthy and honest and you get a glimpse of the real artist.
“My Life” returns back to the school scene with a grittier pop/punk song about the trials and pressures of adolescence. “Driving Late at Night” is a pop track that is laced with romance. “Screaming without Words” which features Andrew Killick, is a shadowy song that is attempting to reach beyond the first dimension. It is apparent that Jamie wants to connect with listeners in this song and it feels aimed towards the hollowness of humanity.
“Light at The End of the Tunnel” is a standout song that would be a great release track, certainly worthy of airplay. “Who am I?” asks the quintessential question of life. Sincere and well composed, out of nowhere the song features a hip hop flavour from Rhymin B which works surprisingly well with the rock melodies.
Jamie Strange is akin to bands such as Goodnight Nurse and Elemeno P. Like these acts, this album will mostly appeal to the teenage audience. This is because it is so relevant to what it is to be a teenager. The final track, “Empty Dreams” is an appropriate concluding track as it encapsulates what youth is, has been and always will be; something that runs throughout the album in its entirety.
Will Jamie Strange be a rockstar? Thanks for Faking It Sometimes is an interesting album. Once it breaks through the superficiality it has moments of real potential, particularly in the three notable tracks; “Trust,” ”Light at the End of the Tunnel” and “Who am I?” The binary of real and fake is cleverly presented. There are tracks that have that over-processed feel but they are contrasted with those moments where Jamie lets you peer into what is bona fide. So to be fair, thanks Jamie for only faking it sometimes because those moments when he keeps it real are worth wondering about.
-Janise
About Jamie Strange
Jamie has been writing and recording songs since teaching himself to play the guitar during one summer holiday while at High School. Jamie's debut album 'Thanks For Faking It Sometimes' is due out Monday 17 August 2009. It explores the themes of faking it as a rock star, unfulfilled dreams, and a search for purpose and identity. This tongue-in-cheek ethos can be seen in the track listing and in his lyrics on the album. His songs are fun-filled and quirky with a lean towards Weezer, Elemeno P and All American Rejects, while his slower ones are more melancholic.
Jamie fully self-funded the album through renovating and selling three houses, even though he admits to being "DIY Challenged'. He plans to market the album through a campaign aimed at creating a mystery around the theme "Who is Jamie Strange?" including a series of clips on YouTube which follow this theme. In June, one of his YouTube clips featured on the new American MTV show "DJ & The Fro".
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Jamie Strange
Releases
Other Reviews By Miss_Jukebox
Age Pryor - Single Review: Burning Sun
15 Nov 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Having built a steady portfolio of compositions since the turn of this century, Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed Sessions, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra) has inconspicuously become a pillar amongst New Zealand’s finest artists. And in the same understated way his career has unfolded so far, his new single Burning Sun retains the unassuming charm and placidity of his sound.
Read More...
Sola Rosa - EP Review: In Spaces
15 May 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
The highly-acclaimed, genre-fusing artist Sola Rosa is back with a new EP In Spaces - a stellar addition in the artist’s almost two-decade career. In Spaces explores the soundscapes of funk, soul and RnB, pillared by sturdy grooves and commanding vocal performances from a selection of outstanding feature artists.
Read More...
Emily Fairlight - Single/Video Review: The Escape
13 Mar 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Poet and alt-folk singer-songwriter Emily Fairlight has released her latest song The Escape - a bittersweet romantic ballad with plush country/folk vibes. It’s a hauntingly beautiful composition that sinks into you with its heartfelt delivery and writing.
Read More...
The Frank Burkitt Band - Album Review: Raconteur
14 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Peruse through the gorgeous pages of Frank Burkitt’s storybook in Frank Burkitt Band’s latest album – a beautiful collection of narratives set to folk, jazz, blues and American roots essences. Raconteur is the second full-length album from the band, who formed in Wellington during 2014 after Burkitt, and his partner Kara Filbey (who provides vocals, flute and percussion on the album) moved from Edinburgh.
Read More...
I Am Giant - Single Review: Don't Look Back
08 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
New Zealand’s rock darlings, I Am Giant have started their 2018 with a bang – releasing their first new single of the year, Don’t Look Back; before they unleash their hotly-anticipated third full-length album, Life in Captivity - which is due out in March. This will be the first full-length release from the band since 2014’s Science and Survival.
Read More...
Lucas O'Connell - Songs to Sleep On Album Review
10 Nov 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Music voyager Lucas O’Connell has released a beautiful debut album, Songs to Sleep On that encapsulates his skills to meaningfully personify all that is around him. The album was recorded primarily in Wellington’s Surgery Studios under the guidance of his main studio engineer Dr.
Read More...
Lucie Hill - Little Lapin EP Review
09 Jul 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
One look into her bright eyes, Little Lapin will have you mesmerised. Auckland-based Lucy Cioffi in her musical alter-ego Little Lapin has finally released her self-titled debut EP.
Read More...
Sarah Conlan Singles Review
25 May 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Sarah Conlan, a young country singer/songwriter is part of a country music resurgence happening before our eyes. I always thought of country music as a self-contained genre.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
