Ruth's Hat @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  London, ON

Background/Composition: This four-piece — fronted by a tambourine-smacking singer — cheerfully delivers cheery pop-laden rock 'n' roll in a largely clean-cut fashion.

Grade: 77

Comment: Horrifyingly well-behaved. These fellas, while talented performers, offer something of a rock music confessional — when they're finished playing, you somehow feel less dirty... which is the very antithesis of rock. Their friendly presence, enthusiasm and energetic songs make them charming, but they remind me of bands in wholesome teen movies; talented, but lacking that certain something. Like a Stepford Band. Someone needs to grit 'em up a bit, 'cause I wasn't buying the "It's time to rock and fuckin' roll!"

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E 
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: E
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The Cameron House is a tiny little stage, making at an intimate setting. Unfortunately, you often got the impression that the vocalist's jumping around, leaping and shaking was seriously restrained by his limited space. With a number of friends and fans in the audience, Ruth's Hat were greeted by joking hecklers — and received the ribbing with aplomb and humour.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization:E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: S
Composition: G
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: There's no doubting that the songs are catchy (even with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure), but they sort of hold on to that slightly whimsical rock style popular in the early '90s. This doesn't seem to deter their fans, however. Unfortunately, their performance was slightly marred by occasional finger-fumbling by the guitarist and a consistently annoying speaker crackle that worsened throughout the set.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: S
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: N
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Alright, I'll admit it — the puka shell necklace on the frontman distracted me. That is one preppy rock mofo. The rest of the guys were in jeans and tees, looking for the casual "we don't dress for gigs" look. But mostly they all needed to be rolled around in some alley filth, filled with whiskey and deprived of sleep and showers for a few days.