The Buttless Chaps @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Cadillac Lounge bartender: "So, I hear there's this band called The Buttless Chaps playing later. I hope they're all chicks, cuz I don't wanna see a bunch of guys wearing those things."

Grade: 91

Comment: The Chaps levitate around a few genres and have a sound that's hard to peg with certainty. They're one of the few bands performing today that can pull off a chorus like, "Our lives are replete with endless details." At the end of their set, they switched gears and surprised the crowd with a four keyboard-fueled nod to '80s electro.

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: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Singer Dave Gowans is a friendly and personable guy who loves to chat with the crowd. The ladies went wild when he removed his button-up shirt and revealed a Gary Numan T-shirt underneath.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The Chaps are consummate professionals but also manage to have as much fun as the crowd while they're on stage. Backup singer and keyboardist Ida Nilsen (AKA Great Aunt Ida) adds a dimension to the music that would be sorely missed were she not involved.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Much to the crowd's delight, the Chaps were permitted an encore number, which featured Gowans performing an interpretive dance. It was perhaps the least sexy, yet most hilarious, thing that has ever occurred on a stage.