Jesse Malin @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: The New York City ex-punker pulls a Ryan Adams with countrified rock.

Grade: 96

Comment: This show was way, way better than any simple half-hour NXNE set has the right to be. Seriously.

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: G
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Overflowing with stomping fury, it would've taken more than a guitar and mic stand to get Malin to stay in one place. The slower, more sensitive numbers may have had him strumming and crooning into the microphone, but it was obvious that he really thrives on breaking loose (and probably breaking things) onstage in the most chaotic manner possible. The audience was all the more ecstatic for it.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: This was Malin's show, pure and simple, but he at least had an entirely capable band backing him up. Together, the group of them pulled through a set that was comprised mostly of material from Malin's new album (but also a few old favourites, like "Wendy"), including an outrageous version of "In The Modern World" that ended with Malin ranting, spitting and thrashing before calming down to end the set solo with the delicate acoustic "Aftermath." Absolutely fucking incredible.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: I'll admit right now that this was a tough review to write, if only because I didn't take a single note during the show. Instead, a friend and I stood at the front and swooned like schoolgirls the entire time. To see Malin play such an intense set in such a small club was a festival highlight, if not only for his tremendous musical ability, but also for the fact that he's still a total punk rock fox. Fact.