White Cowbell Oklahoma @ NXNE 2007

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Jun 8 2007

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/09/2007 12:30pm

Background/Composition: It wasn't difficult to pick the members of White Cowbell Oklahoma out of the crowd prior to the show; they're huge cowboys. The nine-man guitar arsenal is intent on nothing less than world domination through country music and their bombastic live performances. I'd heard stories about Cowbell shows and frankly, hadn't believed that they could be as spectacular as legend describes.

Grade: 100

Comment: Fucking wow.

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: Nothing I could write here could properly explain the stage spectacle that is White Cowbell. A list of things I witnessed: Double necked guitars, a bikini-clad waitress serving band members drinks mid-song, sparks shooting from a band member's belt as he sliced into it with a circular saw, a chainsaw ripping through a three foot tall stuffed dog, breasts.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: As awe-inspiring as their on-stage antics are, White Cowbell would be nothing without their grandiose brand of country rock. People in the front row were swooning from the sheer ecstasy of their guitar assault. "Welcome to church," Sgt. Rock yelled. "White Cowbell Oklahoma is here to save you!"

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: If you've never seen Cowbell in person, you need to put it on your "Things to do before I die" list.