The Joel Plaskett Emergency @ NXNE 2000

Hometown: Halifax, NS

Background/Composition: Plaskett returns with a countrified power pop trio. Bass, drums and Mr. Plaskett on geeetar.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations:
80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade: 90

World Domination Status:
Comment: Back at the Horseshoe for the first time since Thrush Hermit's legendary goodbye show, Plaskett brought out his boyish charm and endearing humility to an audience happy to see him onstage again. Plaskett and his new band rollicked through a set of sweet, country pop rock that can give the Old '97s a run for their money and make Paul Westerberg fondly remember his days with The Replacements. Fans of the Hermit were obviously in attendance and the Shoe was packed for one of indie Canada's favourite people.

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

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Next Step: Not one for dilly-dallying, Plaskett gave it the ol' "one, two, three" and kicked off his set, looking like an ultimate pro up there. His quick, almost shy, "Thank yous" and "It's great to be back" speeches were enough for an audience that was just glad to see him up there. No karate kicks or rock god posturing, but those days seem far behind him now. Image-wise, who are the old fogeys backing him up?

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: G
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Next Step: Plaskett's new solo material is definitely a fairly marked departure from the heavy '70s rock of his former band. By all means, this is NOT a bad thing. The country-soaked twang of his set still had the energy of his former self. Bouncy basslines and crunchy guitars are still there, just not as arena-friendly as before. Plaskett still remains in the pop world, so Hermit fans needn't worry. Power pop country at its finest.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Next Step: Still possessing that boyish charm that easily wins over an audience, Plaskett looked like the polite boy next door with his golden locks chopped off. How can you NOT love this guy?