Julie Doiron @ CMW 2008

Rivoli

Toronto, ON

on Mar 6 2008

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/07/2008 12:30pm

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Julie Doiron is that quiet girl who sat at the back of the class who you originally knew nothing about. Then one day, at your friend Kyle's after-dance party, she showed up uninvited, drank 12 beers in two hours and then left. The Ally Sheedy of indie music? She made a name for herself as a folky songstress, but started (and recently re-emerged) as the heavy-handed bassist for seminal rock outfit Eric's Trip.

Grade: 82

Comment:Someone forgot to tell Doiron she's supposed to be a folk artist. It's obvious her recent band adventures have had an effect on her style; this could have easily been labeled a one-woman rock show (though she did have Shotgun & Jaybird's Dick Morello sitting in on drums). Hayden was there to see the show. I've always thought they'd make the perfect couple. Some day, perhaps.

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: N
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
It's a sure bet no one performing today could beat Doiron in a banter competition. Her chatting wanders aimlessly and she apologizes for everything, but all it takes is one well-timed tidbit of self-flagellation and she's got the crowd rolling on the floor laughing. No one seemed to care that she only played eight songs in an hour. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Doiron has always been a little clumsy, but on this night she took it to a whole new level as she stomped around trying to find (and frequently missed) her effects pedals. At one point, Morello stopped playing and leaned over the drum kit to look at her, wondering what on earth she was doing. As a plus, the two switched places for a couple of songs to give us a taste of their new band, Calm Down It's Monday.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Doiron cut her hair very short about a year ago. She's let it grow back since. Good move, Julie. She admitted at the end of the show that she'd been drinking since noon. "I do actually know the songs. Sometimes the shows are really killer."