Maybe Smith @ CMW 2008

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 8 2008

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/10/2008 9:00am

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Maybe Smith is Colin Skrapek. His MySpace page states he's been promoting synchrotron awareness since 2002. A synchrotron is a sub-atomic particle accelerator. Looks like we've got a nerd on our hands.

Grade: 94

Comment: Skrapek brought a full band along and it really upped his music's stature. A "one-piece ensemble" doesn't often get this sort of treatment. They were the first act of the evening, but they made an early case for themselves as performance of the night.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
There was really no communication with the audience here; as soon as one song would end, another would start. It didn't seem to be a problem though — the few people who made it to the Horseshoe for Maybe Smith's early start ate up the set's frenetic pace.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Two Korgs are better than one — that should to go in the Musician's Handbook, with Maybe Smith credited as discoverer. This was a nearly flawless pop and roll exhibition. Virtually the entire population of patrons migrated to the front and although it was only 8:30 p.m., some were already putting in their earplugs.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Girls were quite obviously swooning and it looked like the boys might soon join them. Skrapek should consider skipping a grade. To the head of the class, young man!