The Ghost Is Dancing @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The Ghost Is Dancing are a collective of class clowns. They never get the best marks, but everyone loves them because they're notorious for actually having fun while they perform.

Grade: 86

Comment: There's a new gal in the Ghost Is Dancing troupe, and I'm not sure who she is, but she's playing a fairly significant role. Did she replace the previous lone female band member, or was there some sort of temporary switcheroo? Whatever the reason, she's a good fit and as usual, the pop crew were having a blast on stage, even though it was 2 a.m. (or perhaps 3 a.m. with the Daylight Savings Time shift).

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
The Ghost Is Dancing... and so was the crowd (worst pun of CMW?). There were only about 100 people left in the Shoe, but the 30 or so who braved the stage-front were thrown into a dancing frenzy without much encouragement. The band's excitement was infectious.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
The Ghost Is Dancing showcased a lot of new material of a decidedly rock and roll flavour. Their set started out as jovial as usual, but as things went on, the band seemed to become much more serious about their music than normal. Is this a hint at a new, more mature The Ghost Is Dancing we'll see in the future?

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Their primary keyboardist was a wardrobe disaster: Toronto Blue Jays hat, peak unbent; giant sunglasses; Miami Vice wardrobe. It's forgivable, I suppose, because that's what he always looks like.