The Tom Fun Orchestra @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The Tom Fun Orchestra describe their music as "the sound of exotic birds standing on the sides of forgotten highways, flapping their wings in the winds of speed-induced truckers." An English teacher might have a problem with that "speed-induced truckers" bit, but we'll assume they know what they're talking about.

Grade: 86

Comment: At a sizeable nine members, this bluegrass bunch definitely qualifies for the label "orchestra." What on earth prompted that many musicians to travel such a great distance for a 3 a.m. time slot (technically 4 a.m. after the Daylight Savings Time jump)? With that many mouths to feed, it can't have been the pay.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Alicia Penney, the Orchestra's lone female member, looked like a teacher, but boy, could she rock hard with that acoustic guitar. Most of the Nova Scotian troupe looked excited to be at the 'Shoe, althought there were only a handful of people left to watch them.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
It wasn't clear which, if any, of the band members was supposed to be Tom Fun. What was clear is this collective are still at the point where they enjoy playing together. Frankly, they make Broken Social Scene seem a little stale.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Combine one banjo, one accordion, an acoustic guitar, two electric guitars, drums, a bass, a violin, a trumpet and one Cookie Monster-voiced singer and you've got a recipe for some mighty fine bluegrass.