Young And Sexy @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Young And Sexy aren't that young anymore and "sexy" is a matter of personal taste. At least if they're playing together when they're truly aged, the name will be ironic. Young And Sexy have spent their last several years and albums refining a hip, intelligent and artistic adult-pop.

Grade: 84

Comment: Young And Sexy's 2002 Stand Up For Your Mother debut was stellar, but today the band avoid that period like it'll cause them harm. I was hoping they'd play "Scott" (my favourite because my name is in the title and chorus) but they did eventually haul out "Television" for their closing number. A sign that Young And Sexy may be on the verge of fame: They were being more heavily photographed than Britney Spears when she's behind the wheel of a car.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Singer Lucy Brain is refreshing to watch. Vocals were often her only duty, she was dancing from the opening number and really appeared to be moved by the music. Some dude up front was inspired into interpretive dance (a strange, strange dance) during "Young & Sexy Vs. The Arc."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Young And Sexy should look into capturing the energy of their live show on disc. Their last few albums have been increasingly low-key, but their stage presence is quite the opposite. There were several viable rock-out moments.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Singer/guitarist Paul Hixon Pittman's pants appeared to be purple. There's a chance it was just an illusion created by the lighting, but only a slim chance. Brain was wearing jogging shoes — comfortable, surely, but a bit of an oddity. Note: fruit-shaped shakers are just the right amount of kitsch.