$100 @ CMW 2009

Background/Composition:
This Toronto six-piece boasts several players from the now defunct Jon-Rae And The River. Frontwoman Simone Fornow is no Jon-Rae Fletcher, but she's definitely just as passionate about her music.

Grade: 83

Comment:
The last time I saw Fornow perform, she looked like she'd just rolled out of bed after a night of painting her apartment, and her band were a two-piece. This time, she looked ready for the show and had her full lineup in tow. They were the night's only act that leaned towards country, but no one seemed to mind the aesthetic variation.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Fornow has always been a little awkward on stage, but show by show she's becoming more accustomed to the spotlight. She used to engage in a series of over-the-top hand and arm gestures for every song; while there are still a few such moments, they're decreasing in frequency. At one point, she gave a shout-out to some friends she hadn't seen since high school, which was ridiculous but entertaining.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Instrumentally, this set couldn't have been tighter; $100 function well as a large band. The pedal steel — a punctuation mark on nearly every song — was the key to their success. A lot of bands strive to match what they sound like on disc, but $100 aim to sound better. Closer "Black Gold" was killer. It was obvious that Fornow and guitarist Ian Russell have done a lot of group work together — with just a nod from Russell, Fornow was moving his capo for him while he was playing.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
All of the band's fellows had beards to write home about. Facial hair adds credibility to this kind of music. Fornow was sporting a wicked blinged-out dollar-sign belt buckle, which was probably the fashion victory of the night.