Melissa Auf Der Maur @ NXNE 2009

Background/
Composition:
Ex-Hole, ex-Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur fronted her own band of the same name at Yonge-Dundas Square. MADM's film Out Of Our Minds also made its Canadian debut at this year's NXNE. Her second solo album is set to drop this fall.

Grade: 85

Comment:
Auf der Maur went on at 8 p.m. — a good showtime, albeit slightly early. The Montreal native proved that she's still got it,and I have faith that she could singlehandedly bring '90s alt.rock back. Fans of her previous bands were not disappointed, and those too young to have known them can look forward to Hole's upcoming reunion.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
MADM's music was serious, but her banter lighthearted — she referred to earlier performer Xavier Cafeine as "The magical caffeine man from my hometown" and Yonge-Dundas as "Pepsi Square." Bonus points for colour coordination — Auf Der Maur wore a red neckscarf and black top, and her band sported matching black button ups with "M"s emblazoned on the chest.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The bass-heavy tracks provided the perfect foundation for MADM's profound lyrics, with lines like "If you're listening, then you're dreaming" and "I'm your healer and you're mine." Long buildups and instrumental breaks — we're talking close to five minutes at a time here — added drama to an already dramatic set. Auf Der Maur also let out a few wildcat-like shrieks — always exciting.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
At 37, MADM is still smokin' hot — she had guys who were little more than half her age getting sexcited. Her band was hot too, even though they hadn't played a show since South By Southwest this year. It was a treat to see Auf Der Maur at the helm of her own band, wielding her bass like a deadly weapon. How very "I am woman" of her.