Leeroy Stagger @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This talented troubadour is Canada's answer to Ryan Adams. He also recalls the likes of Jesse Mallin and Steve Earle, but with his own brand of punk and folk-rock. He fronted a tight outfit dubbed the Wildflowers.

Grade: 88

Comment:
Stagger and Easton (who play together as part of the folk trio Easton, Stagger, Phillips) shared an acoustic guitar on this night; they also shared the love of the standing-room only Cadillac crowd. Stagger sizzled through a set of songs from his latest record Everything Is Real; an 11-song tour de force.

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: G
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Stagger thanked the crowd near the end of the set and said it was the best showcase he had ever done — "The sound was actually good!" Switching from acoustic to electric, Stagger showed his versatility.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The songs are great and there weren't many difficulties. No problems here.

Other Skills and Areas of Interest:
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: N
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods to Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: S
Level of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Stagger sported a three-week-old beard and looked like a hockey player in the middle of a Stanley Cup run. The highlight was the second last song, a mind-blowing cover of Warren Zevon's classic "Lawyers, Guns, And Money." This ode would surely have made the zany Zevon smile.