Scott MacLeod @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This proud Calgarian braved the sparse, indifferent crowd along with a bass/drums/guitar/lap steel backing band.

Grade: 60

Comment:
Scott MacLeod took me back to all the half-assed bar bands back in my home town singing about — what else? — hard times on the prairies. Every small town has a barroom country band like this. MacLeod is obviously proud of his Alberta roots and wears his heritage on his sleeve. The question is, who cares?

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: S
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: N
Image: N
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
MacLeod's unremarkable vocals were as devoid of charisma as his weak attempts at banter.

"How's it goin' tonight, Mitzi's Sister? Keeping out of trouble?"

Give me a break.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It would take me more whiskey than I could afford to get into the plodding country-mope songs MacLeod was slinging. My hard-drinkin', plaid-wearin' phase ended years ago, but even if I were still in its throes I could find better ways to get my genre fix.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
MacLeod looks like the kind of guy who would insist on ordering Freedom Fries. He probably deserves points for soldiering on even as the tables at Mitzi's Sister found other things to talk about. Of course, it would have been worth more points to actually catch the audience's interest.