Electric Six @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
Detroit's Electric Six are a no-nonsense rock band whose influences include  Black Sabbath, KISS, Queen and Devo. They've released six full-lengths, including one with the delicious title, I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being The Master.

Grade: 90

Comment:
By the time Electric Six finished their first song, it had become patently clear that the majority of the audience was there to see them. This level of dancing, clapping, singing along and crowd surfing — yes, crowd surfing — is rarely witnessed at a small venue show in Toronto.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
Vocalist Dick Valentine is certainly an enthusiastic fellow. He had many wonderful things to say about Canada (at one point claiming that the band hailed from Kingston, Ont.), and frequently waved to the crowd like he was leaving on an ocean cruise. Keyboardist Tait Nucleus was sadly absent, sick with lyme disease.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
There's something very Shane MacGowan about Valentine. Electric Six overall are an interesting mix of The Pogues, Golden Earring, Bad Religion and The Pariahs. The crowd ate it up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
This is not a young band, but the members wear their age well. Bassist Smorgasbord! was rocking an open button-up shirt, one guitarist was in a suit and tie and the other looked like a less svelt version of Green Day's  Billie Joe Armstrong.