Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, 'Know Better Learn Faster'

Release date: October 13, 2009
Record label: Kill Rock Stars
Official Web site: http://www.thaomusic.com/

The buzz: Thao Nguyen has an interesting buzz background, having become a darling of the Pacific Northwest indie rock scene as well as L.A.’s folksy Hotel Café singer-songwriter clique. Her charming, contagious second album, “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” was met with applause from the indie press last year, and she’s back with a quick return—motivated in part by a breakup.

The verdict: “Sad people dance, too,” Thao announces on the final track, and that serves as an effective mission statement for much of this album. In fact, “Know Better” would likely be a complete knockout if it just stood by that sentiment; instead, there’s a peppering of slow, sad songs that feature some interesting instrumental flourishes and sharp writing, but fail to grab in the manner of Thao’s consistently addictive up-tempo tracks. There are highlights aplenty, like the bouncy swing of “When We Swam” and wry whimsy of “Trouble Was For,” which sounds a little like the early, better days of Rilo Kiley. She’s no escapist—there’s some hard-earned wisdom and tough lines behind the liveliest of songs—but the prevailing mood of “Know Better” is triumph over tragedy.

Did you know? Acclaimed producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens) manned the boards for “Know Better,” and a few indie-famous folks dropped by for cameos, including Andrew Bird, Laura Veirs and Blitzen Trapper frontman Eric Earley.

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