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Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Know Better Learn Faster
Kill Rock Stars
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Links:

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down homepage: http://www.thaomusic.com/
Kill Rock Stars home page: http://www.killrockstars.com/

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down are truly fun band to listen to. Alternative, folk, ethnic (god I hate to use that word), and dancey. This 4^th release from the three-piece from Kill Rock Stars records is a gem to say the least. The 13 songs on the LP go by way too quickly. I have to go get the other releases now. Rats.

Vocally, Thao Nguyen reminds me a bit of Imogen Heap from Frou Frou (and from her solo work as well), but without the electronic effects, or maybe a somewhat less blues version of Fiona Apple. The musical backbone is provided by Thao on guitars,  Adam Thompson on bass and Willis Thompson on skins.  The music is well-crafted and full, leaving no gaps in the production at all. The fruits from the horns, violins, banjos, guitars, bass, and drums sit very well in the home-baked pie that Know Better, Learn Faster is. The bright production lends itself to the indie rock sound, almost drifting into an Americana feel at times. Sweet, personal and bare-bones vocals bring in a blues feel into the mix.

Tracks to check out would be “Give,” “Cool Yourself,” and “When We Swam,” although it is limiting to only note these 3; there isn’t a bad track on the release.

RIYL: Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple, almost any artist appearing in the Lilith Fair concerts.

 

 Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Know Better (from the album "Know Better, Learn Faster") [3:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download