Thao Nguyen’s We Brave Bee Stings and All, her second album and first for Kill Rock Stars, was one of 2008’s most underrated releases. Through songs like “Bag of Hammers” and “Swimming Pools,” Nguyen wove catchy melodies from the sticky spider webs of relationship anguish, while drummer Will Thompson and bassist Adam Thompson, collectively known as The Get Down Stay Down, served as the near-perfect rhythm section. They knew where to add a flourish and, more importantly, when not to. It was all rendered in a flattering light by Tucker Martine’s production. Sure, most reviewers found it pleasant enough, but it didn't quite receive the praise and larger audience it seemed to deserve: the album felt like a breakthrough in every way.
Her latest release, Know Better Learn Faster, seems more relaxed and less designed. As such, it comes closer to achieving the leap forward at which Nguyen’s previous albums hinted. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's better. True, the songs feel brighter and more lighthearted, but many of the songs lack the focus found on We Brave Bee Stings and All.
Fortunately, the lyrics still contain every bit of the romantic frustration explored on her previous works -- in fact, wringing a brilliant melody out of ordinary heartache may just be what Nguyen does best. On the title track, she sings “I can’t do the real thing/ I hurt all my feelings/ You gotta keep it kind.” It’s honest and vulnerable, without being too much of either, a balance that only the best of her contemporaries achieve. Later in the song, she adds, “I disarm you in the morning/ I was up in arms all night … I am too sleepy to fight.” The lyric is not particularly innovative, but mentioning it in this context adds a realism that proves how adept she is at being candid.
Indeed, Nguyen seems to understand that it’s exactly this sincerity and attention to detail that sets her apart. On “When We Swam,” she confides, “I wanted it all/ You could not tell/ Then I paid expensive attention to detail/ The fall of your face/ The wish of the well.” She’s constantly confessing her near-misses at love (and lust) with a knowing smile. On album closer, “Easy,” she admits, “I know the stories of those before me/ You have so much information/ But you only know why not… I make it easy, easy to stop.” The denial in the last line catches Nguyen in self-deprecating mode, but she’s never the fool. She quickly adds, “Don’t let me see you weigh the worth/ I don’t get to leave cause you left first.”
Still, while Nguyen continues to write upbeat songs about passion gone awry and her band continues to do its part in complementing them, Know Better Learn Faster just doesn't quite reach the bar she set for herself last time out. But this is only a slight side step. I'm guessing her best work is still in front of her.
1. Clap
2. Cool Yourself
3. When We Swam
4. Know Better Learn Faster
5. Body
6. Give
7. Good Bye Good Luck
8. Trouble Was For
9. Oh. No
10. Fixed It!
11. Burn You Up
12. But What of the Strangers
13. Easy
More about: Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
