Fri., March 01, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down

Listening to Thao & the Get Down Stay Down's recently released album We the Common, you can't help but appreciate the variety of moods and sounds that greet your ears. From the title track—a hybrid of Americana, ambient pop and hip-hop beats—to the Asian-tinged guitar and frontwoman Thao Nguyen's Feist-like vocals on “Holy Roller,” there is a great deal of creativity. “Kindness Be Conceived,” Nguyen's duet with Joanna Newsom, is full of joy, and the upbeat rhythms accentuate the song's positive message in a way that makes you smile. Nguyen dares you not to enjoy yourself, and you will be happy to fail this test. 1400 Alhambra Boulevard,

www.thaoandthegetdownstaydown.com.