Thao & the Get Down Stay Down’s Guide to Romantic Success

Thao Nguyen, your guide to romantic success/leader of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. Photo: Nick Walker

Over the course of four albums, San Francisco songwriter Thao Nguyen has fronted her excellent and often underrated indie-pop band Thao & the Get Down Stay Down. On their new album We the Common, the group return in fine form and we think it’s the perfect soundtrack for your Valentine’s Day evening. We also asked Thao to give some tips on how to wow your special someone.

1. Recreate Your Person’s Favorite Dish From Their Favorite Restaurant

If you are at a loss, one method is to call the restaurant and ask them to describe what ingredients are in the dish and how it is prepared. (Act like you are just very curious or concerned, not like you are going to open your own restaurant with this dish as the cornerstone.) (The moral implications of this mission are not grave, as you are doing this for love and not money.) Then acquire the ingredients and go forth to the best of your ability. It might not be totally accurate but the points you get for effort will be astronomical. Ideally.

2. Make a Classy Cocktail

Make your person a Hot Toddy/any well made cocktail and have it ready when they come over/home. Use fresh lemon, garnish with fresh herbs, crush things in a mortar and pistle. Buy good liquor. No solo cups. Make yourself one as well.

3. Wear an apron. Presentation is key.

Wear clothes underneath; stay classy.

4. Tug the Nostalgia Strings

Stealthily find out (or try to remember when they last mentioned) what your person’s favorite childhood dish was. Get in contact with their parents or other family and find out how to make it. Make it. Extra points for reaching out to your person’s parents when you don’t have to.

5. Bake Some Music

Bake a cake and recreate the cover of their favorite album using icing and maybe silk screen. To make more romantic, add hearts to taste.