Labels

Built to Spill

Doug Martsch

Doug Martsch

Vocals, Guitar

Brett Nelson

Brett Nelson

Bass ('93 - '12)

Scott Plouf

Scott Plouf

Drums ('96 - '12)

Brett Netson

Brett Netson

Guitar (Intermittent)


Formed: 1992
Location: Boise, Idaho, USA
Genre: Indie Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Stoner Rock
Years Active: 1993 -
Meaning of the Name:
Way of Working: Led by Doug Martsch
Associated: Caustic Resin
Labels: Warner Bros., Sub Pop, C/Z

Essential Releases

Dummy

There's Nothing Wrong
With Love (1994)

Charming indie rock with catchy melodies and guitars.

Album Title 2

Perfect From
Now On (1997)

Epic indie rock masterpiece with longer, more complex songs and introspective lyrics.

Album Title 2

Keep It Like
a Secret (1999)

A more concise yet still intricate album that balances pop accessibility with their signature guitar work.


For Doug Martsch, the driving force behind Built to Spill, the weight of perfectionism lay heavy on the soul. In the beginning, he was the only permanent member of the group and would write and record the songs by himself in the mountainous peaks of Idaho. By 1997, the pressures were starting to take their toll.

The band was better known for composing dense rock operas that required close attention than traditional radio slop. Some of their songs stretched to nine minutes. Something had to give, and eventually it did.

By the time of their fourth LP Keep It Like A Secret (1999), bassist Brett Nelson and drummer Scott Plouf became permanent members and the resulting collaboration producer shorter, catchier songs that came from jam sessions lasting up to five hours. Martsch would then go through the recordings and piece together various parts into a concrete structure. It was a painstaking process that highlighted his dedication to the project.

On this occassion, the difference was that he had help. The efforts of his bandmates resulted in a less indulgent, tighter album that kept the best parts of the group's earlier work, trimming the fat and keeping the depth.

Despite shunning publicity, the band achieved moderate success in America by putting out consistently solid work and touring diligently. Since Keep It Like A Secret was released in 1999 they had five consecutive albums appear on the US album charts.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
60

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
85

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
80

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
55

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
55

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
90

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
70

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
85

Textures

i Technical attributes.
90

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
70

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
50

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
50

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
75

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
70

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
60

Charisma

i Factors include sex appeal, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
40


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards

Certifications

Charts

Critics >>>

  • Pitchfork - There's Nothing Wrong with Love - The Best Albums of the 90s: 24th
  • Pitchfork - Perfect from Now On - The Best Albums of the 90s: 22nd
  • Pitchfork - Keep it Like A Secret - BThe est Albums of the 90s: 41st

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