Artist bio

See also: , Doug Martsch

Idaho's favorite rock act Built to Spill started garnering attention to its Pavement-derived alternative rock in the early '90s. Fronted by singer/songwriter Doug Martsch, the band specializes is both fantastic guitar jams and clever melodies. The band hit its zenith with the nearly flawless Perfect From Now On, although some prefer the more poppy There's Nothing Wrong with Love.

Albums by this artist

You In Reverse (2006)

Ancient Melodies Of The Future (2001)

Live (2000)

Keep It Like A Secret (1999)

Perfect From Now On (Recommended) (1997)

The Normal Years (1996)

Built To Spill/Caustic Resin (1995)

There's Nothing Wrong With Love (1994)

Ultimate Alternative Wavers (1993)

Concerts

September 20, 2001
Irving Plaza, New York

Interviews

Martsch Madness
June 6, 2001

Built To Spill

The Normal Years

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» TROY CARPENTER | CO-DIRECTOR

Built To Spill The Normal Years K, 1996 RiYL: Caustic Resin, Robyn Hitchcock, Beck's One Foot In The Grave, Treepeople

This collection strings together Built To Spill's loose ends -- outtakes from each of the band's first two albums alongside three independently-released singles and two tracks recorded for compilations.

Given bandleader Doug Martsch's penchant for exquisite production and extensive arranging on his later albums, this mix-and-match release is certainly the least desirable full-length album the band has released. The sound is sparse, and Martsch is still learning the intricacies of his craft.

But "Car" is a rawer version of one of the band's best songs ever, and the rare innocence in songs like "Girl" and "Joyride" is enjoyable. The Normal Years works as a good illustration of Built To Spill's humble beginnings.

TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.