An alternative rock trio formed in Boise, Idaho, USA, Built To Spill developed a considerable reputation for their energetic performances, strong songwriting and frenetic musicianship for a variety of independent labels before making the move to Warner Brothers Records in the mid-90s. Long-standing fans were divided about this development, though most were pleased that this talented band's records would now get the professional distribution and marketing that they deserved.
There had been several other interested parties following the success of 1994's There's Nothing Wrong With Love, an accomplished collection that triggered a major-label bidding war. The band is essentially the creation of songwriter Doug (or Dug) Martsch (vocals/guitar), who had previously recorded several albums with Seattle's Treepeople, and has also recorded three eclectic albums as the Halo Benders with Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening. Martsch embarked on recording Built To Spill's major label debut with just a drummer. This effort was abandoned, as was a second attempt with ex-Spinanes drummer Scott Plouf and bass player Brett Nelson (a veteran of There's Nothing Wrong With Love).
Both musicians subsequently become permanent members. However, the resultant tapes were damaged by heat in the producer's car, so Martsch was forced to tackle the songs for Perfect From Now On for a third time. Bolstered by the inclusion of John McMahon's cello and the mellotron of Robert Roth, the finished album won rave reviews - with many surprised at the eclecticism it displayed, not least on the nine-minute "Untrustable/Pt. 2 (About Someone Else)". That song was chosen as a promotional release, divided into two parts on one 7-inch "jukebox" single. Confident of the long-term success of Built To Spill, Warners also re-released the band's back-catalogue. Keep It Like A Secret and Ancient Melodies Of The Future sacrificed some of the band's indie charm for pop accessiblity, but were still warmly received.
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