Complete List Of Built to Spill Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Treefort Music Fest, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Built to Spill was formed in Boise, Idaho, in 1992 by guitarist/vocalist Doug Martsch. The band’s early lineup included Brett Netson on bass and Ralf Youtz on drums, though the lineup has changed many times over the years, with Martsch remaining the only constant member. Known for their intricate guitar work, thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic live performances, Built to Spill quickly became a significant presence in the indie rock scene. They have released nine studio albums to date, beginning with Ultimate Alternative Wavers in 1993 and most recently When the Wind Forgets Your Name in 2022.

In addition to their studio albums, Built to Spill has also released the live album Live (2000) and the tribute album Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston (2020), which showcases their interpretation of the late singer-songwriter’s work. Their discography also includes the compilation album The Normal Years (1996) and the collaborative EP Built to Spill Caustic Resin (1995). Despite not being mainstream chart-toppers, several of their albums have received critical acclaim and modest chart success. For example, Perfect from Now On (1997) and Keep It Like a Secret (1999) are often cited as landmark albums in the indie rock genre.

BUILT TO SPILL STUDIO ALBUMS

Ultimate Alternative Wavers (1993)

Released: 1993

Ultimate Alternative Wavers is the debut studio album by Built to Spill, released in 1993. Originating from Boise, Idaho, the band introduced their distinctive blend of indie rock with this album, setting the groundwork for their future sound. The recording took place at Audio Lab Studios in Boise.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The First Song” – 4:01
2. “Three Years Ago Today” – 3:56
3. “Revolution” – 4:25
4. “Shameful Dread” – 8:27
5. “Nowhere Nothin’ Fuckup” – 6:33
6. “Get a Life” – 5:52
7. “Built to Spill” – 5:50
8. “Lie for a Lie” – 3:15
9. “Hazy” – 6:39
10. “Built Too Long Parts 1, 2 & 3” – 9:24

There’s Nothing Wrong with Love (1994)

Released: 1994

There’s Nothing Wrong with Love, Built to Spill’s second album, was released in 1994, just a year after their debut. This album showcases the band’s maturation with more structured songwriting and catchy melodies, helping to solidify their place in the indie rock scene. It was recorded at John and Stu’s in Seattle, Washington.

CD Track Listings:

1. “In the Morning” – 2:37
2. “Reasons” – 3:46
3. “Big Dipper” – 4:09
4. “Car” – 2:59
5. “Fling” – 2:33
6. “Cleo” – 4:35
7. “The Source” – 3:20
8. “Twin Falls” – 1:49
9. “Some” – 5:57
10. “Distopian Dream Girl” – 4:24
11. “Israel’s Song” – 3:47
12. “Stab” – 5:29
13. “Hidden Track” – 1:23

Perfect from Now On (1997)

Released: 1997

Perfect from Now On is considered one of Built to Spill’s defining albums, released in 1997. This album features a shift towards more ambitious compositions and extended track lengths, emphasizing the band’s dynamic range and intricate guitar work. It was recorded at Avast Recording Co. in Seattle, Washington.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Randy Described Eternity” – 6:09
2. “I Would Hurt a Fly” – 6:15
3. “Stop the Show” – 6:26
4. “Made-up Dreams” – 4:52
5. “Velvet Waltz” – 8:33
6. “Out of Site” – 5:33
7. “Kicked It in the Sun” – 7:32
8. “Untrustable/Part 2 (About Someone Else)” – 8:53

Keep It Like a Secret (1999)

Released: 1999

Keep It Like a Secret is Built to Spill’s fourth studio album, released in 1999. This album continued to build on their reputation for crafting intricate and catchy indie rock music, featuring tighter song structures compared to their previous work. It was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The Plan” – 3:29
2. “Center of the Universe” – 2:43
3. “Carry the Zero” – 5:44
4. “Sidewalk” – 3:51
5. “Bad Light” – 3:22
6. “Time Trap” – 5:22
7. “Else” – 4:09
8. “You Were Right” – 4:45
9. “Temporarily Blind” – 4:48
10. “Broken Chairs” – 8:40

Ancient Melodies of the Future (2001)

Released: 2001

Ancient Melodies of the Future, released in 2001, is the fifth studio album by Built to Spill. This album showcases a more streamlined sound while still maintaining the band’s distinctive guitar work and lyrical depth. It was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington, and at Avast Recording Co. in Seattle, Washington.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Strange” – 3:59
2. “The Host” – 3:55
3. “In Your Mind” – 3:46
4. “Alarmed” – 5:06
5. “Trimmed and Burning” – 4:18
6. “Happiness” – 3:40
7. “Don’t Try” – 3:16
8. “You Are” – 3:50
9. “Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss” – 2:44
10. “The Weather” – 4:34

You in Reverse (2006)

Released: 2006

You in Reverse is the sixth studio album by Built to Spill, released in 2006. This album marked a return to a more experimental and expansive sound, featuring lengthy tracks and elaborate guitar solos. It was recorded at Audible Alchemy in Portland, Oregon.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Goin’ Against Your Mind” – 8:42
2. “Traces” – 4:41
3. “Liar” – 5:10
4. “Saturday” – 2:24
5. “Wherever You Go” – 6:08
6. “Conventional Wisdom” – 6:21
7. “Gone” – 5:41
8. “Mess with Time” – 5:41
9. “Just a Habit” – 4:27
10. “The Wait” – 5:00

There Is No Enemy (2009)

Released: 2009

There Is No Enemy is the seventh studio album by Built to Spill, released in 2009. This album combines the band’s signature guitar-driven sound with reflective lyrics and a mix of rock and pop influences. It was recorded at Audible Alchemy in Portland, Oregon.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Aisle 13” – 3:17
2. “Hindsight” – 3:38
3. “Nowhere Lullaby” – 3:59
4. “Good Ol’ Boredom” – 6:31
5. “Life’s a Dream” – 4:53
6. “Oh Yeah” – 5:21
7. “Pat” – 2:40
8. “Done” – 6:53
9. “Planting Seeds” – 4:26
10. “Things Fall Apart” – 6:15
11. “Tomorrow” – 7:41

Untethered Moon (2015)

Released: 2015

Untethered Moon is Built to Spill’s eighth studio album, released in 2015. This album features a return to the band’s energetic and guitar-centric sound, with a focus on concise, powerful songwriting. It was recorded at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, Oregon.

CD Track Listings:

1. “All Our Songs” – 6:15
2. “Living Zoo” – 4:22
3. “On the Way” – 4:25
4. “Some Other Song” – 4:26
5. “Never Be the Same” – 3:15
6. “C.R.E.B.” – 4:21
7. “Another Day” – 3:10
8. “Horizon to Cliff” – 2:44
9. “So” – 4:28
10. “When I’m Blind” – 8:23

When the Wind Forgets Your Name (2022)

Released: 2022

When the Wind Forgets Your Name is Built to Spill’s ninth studio album, released in 2022. The album continues the band’s tradition of combining intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics, showcasing their enduring creativity and relevance in the indie rock scene. The bass and drum tracks were recorded at Doug Martsch’s rehearsal space in Boise, with Martsch adding guitars and vocals afterward.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Gonna Lose” – 2:33
2. “Fool’s Gold” – 4:01
3. “Understood” – 4:02
4. “Elements” – 5:48
5. “Rocksteady” – 5:06
6. “Spiderweb” – 5:23
7. “Never Alright” – 4:50
8. “Alright” – 4:59
9. “Comes a Day” – 8:26

BUILT TO SPILL EP

Built to Spill Caustic Resin (1995)

Released: 1995

Built to Spill Caustic Resin is a collaborative EP by Built to Spill and Caustic Resin, released in 1995 on Up Records.

CD Track Listings:

1. “When Not Being Stupid Is Not Enough” – 9:17
2. “One Thing” – 5:09
3. “Shit Brown Eyes” – 3:28
4. “She’s Real” – 8:13

BUILT TO SPILL COMPILATION ALBUM

The Normal Years (1996)

Released: 1996

The Normal Years is a compilation album released in 1996, collecting recordings from multiple Built to Spill lineups from 1993 to 1995.

CD Track Listings:

1. “So & So So & So From Wherever Wherever” – 4:39
2. “Shortcut” – 1:27
3. “Car” – 3:08
4. “Some Things Last a Long Time” – 5:10
5. “Girl” – 2:48
6. “Joyride” – 3:37
7. “Some” – 4:10
8. “Sick & Wrong” – 4:05
9. “Still Flat” – 4:21
10. “Terrible/Perfect” – 5:33

BUILT TO SPILL LIVE ALBUM

Live (2000)

Released: 2000

Live is Built to Spill’s live album, released in 2000 on Warner Bros. Records.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The Plan” – 4:54
2. “Randy Described Eternity” – 3:55
3. “Stop the Show” – 4:15
4. “Virginia Reel Around the Fountain” – 7:00
5. “Cortez the Killer” – 20:30
6. “Car” – 3:07
7. “Singing Sores Make Perfect Swords” – 3:33
8. “I Would Hurt a Fly” – 5:24
9. “Broken Chairs” – 19:05

BUILT TO SPILL TRIBUTE ALBUM

Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston (2020)

Released: 2020

Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston is a tribute album released in 2020, featuring Built to Spill’s interpretations of Daniel Johnston songs recorded from rehearsal sessions.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Bloody Rainbow” – 2:24
2. “Tell Me Now” – 3:00
3. “Honey I Sure Miss You” – 3:29
4. “Good Morning You” – 1:32
5. “Heart, Mind And Soul” – 4:28
6. “Life In Vain” – 3:25
7. “Mountain Top” – 2:05
8. “Queenie The Dog” – 3:36
9. “Impossible Love” – 2:44
10. “Fake Records Of Rock And Roll” – 4:08
11. “Fish” – 3:20

Updated August 30, 2026.

Complete List Of Built to Spill Albums And Songs article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026