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 Nelson on bass and Ralf Youtz on drums, although the lineup has seen numerous changes 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 one live album, Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston (2020), which showcases their interpretation of the late singer-songwriter’s work. Their discography includes several compilation albums and EPs, such as The Normal Years (1996) and There’s Nothing Wrong with Love reissues. 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

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:

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

There’s Nothing Wrong with Love

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 Audio Lab Studios in Boise.

CD Track Listings:

“In the Morning” – 2:38
“Reasons” – 3:46
“Big Dipper” – 4:10
“Car” – 3:07
“Fling” – 2:34
“Cleo” – 4:35
“The Source” – 3:20
“Twin Falls” – 1:49
“Some” – 5:57
“Distopian Dream Girl” – 4:24
“Israel’s Song” – 3:47
“Stab” – 5:29

Perfect from Now On

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:

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

Keep It Like a Secret

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:

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

Ancient Melodies of the Future

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:

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

You in Reverse

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:

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

There Is No Enemy

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:

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

Untethered Moon

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 Audible Alchemy in Portland, Oregon.

CD Track Listings:

“All Our Songs” – 6:11
“Living Zoo” – 4:23
“On the Way” – 2:36
“Some Other Song” – 4:24
“Never Be the Same” – 4:23
“C.R.E.B.” – 3:19
“Another Day” – 4:21
“Horizon to Cliff” – 4:37
“So” – 6:16
“When I’m Blind” – 8:27

When the Wind Forgets Your Name

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. It was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington, and Kung Fu Bakery in Portland, Oregon.