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 the band's second album, 1994's There's Nothing Wrong With Love, an accomplished collection that triggered a major-label bidding war.
Built To Spill 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 formed Built To Spill in 1992 with Brett Netson (bass/guitar) and Ralf Youtz (drums), with the trio releasing Ultimate Alternative Wavers the following year. Martsch had already stated his ambition was to change the line-up for every album and remained true to his word by bringing in bass player Brett Nelson (not Netson) and Andy Capps (b. James Andrew Capps, USA, d. 18 May 2006, Idaho, USA; drums) for There's Nothing Wrong With Love. He 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 Nelson. 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 (1999) and Ancient Melodies Of The Future (2001) sacrificed some of the band's indie charm for pop accessibility, but were still warmly received. Martsch released his bluesy solo debut, Now You Know, in 2002. After a period of inactivity, Built To Spill reconvened in 2005 for an American tour and to complete the recording of a new studio album, You In Reverse.
