I got caught sleeping on this one! Two weeks ago, I searched for Built to Spill's new release, "Live". I had just purchased the CD a few days before, and I was blown away. Like many other lesser-known bands, this Built to Spill release wasn't in the Epinion's database yet, so I wrote to have it added. Well, now that it is a couple of weeks later, I go and check if it's been added and there are already two reviews written! Looks like this CD is a keeper, as both parties awarded it 5 stars (or dots or whatever the hell those symbols are now!)

First, let me state that I'm not usually the biggest live album enthusiast. Save a couple of my favorite bands, I usually avoid such releases like I avoid Jean Claude Van Damme movies (hasn't been a good one since "Cyborg"!) The entire purpose of live music is to actually be there, and allow yourself to be encompassed by the energy and sounds. When it is recorded on to a CD, much of that force is missing or too diluted to be sensed. I mean, it's an oxy-moron personified if you think about…a live recording? Can we say jumbo shrimp? How about military intelligence or friendly fire?

Anyhow, my point is that this live recording by Built to Spill sounds as if this band was meant to be heard live. The energy and power are there, almost as if you are standing at some club staring up at the band sweating out some of their favorite tunes. I will admit up front that this is my first Built to Spill CD. I have often heard numerous references about the band, from friends and colleagues, but it seems I just never got around to listening to them. I will also state, I don't know much about the history of this band, other than that Doug Martsch, the frontman for the band, used to be in the Seattle based band, Treepeople. I also have heard that in the studio, he usually plays many of the instruments himself, then uses over dubbing and editing to put it together, much like J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr..

Speaking of J. Mascis, much of Martsch's guitar playing reminds me very much of the Dinosaur Jr. frontman. They both play with a fierceness and penetration that is uncommon for most musicians. Not only can Martsch play well, he plays with an abandon as if he is throwing everything into his music, his sweat, his blood, and his soul. If Built to Spill's live music is this incredible, I can't wait until I buy some of their studio work, but part of me worries that the sound may not have the same edge I've come to expect from their CD, "Live".

"Live" opens with the track, "The Plan". Unfortunately, I can't tell you what albums each individual song is from, but I can describe how they are expressed in this milieu. The first thing you become aware of is that Martsch has a very unique voice. A mix somewhere between Neil Young and Bob Dylan, he sings with a slight gravely delivery and somewhat off key. For some vocalists, this method works, and Martsch holds his own with the aforementioned greats.

Of course, vocals aren't the issue or the focus on this CD. It's all about guitars, folks. Screeching, humming, fluttering, wavering, or warbling, Martsch does it all with his beloved axe, and he does it well. For contrast purposes, his playing style isn't precise and calculated like virtuoso Joe Satriani; Martsch plays with a meandering quality reminiscent of 70's jam sessions, where the guitar work is stream of conscious, without a specific direction, and with a different destination every time it's employed.

Of course, there is more to Built to Spill then Martsch's vocals and lead guitar work; You've got Scott Plout on the skins, Brett Nelson on bass and occasional guitar work, Jim Roth on yet another guitar, and some keyboard work by Sam Coomes. So, as you can see, there are at times 3 guitars, not including bass, being laid out there, creating a lush, sonically layered cacophony that any guitar lover will worship. All of these guys hold their own playing with Martsch, and the end result are songs that have unity and depth.

The most intense experience on the CD would quite simply be track 5, "Cortez the Killer". Paying homage to one of their main influences, the band attacks this Neil Young song with the emotion it warrants. This has always been one of my favorite Young tracks, with it's biting lyrics that really cut to the bone. The vocals sound so close to a young Neil Young that it's rather spooky (in fact, it could be Young for all I know!) In case you haven't heard this song, I want to include all the lyrics, so you can get a feel for magnitude of emotion it can evoke.

He came dancing across the water
With his galleons and guns
Looking for the new world
In that palace in the sun

On the shore lay Montezuma
With his coca leaves and pearls
In his halls he often wandered
With the secrets of the worlds.

And his subjects gathered 'round him
Like the leaves around a tree
In their clothes of many colors
For the angry gods to see.

And the women all were beautiful
And the men stood straight and strong
They offered life in sacrifice
So that others could go on.

Hate was just a legend
And war was never known
The people worked together
And they lifted many stones

They carried them to the flatlands
And they died along the way
But they built up with their bare hands
What we still can't do today.

And I know she's living there
And she loves me to this day
I still can't remember when
Or how I lost my way.

He came dancing across the water
Cortez, Cortez
What a killer.

It's a very heavy experience to listen to this track, especially when the band goes off and jams after the words are done. The song ambles along for over 20 minutes, and the final 12 minutes are all instrumental, with the guitars going from a whispered hush to a hammering onslaught and back again several times. I really can't say enough about this song, it will hook you on Built to Spill without a doubt. The first time I listened to it, I found myself replaying the track so many times that I eventually programmed the single song on endless repeat, and listened to it for the remainder of my workday.

As far as being a "live" recording, there is minimal crowd noise, just at the beginning and ending of the songs. The music rings true and very clear, which rather makes it seem unlike your usual live album. Then again, Built to Spill's "Live" is very unlike your usual live album. This one captures that feeling of being there better than any I have ever heard before, and it really makes me fervent to see these guys live. If they can convey this much energy in a recording, I can't imagine the intensity of actually being there. I urge any guitar lover or Built to Spill fan to immediately get this CD. You will not be disappointed.




Recommended: Yes