The Wake

I was listening to “Traces,” the second track on the new Built to Spill album, and trying to figure out why they included some guy saying, “Who is Mike Town?” in the background. But it’s not that bad, I thought, it’s just strange. And after all, it is Built To Spill; there must be some reason. Then I heard it again on the following track “Liar,” and realized I am a fool. The real reason is that I have peeked, opened early. I stole the album and Mike Town is an electronic watermark.

So there. I’m a thief, but it’s only because I am impatient. I own the older albums and I have seen Built To Spill in concert twice and Doug Martsch by himself once. I love this band, and I want to strangle this wise-ass who thought it cool to dub himself in.

Fortunately, this watermark occurs in only four of the 10 tracks. And the sheer volume and eloquence of these tracks buries it like a mountain.

You In Reverse is different from the earlier albums. It is heavier, dirtier, louder. Of course this applies only to the guitars and rhythm, since Martsch’s singing never leaves that sweetheart Neil Young-like tone.

What we get is a powerful album. Only two songs run under five minutes, allowing serious motion and build-up in the longer tracks.

The final song, “The Wait,” embodies the best of their “popibilities,” putting a heart shaped bass line on the end of this combustible album; a perfect piece of music to court this spring season.

It’s too bad that we’ll have to wait until September (and for Doug’s retina to reattach!) to hear this music live.

At least in this album, we’ll have something to hold on to.