Noise Pop announces benefit show with Built To Spill in NorCal redwoods
Quick question: How interested are you in seeing Built To Spill in the redwoods? We ask because local concert production company Noise Pop just announced a special, intimate evening with indie rock legends Built to Spill in Guerneville's Armstrong Natural Preserve this September, as part of a joint partnership with the Save the Redwoods League and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Next month, fans can see Doug Martsch and company (plus an as-yet-announced special guest) among the trees and under the stars as part of the annual Old Grove Festival. Tickets come in several levels, from general admission to [...]
The Bay Abridged: Feb 3 – 16
In this recurring feature known as The Bay Abridged, our staff writers will provide short, witty recaps on shows they attended around the Bay Area. A scene check, a heat check, and sometimes more — stop by every Wednesday for the most comprehensive and concise recap of last week's Bay Area concert scene. Jessica Pratt, Luke Sweeney at Swedish American Hall (SF) Feb. 6 While downtown was abuzz with Super Bowl City fever, the quiet streets of the Castro remained a stark opposite to the fervor a few blocks down. Up the stairs of the Swedish, the once [...]
Review: Hoping for some other song from Built to Spill
Expectation’s unforgiving. Sorry, first let me back up and provide some context. I spent nearly six hours in a car this weekend, where I listened entirely to Built to Spill's catalog on shuffle. Even when I wasn’t in transit, I had each of their albums on heavy rotation — all eight studio records, as well as their numerous EPs, compilations, and a live album. I love this band, and I've hit similar marathon runs in the past on an almost bi-monthly basis. This binge-listening session, however, had a purpose: In a few days I would be seeing my first Built to [...]
Indie guitar rock icons Built to Spill performing two shows at Slim’s
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA In 1999, Built to Spill debuted “Carry the Zero,” an essentially-perfect song off Keep it Like a Secret, an essentially-perfect album, which completed an essentially-perfect three-release run that included 1994’s There’s Nothing Wrong With Love and 1997’s Perfect From Now On. While the group has continued to churn out great music since (albeit at a much slower pace — they’ve only released four albums in the last 15 years), that flawless stretch of music in the mid-90s forever established the band as icons of indie rock—practitioners of both expansive, guitar-driven melodies and humble, unassuming pop concoctions. Their [...]
Built to Spill new album out now, playing Greek Theatre in July
Built to Spill started writing songs 23 years ago in Boise, Idaho, and they've played an ever-expanding collection of songs around the world for about the same duration. I wonder, if at a certain point, after translating studio song to live iteration and probably the other way around, the band started to confuse the two, in an intentional and fruitful way. Their live energy is maybe their biggest charm, and "Living Zoo" - a single off the new Untethered Moon - wears the aforementioned heart on its sleeve. Listen to the song, and then listen to the first minute and a half [...]
Review: Built to Spill at Slim’s
In the middle of a three-night booking at Slim's, Built to Spill played their second show Sunday night to a packed (but not sold-out) crowd. The veteran rockers were in fine form, presumably benefiting from the more extensive sound checks that come with the extra time to put a crisp, clean touch on their distinctive indie rock. Highlights included show closer "Goin' Against Your Mind", crowd favorite "Carry the Zero", and "Big Dipper". I was slightly surprised that they played only one song from their 2009 LP There Is No Enemy but then again that album came out five years ago — it's [...]
Built to Spill returns to Slim’s this weekend
Veteran rockers Built to Spill will return to San Francisco this weekend for a three night residency at Slim's. No, they don't have any new material since the release of their fifth LP There Is No Enemy back in 2009, but the band will be touring with two new members: Steve Gere (drums) and Jason Albertini (bass), who are replacing departing drummer Scott Plouf and bassist Brett Nelson. Known for their dreamy, off-the-cuff lyrics and captivating guitar work, Built to Spill remain a must-see indie rock band for their back catalogue alone. Saturday's show is already sold out but tickets are still available for Sunday and Monday [...]
Noise Pop 2012: Thursday Preview
Date: Thursday, February 22nd Number of Noise Pop Shows: 10 shows, 32 bands Already Sold-Out: Oh boy, several shows on Thursday have already reached their maximum. And frankly, we're not surprised. Here's the full list of sold out shows, in case you plan to try and beg, borrow, or steal your way in: The Bottom of the Hill local showcase featuring Thao and John Vanderslice as co-headliners, with Garrett Pierce and Bird By Snow opening, presented by SF Sketchfest. Budos Band with Allah-Las, Pickwick, and Big Tree at the Independent. Built to Spill with Sister Crayon at the Fillmore. Sleigh [...]