Artist: Built to Spill Album: Keep It Like a Secret

Year: 1999
Duration: 47:01

Keep It Like a Secret: A Critical Review of Built to Spill's Masterpiece

Few indie music albums have the power to capture the hearts of listeners the way Built to Spill's Keep It Like a Secret did. Released in 1999, this album cemented the band's status as one of the greats of the indie rock genre. The album's perfect mix of instrumental virtuosity, stunning melodies, and insightful lyrics, has made fans all across the world. In this post, we'll take a deep dive into the band's history, the music genre of the album, the best songs, the innovative parts of the album, and provide a critical review of the masterpiece that is Keep It Like a Secret.

Built to Spill is an indie rock band formed in Boise, Idaho, in 1992 by Doug Martsch, Brett Netson, and Ralf Youtz. While the band saw some changes in the early years, it's Doug Martsch who is the heart and soul of the band and the man responsible for the band's unique sound. Keep It Like a Secret is widely considered the band's greatest album, and it's easy to see why. The album is the perfect blend of speedy guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics that seem to resonate deeply with listeners.

One of the outstanding features of Keep It Like a Secret is the combination of different music genres, which makes the album often difficult to categorize. The album touches on elements of punk, rock, folk, and pop, with references to bands as diverse as Neil Young, Sonic Youth, and Hüsker Dü, to name a few. What's magnificent about the album, however, is not the diverse range of genres it touches on, but the way it weaves them together seamlessly to create a wholly unique sound.

The album's opening track, The Plan, sets the tone for the rest of the album. It's fast, filled with fuzzy guitars, and a killer melody that sticks with you long after the song ends. Other standout tracks include Carry the Zero, a slow-burn that builds to a triumphant finish, and Sidewalk, with its melancholic yet uplifting atmosphere. Each track showcases Martsch's impeccable guitar skills and unique songwriting talent.

Arguably the most innovative part of the album is its clever use of layered guitars, harmonies, and background vocals, which give each song a unique texture and depth. Martsch's voice is also a highlight, with its raw emotion and trademark falsetto giving the album a heartfelt and genuine feeling.

However, Keep It Like a Secret is not without its flaws. One critique is that the album's production is overly polished, with the glossy finish detracting from the raw energy that can be heard in the band's live performances. Additionally, some tracks on the album, such as Time Trap and Bad Light, may seem overly repetitive to some listeners.

Overall, Keep It Like a Secret is, without a doubt, a masterpiece of indie rock. The innovative use of the guitar, the unique blend of genres, and the heartfelt lyrics make it a must-listen for any fan of the genre or music lover in general. While it may not be entirely perfect, and a few criticisms could be made, Keep It Like a Secret is Built to Spill's defining moment, and one of the most influential albums of its time.