Austinist Preview & Giveaway: Built to Spill at Stubb’s

Indie rock heroes Built to Spill released a fanfuckingtastic record back in April. Indie, of course, not referring to the band’s connection with some obscure label (they’ve been a part of the Warner Bros. empire since ’97), but to the noisy noodling guitars, the heady lyrics, the melodic/dissonant chords, and catchy songwriting that (arguably) began somewhere near Chapel Hill in the late 80s, spread to the northwest via Boise, and finally lost significance about a decade later. The new alternative, as it were.

But we digress. We at the Austinist, who may or may not have spent a majority of our college years salivating over BTS records, waited a long five years for You In Reverse. And we weren’t disappointed. This album is more collaborative than earlier BTS records, utilizing the writing talents not only of Doug Martsch, but also Scott Plouf, Jim Roth and Brett Nelson. Other stars on the album include Quasi’s Sam Coomes, former BTS guitarist Brett Netson and Steve Lobdell, the owner of Audible Alchemy, where this album was put to tape.

The naysayers among us suggest that with the commercial success of Perfect From Now On (and the accompanying images of drunken frat guys standing alongside nerdy indie rockers at festivals belting out the lyrics to “I Wouldn’t Hurt a Fly") came the death of BTS’s essence. And those naysayers further decry that the band’s live shows consist of more jammy wanking than moments of rock genius. Too harsh a criticism? We’ll leave that for you to decide...

With free tickets to Friday night’s show at Stubbs! Simply fill out the below form for a chance to see Built to Spill while enjoying some spicy ribs. God bless Austin.

Update: Congrats, Jay

[Built to Spill’s official website]
[Built to Spill on Myspace]

Built to Spill w/ Solace Brothers and Helvetia
Friday, October 20th
Stubbs outdoor stage [Map]
Doors at 7pm
[Tickets]

Photo not credited on the Built to Spill website