The old classic rock musicians would be proud of Built to Spill's singer/songwriter Doug Martsch. In a time where computers and electronics seem to be drowning out the faintly familiar sounds of the 20th century, Doug reminds us that guitar rock is still alive.
"Guitar???" exclaims little ten-year-old Tommy, sitting at his computer, creating his own fully orchestrated electronica composition. "Yes, Tommy...GUITAR," replies Doug, as he busts into the opening chords of "The Plan". At the sound of this opening chord and its subsequent crescendo, Keep It Like A Secret (KILAS) is on its way. An obviously more refined version of BTS's two previous albums, Perfect From Now On and There's Nothing Wrong With Love, KILAS is by no means a sell-out pop record. True, the songs are not as epic-like as on 1997's Perfect From Now On, and consequently require less patience from the listener.
And yes, the songs contain some catchy melodies as on 1994's There's Nothing Wrong With Love, yet without the distinct indie production of Up Records, and consequently require less brain activity for the listener to accept them. But BTS still finds a way to keep the listener interested, keep the listener wanting and anticipating more, and even after all that, they surprise the listener with an unexpected tempo change or melodic guitar line that keeps him on his toes.
Not only does KILAS display Doug's amazing knack for writing killer-guitar-riffs ("Bad Light", "You Were Right", "Center of the Universe"), but we also hear some more of his excellent vocal performances he has so consistently shown in his career. He caresses our ears on songs such as "Temporarily Blind", "Else", and "Broken Chairs", and tastefully whines out his words in "The Plan" and at the end of "Carry the Zero". And one can't ignore the drums and bass that seem to fit the music like a fucking glove.
There are very few weak moments on this album. It is a must-have for any lover of guitar rock, or just someone who likes to sing along. And yes, the rumors are true, there is even a whistling part featured in "Broken Chairs". Yes, Tommy...WHISTLING. 1. The Plan
2. Center of the Universe
3. Carry the Zero
4. Sidewalk
5. Bad Light
6. Time Trap
7. Else
8. You Were Right
9. Temporarily Blind
10. Broken Chairs