Monday's Long Song

 

In the early nineties, grunge was all the rage and many American bands copied Nirvana’s raw guitar sound. Those who found that too easy retreated to the lo-fi scene to make great music there.  One of these bands was Built To Spill, hailing from the mountainous north-west of the United States. Doug Martsch, who remains the band’s only original member to this day, wrote songs that were usually over five minutes long, providing plenty of scope to let the guitars rip. 

They were promptly signed to a major label and recorded a number of fine albums before taking an extended break at the turn of the millennium. In 2006, they returned with their finest album, You In Reverse. Once again, Built To Spill proved that clanging guitars haven’t gone out of fashion. Add to that Martsch’s squeaky voice, and a highlight of alternative rock was born. Time to turn our attention once again to their timeless music.

Built To Spill - Goin' Against Your Mind

Sometimes Covers Are Better Than The Originals

I have to admit that I never came close to the songs and music by Daniel Johnston a musician and painter who died last year. He made records for more than 20 years He suffered for a long time on a bipolar symptom and I couldn't get into the world of his songs. A few weeks ago, indie-rock veterans released an album with covers of his songs. They accompanied him live before he died and you can hear that they are very familiar with his songs. Now when I hear this songs with some indie guitars I can see the beauty in them. It is an album that only makes fun listening to.