Next on the Plate: Built to Spill

Next on the Plate is the Man-B-Que approved local concert of the week. Go see it.

At least this week its easy.

Seriously, just go see Built to Spill.

For those of you not in the know, let me help you get you there. Since the mid 90's BtS has ben one of the hardest-working bands in rock music. Coming out of the Pacific Northwest (Boise, Idaho, specifically) during the post grunge binge, they combined amazing musicianship with a DIY garage sound. Rough around the edges, their influences span both decades and genres. Frontman Doug Martsch's scratchy vocals echo Neil Young, while the jaunty but melodic guitar riffs recall Pavement. These superior influences, as well as others (Dinosaur Jr.), have joined together to make BtS one of the most musically diverse rock bands in recent memory. Naturally, Spill's awesomeness hasn't been lost on a slew of modern bands who can undoubtedly cite them as a major influence. Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie form only the tip of the iceberg.

Since first seeing Built To Spill 8 years ago at the Metro, I've had several more opportunities; none of which failed to impress. While the albums each have their own merit, live is where BtS thrives. Martsch's vocals soar and crack, his lyrics cut. Add in the occasional freak-out featuring massive feedback and distortion, its no wonder these guys have been playing music for nearly 2 decades. And yet, they're still getting better. No doubt they'll play from their new album, "There is No Enemy," out October 6th. But, peppered in will hopefully be personal BtS classics, Big Dipper, Stop The Show, and Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss.

Built To Spill plays this Saturday at the Vic Theater at 7:30. The aforementioned Dinosaur Jr also plays. Amazingly, tickets are still somehow available. So you should get that on that.

A close second - Grizzly Bear @ The Metro Sunday (9/27) and Monday (9/28)

- Mr. Nobody