Keep It Like a Secret

by Built to Spill

Keep It Like a Secret cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: February 2, 1999
  • Label: Warner Bros., Up
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 46:52
  • Community rating: 4.39/5 from 19 ratings

Artists on this release: Scott Plouf, Doug Martsch, Brett Nelson

Album Notes & Community Reviews

As a conscious move toward shorter, more focused songwriting, 'Keep It Like a Secret' balances the intricate, layered guitar arrangements of its predecessor with newfound pop immediacy. Producer Phil Ek honed the band's sound for their second major label release, achieving a polished accessibility that retains their core indie-rock aesthetic and Doug Martsch鈥檚 distinct, Neil Young-esque vocals. The album is defined by this dynamic, striking a celebrated equilibrium between anthemic hooks and the complex, virtuosic instrumentality that culminates in standout tracks like "Carry the Zero" and the lyrical collage of "You Were Right".

Genres

Descriptors: guitar-heavy, jangly, melodic, sprawling, earnest

Tracklist

  1. The Plan (03:29)
  2. Center of the Universe (02:43)
  3. Carry the Zero (05:43)
  4. Sidewalk (03:51)
  5. Bad Light (03:22)
  6. Time Trap (05:22)
  7. Else (04:09)
  8. You Were Right (04:45)
  9. Temporarily Blind (04:48)
  10. Broken Chairs (08:40)

Credits

  • Doug Martsch - band, producer, performer
  • Brett Nelson - band, bassist, performer
  • Scott Plouf - band, drummer, performer
  • Sam Coomes - keyboards on "Broken Chairs"
  • Phil Ek - producer, engineer
  • Steve Fallone - mastering
  • Zack Reinig - engineer assistant
  • Scott Norton - mixing assistant
  • Juan Garcia - mixing assistant
  • Jeff Smith - photography
  • Tae Won Yu - design, art direction, photography
  • Karena Youtz - lyrics by [contributed to lyrics throughout]
  • Uhuru Black - words by

More from Built to Spill: full discography