Ultimate Alternative Wavers by Built To Spill: A Timeless Mess of Indie Brilliance
Let’s get one thing straight—Built To Spill’s Ultimate Alternative Wavers isn’t your typical “sit back and chill” record. Released in 1993, this chaotic gem is like that friend who shows up uninvited to a party but ends up being the most memorable person there. It’s messy, it’s raw, and honestly? That’s what makes it so damn good.
The album bounces between genres faster than you can say “indie rock.” Is it Alternative Pop/Rock? Sure. Is it straight-up weirdo guitar noodling? Absolutely. With credits scattered across labels from Modern Classics Recordings to Burger Records (yes, that Burger Records), this thing feels like a patchwork quilt stitched together with duct tape and love. And somehow, it works.
Why You’ll Remember Tracks Like “Nowhere Nothin’ Fuckup” and “Built Too Long”
Take “Nowhere Nothin’ Fuckup,” for example. The title alone screams mid-90s slacker anthem, and boy, does it deliver. Doug Martsch’s vocals sound like he just rolled out of bed after a long night of existential dread—and I mean that as a compliment. There’s something oddly comforting about how the guitars spiral into controlled chaos while Ralf Youtz’s drumming keeps everything from falling apart completely. This track sticks with me because it’s equal parts catchy and unhinged, like humming along to your own nervous breakdown.
Then there’s “Built Too Long,” which comes in multiple parts because why not? If you’ve ever wondered what happens when someone tries to cram an entire concept album into one song, here’s your answer. Part 1 starts off mellow enough, lulling you into a false sense of security before Part 2 kicks in with a riff that could wake the dead. By the time Part 3 rolls around, you’re either fully onboard or questioning every life choice that led you here. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Behind the Scenes: Who Made This Chaos Happen?
Props go to Todd Dunnigan and Built To Spill themselves for engineering and producing this sonic whirlwind. Special shoutout to Timothy Stollenwerk for remastering duties—he basically took a slightly fuzzy VHS tape and turned it into Blu-ray quality without losing its lo-fi charm. Oh, and let’s not forget Brett Netson on bass and guitar; dude’s playing is tighter than skinny jeans at a hipster flea market.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Deal with This Album?
At the end of the day, Ultimate Alternative Wavers is less of an album and more of an experience—one that might leave you scratching your head or nodding along like you totally get it. It’s imperfect, sprawling, and occasionally baffling, but isn’t that what great art is supposed to be?
Fun fact: listening to this record feels like stepping into a time machine where grunge meets indie experimentation, except the time machine has a flat tire and takes detours through outer space. So if you’re looking for music that challenges as much as it entertains, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start quoting lyrics like “Shameful Dread” during awkward silences at parties.
And hey, maybe we should all thank Burger Records for reissuing this wild ride. After all, where else can you find such a gloriously disorganized masterpiece?
