Discuss “‘Thanks,’ says Built to Spill”

The crowd in Mr. Small’s roared with excitement as Doug Martsch walked on stage — backpack in tow — accompanied by fellow guitarist Jim Roth, bassist Brett Nelson, and drummer Scott Plouf (along with a third, touring guitarist). This night would be the culmination of five months of waiting after Built to Spill postponed its huge American tour last spring, leaving fans with no live experience to accompany the group’s latest album, You In Reverse.

The excitement died down as Martsch spent what seemed like an eternity setting up a DVD projector in order to run an art slideshow during the set. After filling the air with thick anticipation, the band was ready to play. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, Martsch picked up his guitar, and...