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Ancient Melodies Of The Future Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: The Boise, Idaho trio returns with a follow-up to 1999's 'Keep It Like A Secret.'

Top Track

In Your Mind
The symptoms of our getting older The problems that say we don't mind That most of us never get over The memories mingled with lies Coincidence gave... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    A lovely surprise. [17 Aug 2001, p.72]
  2. Built To Spill relies on old-school verses/ choruses that demand humming just like that old-time rock 'n' roll...
  3. With their intensely layered harmonies, pounding rhythms and Martsch's own nasal drawl, songs like "Alarmed" and "You Are" are sublimely hummable pop gems.
  4. Once it establishes that it won't again radically update the Idahoans' sound, Ancient Melodies Of The Future reveals itself for what it is: a compilation of 10 more snaky, tricky, engrossing rock songs that continue in the vein of arguably Built To Spill's best album.
  5. For most other groups, it would be a winner, but for Built To Spill it's a slight comedown from their stellar streak.
  6. Spin
    70
    Built to Spill used to grab for structure, dividing albums between compact songs and epic gushers; now the songs themselves throb like big guitar solos. [Aug 2001, p.137]
  7. Ancient Melodies of the Future sounds more like "vaguely familiar melodies of the past," but so do some of the best albums in rock.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. SpankyMalone
    Sep 27, 2001
    10
    Love the band, love this album.
  2. yaright
    Jan 10, 2005
    10
    moody, melodic, beautiful, bliss......
  3. JulianE.
    Aug 16, 2002
    9
    I am an aussie and I have never heard of these guys - I bought this and it is truly amazing - mesmerising and intelligent stuff. I listened I am an aussie and I have never heard of these guys - I bought this and it is truly amazing - mesmerising and intelligent stuff. I listened to their previous album and this latest album makes it look young and unfulfilled however indie-guitar-worthy. World, get this latest gem. Expand
  4. JossS.
    Dec 25, 2001
    8
    the album rings of "built to spill flare." every song can pull in the listener more with each listen. one of the years best. one of the bands the album rings of "built to spill flare." every song can pull in the listener more with each listen. one of the years best. one of the bands best (but then again most of em are). gosh this band is sure consistent Expand
  5. KrisB
    Jan 19, 2006
    8
    I was a bit too rough on this album when i first heard it a few years ago. Yes, it is a slight step backward from their previous albums, but I was a bit too rough on this album when i first heard it a few years ago. Yes, it is a slight step backward from their previous albums, but it's still better than most music out there. It's just a different, more jaded Built to Spill. Their fans have to just get used to the fact that they put out three perfect albums, and they'll continue to make incredible albums until their end. Expand

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