Built to Spill was riding a wave of critical acclaim and creativity in 1997, a pivotal moment in their career. Before the live recording at the Black Cat in Washington on May 17, the band had just released their album "Perfect from Now On," which came out earlier that year. This record marked a significant shift toward more intricate songwriting and expansive soundscapes for the band, enriching their established indie rock roots. It’s fascinating to consider that during this live performance, they were still somewhat under the radar, yet about to hit a high note in their journey—what a thrilling time for them. Adding a fun twist to the show, members of the opening band, Satisfact, joined Built to Spill on stage to finish the song, which speaks to the collaborative spirit of the music scene in D.C. back then. It’s like a snapshot capturing both the band’s burgeoning talent and the vibrant community of artists surrounding them.