1998's Arches and Aisles, the final album by indie-rockers the Spinanes, was a solo album for singer/guitarist Rebecca Gates in all but name; for her next project, she made her solo status official, retiring the Spinanes name. Gates originally formed the Spinanes in 1991 with drummer Scott Plouf in Portland, OR; the band became one of Sub Pop's first non-grunge signings, recording three albums over the course of the '90s. Plouf left after the second to join Built to Spill, and Gates recorded Arches and Aisles under the Spinanes moniker, with help from some of the biggest names on Chicago's experimental indie rock scene, including Sam Prekop (of the Sea and Cake) and John McEntire (Tortoise, among many others). Gates employed much the same progressive approach on her official solo debut, Ruby Series, which was released in summer 2001; she also co-produced the record with McEntire and Brian Deck (who also helmed Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica). ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
