Destroyer's Rubies
by Destroyer
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 124
  3. Negative: 15 out of 124

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  1. mononclesteve
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    Can’t pretend to be anywhere near knowledgeable enough about music to critique this album. In my eyes, it’s a timeless one with an amazingly rich sound. It’s also among my favourite records. The word play remains as enigmatic as ever, but it’s really the fullness, depth and soul of the songs, individually, and feeling of the album as a whole that make Rubies special for me. Some veryCan’t pretend to be anywhere near knowledgeable enough about music to critique this album. In my eyes, it’s a timeless one with an amazingly rich sound. It’s also among my favourite records. The word play remains as enigmatic as ever, but it’s really the fullness, depth and soul of the songs, individually, and feeling of the album as a whole that make Rubies special for me. Some very talented musicians were recorded at the peak of their game, no more than Mr Bejar, himself. This might be a little indulgent for some, but for me it straddles perfection… Expand
  2. exodus9237
    Mar 2, 2016
    10
    It's very difficult to not love this album after the first listen. But is practically impossible to do it after a few more. It's perfect, Dan Bejar really knows how to balance a song, with good melodies, rhythms and an excellent songwriting. Every song hear has its own personality but they also contribute to make the album work as a whole. A very good listen for anyone who likesIt's very difficult to not love this album after the first listen. But is practically impossible to do it after a few more. It's perfect, Dan Bejar really knows how to balance a song, with good melodies, rhythms and an excellent songwriting. Every song hear has its own personality but they also contribute to make the album work as a whole. A very good listen for anyone who likes indie-rock but an excellent listen for the ones that like how this music can change its form and evolve into something else.… Collapse
  3. WesM.
    Aug 31, 2008
    10
    (I forget whether or not I already rated this) Anyway, it takes a few listens, but every track - with expected variance, and if you can handle the pretentiousness - is really good indie rock!
  4. AndyG
    Mar 19, 2008
    9
    Incredible music, and lyrics that you can tune out for a bit, then tune in again and become engaged immediately.
  5. rt
    Jan 9, 2008
    6
    Despite strong musicality, this is generally a below average effort. Almost every song features the same wordless vocal interlude of 'ya la la la la la.' Another stylistic bit to be featured over and over (and over and over) is his tendency to deliver long, unrhymed lines, until finally speed-reading a paragraph over instruments swelling to a fever pitch in the background. Despite strong musicality, this is generally a below average effort. Almost every song features the same wordless vocal interlude of 'ya la la la la la.' Another stylistic bit to be featured over and over (and over and over) is his tendency to deliver long, unrhymed lines, until finally speed-reading a paragraph over instruments swelling to a fever pitch in the background. Usually this is immediately followed by one of the 'ya da la la' sequences. Both these techniques are effective when used occasionally. Unfortunately, they both occur way too often to be anything other than embarrassing.… Expand
  6. TerryB
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Dan Bejar's monumental ambition to bring a high-minded sensibility to rock in a new and deeply profound way has finally come to fruition; previous albums were very, very good but "Destroyer's Rubies" makes them look like practice sessions.
  7. ej
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    This Is a beautiful record, and my advice to jared and brian is to stop listening to their own assholes and start listening to real music. thank you
  8. rayray
    May 10, 2007
    10
    People who dont get it shouldnt hate. They should just ignore and go critic something else. This is a brillant record by a brillant artist. No one ever said he sings like Elvis. People said the same on Dylan and Dylan remains Dylan.
  9. daveg
    Jan 12, 2007
    9
    it took me a very long time to get past the voice, i'm not going to lie. but this is amazing-- it's all just so catchy and solid. people need to stop being so closed-minded.
  10. sanit
    Jan 7, 2007
    9
    I know nothing about who this guy is or even if it is a band. But the thing that i do know is: upon the first spin, i was absolutely captivated by the brilliant composition and how sincere the vocalist's voice is. Further listening merely substantiates my initial impressions. And that's saying something because i am extremely fastidious over my choice of music.
  11. BrianG
    Jan 7, 2007
    0
    I find it highly questionable that any "top list" of CD's can possibly feature a CD by Dan Bejar & Co. Anyone who has witnessed this guy perform can attest to the notion that his attempts at singing are nothing more than a drunk carelessly bleating over the mic...like that annoying guy at the karaoke bar who's had way too much liquor and thinks it's hilarious to mangle the I find it highly questionable that any "top list" of CD's can possibly feature a CD by Dan Bejar & Co. Anyone who has witnessed this guy perform can attest to the notion that his attempts at singing are nothing more than a drunk carelessly bleating over the mic...like that annoying guy at the karaoke bar who's had way too much liquor and thinks it's hilarious to mangle the song. Did this guy just do some really big favors to better bands, and thereby elicit a lifetime of sympathy from other musicians? The only Destroyer that matters is the KISS album, period.… Expand
  12. ReubenF
    Dec 18, 2006
    7
    Destoyer challenged Indie notions of artistic integrity on his last LP 'Your Blues', featuring MIDI-simulated orchestration as its backing music. This album returns to Indie convention, which could be seen as a retreat. 'Painter In Your Pocket' is a stand out track, a dreamy song that drifts through a quiet evening at home alone. Other more guitar driven songs like Destoyer challenged Indie notions of artistic integrity on his last LP 'Your Blues', featuring MIDI-simulated orchestration as its backing music. This album returns to Indie convention, which could be seen as a retreat. 'Painter In Your Pocket' is a stand out track, a dreamy song that drifts through a quiet evening at home alone. Other more guitar driven songs like '3,000 Flowers' are less successful.… Expand
  13. AlexanderK
    Dec 12, 2006
    10
    wonderful spring album, the best of 2006 for me so far Bejar is a genius
  14. JaredS
    Nov 29, 2006
    0
    Dan Bejar shouldn't be allowed near a professional recording studio.
  15. SlavekP
    Nov 24, 2006
    3
    Why does he sound and sing like a DICK?! This guy's voice ruins everything, and every song it seems. Seriously, you can't call this a great album! Take some voice lessons!! Makes David Byrne sound as good as Bowie.
  16. TravisB
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    Although the songs vary in length, ranging from three to nine minutes, each and every one on the album is phenomenal and inspiring. The picaresque lyrics alone could be enough for you to fall in love with this album, but they are just the tip of the emotional iceberg. The production allows every instrument to soar across the musical canvas and strike your eardrum in a delicate and Although the songs vary in length, ranging from three to nine minutes, each and every one on the album is phenomenal and inspiring. The picaresque lyrics alone could be enough for you to fall in love with this album, but they are just the tip of the emotional iceberg. The production allows every instrument to soar across the musical canvas and strike your eardrum in a delicate and enchanting manner. In a nut shell, we have a great progressive rock album… Expand
  17. Cat
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Wow. I regret not hearing this earlier! But this is all and all a fantastic album. Contrary to what others have said, I actually really like Dan Bejar's voice. Combine that with charming classic rock-styled melodies, plenty of layered piano and brilliant lyrics, and you've already sold me, but the thing that put it over the top for me was the skewing of a Van Morrison song that Wow. I regret not hearing this earlier! But this is all and all a fantastic album. Contrary to what others have said, I actually really like Dan Bejar's voice. Combine that with charming classic rock-styled melodies, plenty of layered piano and brilliant lyrics, and you've already sold me, but the thing that put it over the top for me was the skewing of a Van Morrison song that I've always hated in the wonderful "A Dangerous Woman Up To A Point"… Expand
  18. AlexF
    Sep 20, 2006
    10
    This is the best album I've heard in the last decade. I loved it when I first heard it, but it actually grew better and better with every listen, surpassing Bejar's previous albums, lyrically and musically. It joins my personal collection of desert island albums. A masterpiece. All of those who have the gall to put Bob Dylan's Modern Times on a pedestal with his earlier This is the best album I've heard in the last decade. I loved it when I first heard it, but it actually grew better and better with every listen, surpassing Bejar's previous albums, lyrically and musically. It joins my personal collection of desert island albums. A masterpiece. All of those who have the gall to put Bob Dylan's Modern Times on a pedestal with his earlier classics are merely craving something in the absence of modern-day classics. This is that album they crave. This is the album they need.… Expand
  19. CarlosM
    Aug 4, 2006
    9
    Masterpiece! His voice is hard to diggest, I can give that, but the instumentation, the lyrics, the conposition, everything shines lke a ruby set on fire. Anyone giving up listening these songs because of the song should stop writting reviews, since this is not an album for your ears.
  20. Dan(nirv)
    Jul 21, 2006
    6
    It tops New Pornographers' Twin Cinema, Chase HQ? 0h n0 s0n. This is a decent album, but it's no Twin Cinema because he sings a little too much about priests and it's just not catchy like New Pornographers.
  21. Geoff
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Makes a strong arguement for best album of the year so far. Songs like Painter in Your Pocket and European Oils are immediately catchy, while songs like Rubies and Sick Priest are lyrically and conceptually dense. Much more cohesive than Your Blues (previous album). A 9.
  22. othostice
    Jul 13, 2006
    2
    ZZZZZZZZZZ. Thank goodness Carl Newman calls the shots with the NPs and Neko sings the really good songs. Bejar should content himself with being a good writer and sideman. His voice is like fingernails on a blackboard.
  23. ChaseH
    Jul 6, 2006
    9
    A fantastic album that tops the New Pornos critically acclaimed 'Twin Cinema'. Pianos and horns abound in this eclectic journey with Dan Bejar and his band. Lyrics are smart and clever while the vocals are.. interesting but fit nonetheless. In two words: "get this".
  24. CliffHanger
    Jul 3, 2006
    2
    wow, these comments are so authoritive - if i hadn't listened to 'Rubies' (gall-stones) i might have found them saucy - but i have ... unfortunately. This is one long la-la-la Yawn of an album. And yes I like the New Pornographers. So there.
  25. Anthony
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    Stupendous album! All the tracks are great! For the people who claim Bejar's voice sucks, they have never heard Dylan.
  26. SpiralJacobs
    Jun 16, 2006
    4
    Cheesy, pretentious, and contrived lyrics about nothing, sung in an annoying nasal voice that demands you believe what is being sung to be profound and not some jumbled, faux-literary garbage. Every single darn song has those ridiculous, cheesy, "Lalala la la la la la" chantings. Bejar is a fake and and a fool.
  27. mr.hankey
    Jun 12, 2006
    10
    The album is the best of the year so far channeling past Cat Power and others. For all the hype this year ( Artic Monkeys ) this is the album that deserves it. Being so unique and creative is not a bad thing just ask Dan Bejar himself. For this is a triumph in independent music because so far this year I had not found anything equivalent to my top five of last year but looks like The album is the best of the year so far channeling past Cat Power and others. For all the hype this year ( Artic Monkeys ) this is the album that deserves it. Being so unique and creative is not a bad thing just ask Dan Bejar himself. For this is a triumph in independent music because so far this year I had not found anything equivalent to my top five of last year but looks like we've got a match. Rubies is a brilliant track that stands out lyrically and musically because it is so experimental. The songs go as if they are a story of truth and bold meaning. Overall the best album of the year!!! ( so far ). Also if you like this album Twin Cinema is recommended because as everyone knows Dan Bejar worked with the New Pornographers. It definitely deserves the rating!… Expand
  28. codedelphi
    Jun 11, 2006
    9
    As a person who often buys music on impulse based upon metacritic ratings, I purchased this without knowing what I was getting myself into. Also, as a 'metacritic' purchaser I approach all music I purchase with an open mind and am very rarely disappointed. This album continues that trend. A great album that simply gets better and better with replays. Like a good wine it gets As a person who often buys music on impulse based upon metacritic ratings, I purchased this without knowing what I was getting myself into. Also, as a 'metacritic' purchaser I approach all music I purchase with an open mind and am very rarely disappointed. This album continues that trend. A great album that simply gets better and better with replays. Like a good wine it gets deeper into your veins with each playing, the result being a pleasant warm glow rather than the immediate adrenaline hit of more accessible music!… Expand
  29. DavidH
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    I really don't think anyone who gives this album less than 8/10 has any idea about music/lyrics/poetry. But that's my opinion. I agree wholeheartedly with Ross W in the sense that if people are just buying albums because they are in the critics top 10....then disappointment through ignorance or lack of appreciation is the only outcome. Can these people go back and listen to I really don't think anyone who gives this album less than 8/10 has any idea about music/lyrics/poetry. But that's my opinion. I agree wholeheartedly with Ross W in the sense that if people are just buying albums because they are in the critics top 10....then disappointment through ignorance or lack of appreciation is the only outcome. Can these people go back and listen to Thief/Streethawk/Your Blues + New Pornographers for some background.......PLEASE!!!!… Expand
  30. RossW
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    And thus a new class of music listeners is born - the metacritic dilettante. He believes that universal acclaim translates into universal appeal, and thus blindly stumbles into whatever album happens to be sitting up there in the "top ten." Then, frustrated with having his limited musical aesthetic challenged, leaves comments like "i don't like his voice." This album is fantastic, And thus a new class of music listeners is born - the metacritic dilettante. He believes that universal acclaim translates into universal appeal, and thus blindly stumbles into whatever album happens to be sitting up there in the "top ten." Then, frustrated with having his limited musical aesthetic challenged, leaves comments like "i don't like his voice." This album is fantastic, and if you're silly enough to jump into it without knowing what you're getting into, you deserve to be disappointed.… Expand
  31. BrettN
    Jun 2, 2006
    3
    Never listened to him before and I want my money back
  32. markl
    May 27, 2006
    9
    best album of the year so far
  33. shortbread71
    May 19, 2006
    9
    these user comments are fucking terrible
  34. romanmc
    May 16, 2006
    8
    I tend to think David Bowie plus Stevie Wonder multiplied by completely stream of consciousness in the lyrics = Destroyer, but all that is just a neat way to try to sum this sound up. Summing it up is kind of impossible. If you fashion yourself quite the noveau musical hipster, you should give it a shot. Even the haters have to love "Watercolours."
  35. stevec
    May 15, 2006
    6
    initially this album was nails on a blackboard to me, but i'd give it another chance, i mean, its a 87, right ? lyrically strong, musically adequate, mr Destroyer's voice are the nails and this album is the blackboard . after the 2nd song the La-De-Da-ing becomes immensely irritating - he sounds like a drunk hippy - and its on most tracks . but there is talent in there and so ...
  36. C.C.
    May 13, 2006
    5
    A solid 5. That
  37. ShawnV
    May 10, 2006
    8
    I love this album because it's absolutely terrible... and I hate it because it's still so amazing. That might sound ridiculous, but if you've heard it, you probably know what I'm talking about. Bizarre vocals (well, it IS Destroyer), basically nonsensical lyrics (another trademark)... this is an album that, by all means, shouldn't work. But it does. And it'll I love this album because it's absolutely terrible... and I hate it because it's still so amazing. That might sound ridiculous, but if you've heard it, you probably know what I'm talking about. Bizarre vocals (well, it IS Destroyer), basically nonsensical lyrics (another trademark)... this is an album that, by all means, shouldn't work. But it does. And it'll get stuck in your head longer than you could possibly expect.… Expand
  38. CaseyC
    May 6, 2006
    1
    I don't know where you guys are coming from, but this music annoys me totally. The classification of this albumn shouldn't be in the Indie, Rock....more of a folk...not my stlye
  39. KristianF
    May 5, 2006
    9
    My favourite so far this year
  40. DavidM
    May 3, 2006
    8
    Would actually give about an 8.4... Inconsistent, but it's best moments are better than the best moments on any other album out this year. Rubies and 3000 Flowers have moments that are jaw-droppingly good.
  41. MatsL
    May 2, 2006
    10
    just finished listen to this, this great shit...! easily his best album yet. could it perhaps be one of the best albums this year...?
  42. AaronQ
    Apr 28, 2006
    9
    I love epic pop music, and this is the epitomy of that. Totally weird, totally brilliant.
  43. PeterM
    Apr 25, 2006
    10
    AThe best album of the year. Beej is his own genre and this is his most realized work to dtae. Don't feel bad if you can't properly sing along at the show. The man can't stay put. Plus, he's really drunk and wants to get it over with. But a studio master he is turining out to be, yes indeed.
  44. JimH.
    Apr 25, 2006
    10
    Better than Your Blues, more profound, more accessible. I'm not sure what people are talking about when they say it's not as good as his older stuff or that his voice sounds stilted. I think it's easily the equal of Streethawk if not better.
  45. WilliamS
    Apr 21, 2006
    1
    Don't believe the hype! Please don't.
  46. AaronS
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    As of right now, my favorite album of the year. By December, this is certain to remain in the top five. Bejar's eccentric vocals and superior, at times surreal songwriting skills are evident on every single track, making this a treat from start to finish. One of Destroyer's best efforts. It's certainly the most accessible release from Bejar to date.
  47. staubin
    Apr 12, 2006
    4
    for some reason, whenever i hear bejar's voice, i am reminded of an evil scheming wizard. which is a shame, since the songs are so well constructed.
  48. BoojieBoy
    Apr 11, 2006
    5
    Not very listenable. I find it objectionable in the same ways of New Pornographers . I love Neko and AC, but for some reason, Bejar's vox just does not do it for me. I'm sure he's nice enough, but it's not for me.
  49. JMan
    Apr 4, 2006
    4
    Although this has grown on me after multiple listens, I still can not full engage in it...'contrived is' the right word.
  50. BrianO.
    Mar 31, 2006
    9
    From an on-again, off-again Destroyer fan - this is really excellent stuff, and puts me firmly back in the fan camp. It is a real treat to hear this album unfold all at once.
  51. mikes
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    This is going to be in my top 5 this year no matter what, I can't stop listening to it.....furthermore I do not gripe about vocals....many great artists don't have an "ideal" singing voice(see Dylan,Waits,John Darnielle for example)...its fresh to hear music that is so creative!
  52. massinissaDZ
    Mar 23, 2006
    9
    It was unforgettable listening experience. Thanks very much Dan!!!!
  53. CWP
    Mar 21, 2006
    6
    A shell of the previous Destroyer album, Your Blues.
  54. BenW
    Mar 18, 2006
    10
    As a massive David bowie fan, i now feel i have another artist, in a comparable way, that I can listen to and love for many years to come. This will definitely be in my Top 5 at year end.
  55. TBone
    Mar 11, 2006
    10
    If starting with this and trying to figure out the hype, I'd start with 3000 Flowers and Your Blood. I was torn on first listen whether this was contrived BS or really really good. After a few weeks, I say the latter. And I keep wanting to listen to it. And on top of that I'm not a New Pornographers fan or fan of Canadian music in general. I give this a 10 because it's hard If starting with this and trying to figure out the hype, I'd start with 3000 Flowers and Your Blood. I was torn on first listen whether this was contrived BS or really really good. After a few weeks, I say the latter. And I keep wanting to listen to it. And on top of that I'm not a New Pornographers fan or fan of Canadian music in general. I give this a 10 because it's hard for me to figure out how this won't end up in my top 5 for the year, not because it's the next Pavement.… Expand
  56. Crease
    Mar 8, 2006
    1
    can someone please tell me why this is good? the lyrics are contrived and unbelievable.(I mean that in a bad way, I do not believe him). Every song sounds the same, the music is not good enough to carry the album and his voice in very annoying.
  57. ChrisM
    Mar 7, 2006
    7
    Completely different to anything I've heard in a long while. The tracks on the album go on for what seems like ages though they never bore. Brilliant stuff.
  58. RogerS
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    Vancouver sound? Is there such a thing? I heard this one was good so I tried it and liked it on the first listen. This is music to be creative with. I wanted to get my "watercolours" out and paint. There is poetry in this and sort of like My Morning Jacket or music for independance. Music that just sounds really good.
  59. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    9
    Sometimes it drags, but you can't help on repeated listens but get caught up in Destroyer's self-indulgence.
  60. rollandb
    Mar 3, 2006
    10
    no words necessary...
  61. Erik
    Mar 3, 2006
    9
    The best album of 2006 so far. (March 3rd) Worthy of multiple listens. Strikingly original.
  62. laurenw
    Mar 2, 2006
    0
    no words neccessary...
  63. matta
    Feb 27, 2006
    9
    I have only heard Your Blues, so I'm not an expert on Bejar and his music, but the songs on here are incredible. I always thought that his songs on the NP's albums were weak and therefore shyed away from his stuff until a few months ago when I heard Your Blues. It was pretty good, but still, nothing could have prepared my for the sheer brilliance of this disc. Great lyrics and I have only heard Your Blues, so I'm not an expert on Bejar and his music, but the songs on here are incredible. I always thought that his songs on the NP's albums were weak and therefore shyed away from his stuff until a few months ago when I heard Your Blues. It was pretty good, but still, nothing could have prepared my for the sheer brilliance of this disc. Great lyrics and unique voice as usual, but it's the backing band that makes this album so solid. Great tunes. This is the best album that I have heard so far this year and I can't imagine it not appearing in my top ten at the end of the year.… Expand
  64. justinb
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    repeated listens needed to find out how great this one is.
  65. Veg
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    Dan Bejar is truly one of the best songwriters of this decade and this record confirms it. For a Destroyer fan, this album is a whole hell of a lot more than you could ever have expected. For the new fans this is a great introduction to a classic songwriter.
  66. ChrisS
    Feb 26, 2006
    9
    More fantastic music from Dan Bejar. The lyrics are great, but Bejar lets the music do more talking here than he usually does. Check out "European Oils" - it's one of the finest tunes so far this year. Maybe after this, more people will know of Destroyer. One could only hope.
  67. BuddyH
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    Absolutely classic!!!
  68. PeterP
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    This album is subtle where it needs to be and outright at just the right points. Destroyer fans will be handsomely rewarded with all the self-referential lyrics, and newcomers will be teased into the exhuberant literary and musical experience that we have come to expect from sex god Dan Bejar.
  69. Jared
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    9. something. Just brilliant plus "3000 Flowers" is indelibly catchy.
  70. LGrace
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    with this fantastic release, dan should be able to expand his listening audience outside beyond its small, rabid, internet-bound fan base and become extraordinarily wealthy.... even beyond his wild fantasies.
  71. PeytonJ
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    I can already guess this will be in my top 10 albums of the year, hands down. I'm a newcomer to Dan Bejar outside of the New Pornos, but i already like this album so much more than Twin Cinema. Brilliant!
  72. RyanS
    Feb 22, 2006
    9
    One of very few lyricists that challenges his listener to imagine, more and more. And the music shines but in a different light than before on his other albums, it's clean rock...perfect. All the emotion still intact. "You can huff and you can puff but you can't destroy this stuff"
  73. scooss
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    This is a great album that gets better with every listen. If you're a fan of Destroyer you won't be disapointed.
  74. hondaj
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    Sit down and listen, and you'll find lyrically dense, surprisingly melodic affair

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Album of 2006
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2006
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    His insider snipes at indie-rock pretense show Wildean wit. [24 Feb 2006, p.64]
  2. Pitchfork
    85
    Encapsulating and elevating the best of Destroyer's back catalog, Destroyer's Rubies serves as a potent reminder that the intelligence of Bejar's songs has never obfuscated their emotional weight.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    80
    Bejars songs have, in the past, sometimes seemed like vehicles for his lyrics, yet with Destroyer’s Rubies he seems to have made peace with the musical element of his work as well.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »