1. turbowingdamage

   10

   As of July, this is my favorite album of 2011 by at least one order of magnitude. The same relaxed, funky groove runs throughout the whole record (with the exception of 11-minute closer "Bay of Pigs"), but Dan Bejar finds tons of contrast in his soft rock/disco sound, from the ecstatic "Savage Night at the Opera" to the melancholy "Suicide Demo for Kara Walker." It's Bejar's most gorgeous record, and also his most fun.… Expand

   • Helpful? 3 of 3 users said Yes.
2. Dingo

   10

   I bloody adore this album. I have two things to say that ought to attract abuse. 1) Comparisons to smooth jazz are stupid and misguided. Retro, absolutely. But the smooth jazz diagnosis is pinning guilt by (mis)association. 2) Relevantly, nothing helps to clarify Bon Iver's recent disappointment more than Kaputt. It shows that Vernon's intentions were worthy and groovy, yet the product was ultimately flaccid and unappealing.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 3 users said Yes.
3. Spanksy

   8

   Destroyer frontman (and back-man, and inbetween-man) Dan Bejar hinted at the direction of 'Kaputt' with his "Bay of Pigs" single in 2009, but its realization still feels like a surprise: An album of lush horns, analog synthesizers, backup singers? Not since 2004 'Your Blues' track "It's Gonna Take an Airplane" has Bejar knocked the indie EZ-listening ball out of the park. A far cry from 2008's sloppy 'Trouble in Dreams,' 'Kaputt' restores some of the luster to the Destroyer crown, whose most dazzling jewel remains the 2006 'Destroyer's Rubies' -- an album which has more in common with '70s Bowie than the Style Council and Blow Monkeys influences found on 'Kaputt.' Tossing off funny lines like "Wasting your days chasing some girls -- all right, chasing cocaine..." in verse remains a particular gift of Bejar; and if there's anything to complain about the album, it's that he may have gone too overboard: One acoustic track, one respite from the '80s synths may have been a smart move, a toss of the bone for those who prefer their Destroyer just a little more unwashed and somewhat slightly dazed.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
4. jasonmichael86

   6

   Here's the thing about destroyer's new album. It's good. It's not great, but it's good. Personally, I find the album to be kind of one note. There is a carefree stride throughout this album, and it will keep you listening for a while. Standout tracks are suicide demo for kara walker and the album title. Also, the sax is awesome, but is ruined because he puts it in every goddamn song.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.

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