Red Yellow & Blue
by Born Ruffians
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2008
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11

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  1. ChadS.
    Apr 1, 2008
    7
    Sometimes they sound like a muscular Vampire Weekend. The vocalist bears an atonal resemblance to the guy from Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah! That is, when the band isn't busy sounding like Built to Spill and Modest Mouse. They're not terribly original, but they steal from the best. "Hedonistic Me" rocks the Camry each night I drive home from work at four in the morning.
  2. FloodedSubmarine
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    Red, Yellow, and Blue, in my opinion, is one of the best records to come out of Canada in a short while and Born Ruffians are probably the most creative band in toronto right now. I think a lot of reviewers tend to unfairly compare the band to various predecessors. If you actually listen to the songs several times through, you realize how unique the structures are and the band's Red, Yellow, and Blue, in my opinion, is one of the best records to come out of Canada in a short while and Born Ruffians are probably the most creative band in toronto right now. I think a lot of reviewers tend to unfairly compare the band to various predecessors. If you actually listen to the songs several times through, you realize how unique the structures are and the band's desire to do something different. One of the hardest things to do is take a complex rhythm or melodic structure and make it catchy but the ruffians have done that. The instruments all compliment eachother and the vocals are unique and awesome. Go Ruffians!… Expand
  3. EricC.
    Mar 11, 2008
    8
    Though it gets kind of predictable and the constant yelps and group shouts get old, it is still a very solid and enjoyable album. They almost remind me of a cross between My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses, which isn't a bad combination. I'd recommend hearing a few of their songs before buying the whole album. Personally, while it's nothing groundbreaking, it is one of my Though it gets kind of predictable and the constant yelps and group shouts get old, it is still a very solid and enjoyable album. They almost remind me of a cross between My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses, which isn't a bad combination. I'd recommend hearing a few of their songs before buying the whole album. Personally, while it's nothing groundbreaking, it is one of my favorite albums (so far) of 2008.… Expand
  4. JamesB.
    Mar 12, 2008
    8
    Lets be honest, this is a very endearing album, great pop sound with fun lyrics. think Vampire Weekend but a bit more up tempo and creative
  5. M-m-m-mattTrocchi
    Mar 14, 2008
    10
    These guys are slowly taking over the Canadian music scene. just you watch: Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club, they will rule the airwaves. This is an amazing disc, soooooooooo good.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    60
    At times, it's hard to hear much unique about them. Then again, the boldness of Red Yellow & Blue--both the colors and the album--can't be denied, and Born Ruffians' energy does spark something special occasionally.
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  2. Billboard
    70
    Born Ruffians are in the business of kicking out jumpy live-band power-pop jams far more concerned with melodic zing than textural depth.
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  3. Boston Globe
    80
    Red, Yellow & Blue delivers a splash of color to a vibrant indie soundscape.
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