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The Runners Four Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

  • Summary: The experimental San Francisco outfit led by Rob Fisk and Greg Saunier return with what is by far their lengthiest (and calmest) release yet.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. The New York Times
    100
    It is something most indie-rock bands take a long time to achieve, if ever: a heavy footfall, a no-half-stepping opus, a defining statement. [9 Oct 2005]
  2. Interesting, unique, weird and inviting.
  3. By turns jubilant, confused, afraid, angry, sad, relieved, all pretty poignant, yes.
  4. The Runners Four is simply another interesting collection of tunes from a group that refuses to curtail its trespasses across musical boundaries.
  5. The band's growing gifts as songwriters put this album above so many other current releases.
  6. Paste Magazine
    70
    Deerhoof has forged yet another delightfully odd pop gem, multifaceted and sparkling with creativity. [Oct/Nov 2005, p.147]
  7. For the uninitiated, they churn out a joyless mess of badly tuned indie guitar, spasmodic jazz drumming and cutesy vocalisations, and on 'O'Malley, Former Underdog' they overlay this with irritating electronica that is reminiscent of the noise your discman makes when your mobile phone is in the same pocket.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 42
  2. Negative: 11 out of 42
  1. aaron
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    you either love them or hate them, as is the case with any band that actually sounds UNIQUE (What a concept!!!!) for those that hate them, you either love them or hate them, as is the case with any band that actually sounds UNIQUE (What a concept!!!!) for those that hate them, thats fine, but i strongly suggest saving your hateful comments for "artists" who truly deserve to be removed from popular culture, like ashlee simpson. love or hate deerhoof, this world is still MUCH better off with a little variety amongst all this boring and homogenized garbage.... Expand
  2. KurtM
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    This is an amazing LP. It has it's own sound and creates new music through experimentation, yet it's melodies are still catchy and This is an amazing LP. It has it's own sound and creates new music through experimentation, yet it's melodies are still catchy and accessible. Some may not like it because of it's complexity, but to any trained listener, this is a great album. The contrast between the lead singer's voice and the sounds they use is extremely effective in every song. Their musical talent is further backed by the raw power of songs like "After Me The Deluge" or "You Can See." This is certainly one of the best LP's of 2005. Expand
  3. Jan 26, 2011
    10
    This is one of the most tragically underrated albums on this site. It's a cutesy-brutesy masterwork with tons of delightfully catchy riffs andThis is one of the most tragically underrated albums on this site. It's a cutesy-brutesy masterwork with tons of delightfully catchy riffs and melodies counterpointed by jagged, face-melting rock-outs, often in the same song. A lot of people can't get over Satomi Matsuzaki's voice and the group's undeniable weirdness, but anyone willing to embrace Deerhoof's eccentricities will find a lot to love here. Few albums can put anyone in a good mood as effortlessly as this glorious, sprawling mess of kitschy ear candy. Expand
  4. JackD
    Oct 20, 2005
    9
    Wonderful record! Ranks as one of my favorites of the year. Deerhoof have always been for more adventurous listeners.
  5. T.Speaker
    Jan 3, 2007
    8
    Deerhoof's "The Runners Four" is easily one of the best records of 2005-----I've owned this one since its release date and still Deerhoof's "The Runners Four" is easily one of the best records of 2005-----I've owned this one since its release date and still listen to it on a weekly basis. While the latter half sags a bit, the complex, melodic riffs of the first more than compensate. Expand
  6. ErikH
    Aug 13, 2007
    3
    I bought this CD after many recommendations from friends and critics, and wow was I disappointed. They sound like low-rate Blonde Redhead I bought this CD after many recommendations from friends and critics, and wow was I disappointed. They sound like low-rate Blonde Redhead outtakes. If that sounds appealing to you, by all means purchase this CD and enjoy 20 tracks of it. Expand
  7. DylanC
    Jan 31, 2006
    0
    Crap.

See all 42 User Reviews