One of the year's best. On par with Apple O' and better than Milk Man. If you haven't heard them before, it's an acquired taste. I agree with an earlier comment - give it a dozen listens.

Obnoxious unlistenable album.

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.

Crap.

As you can see, Deerhoof reviews tend to be a bit polarizing. I personally feel that Deerhoof are one of the most innovative and creative bands currently making music, as well as one of the best. There's simply no other bands out there that sound like them. I feel that a lot of negative reviewers out there just simply don't get it. Sure Deerhoof isn't for everyone and a lot of their material is initially inaccessible. I'll admit to being a bit perplexed by the band upon first listen. But with time the album takes on a different life form and you begin to see it for the fantastic music it is. The best records never expose their greatest in the fullest extent upon first listen...it is gradual. I really feel with time Deerhoof will get the appreciation they deserve, though it is gaining a bit through opening lots for big acts like Radiohead, the Flaming Lips and Wilco. I wouldn't be surprised that years into the future Deerhoof is looked back at one of the definitive bands of this era. They deserve that stature.… Expand

Food for thought: David Bowie, David Byrne, Thom Yorke, Thurston Moore, Wayne Coyne, and Jeff Tweedy all love Deerhoof. This album was 2005's greatest achievement and I hold it as the best album of the year. Deerhoof's talent is incredible, both technically as all members are immensely skilled at the instruments as well as their songwriting skills. There's an abundance of catchy melodies on this record, all of which originated by the band (no melody stealing here!) Fantastic!… Expand

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.

Quite an amazing effort from one of the most captivating and compulsively amazing bands of the last ten years. A highlight of the year and a delight to the senses.

just awesome. a mature step forward.

No idea what most of the critics have been smoking but the vocals of this band are dreadful, like a doll being strangled. Iit makes it impossible to appreciate the few moments there actually is something worth listening too.

Giant step forward. Definately holds its own against this years best releases. Still can't displace The New Lows or My Morning Jacket.

It initially seems pretty inaccesible because of Satomi's vocals and the eclectic arrangements, but you just need to acclimate yourself. There are some brilliant riffs on this album.

Great album! After listening to it, I am not sure why some fans don't appreciate it. An impressive effort and one of the most original sounding and consistent bands of this time.

How can people call this album a masterpiece? I think it is ok but it is definitely NOT something that people would love for 5-10 yrs. This alubm could be cool if it is played at a lounge bar or some party. But.. it is not more than that. This album is alright but it is over rated.

Wonderful record! Ranks as one of my favorites of the year. Deerhoof have always been for more adventurous listeners.

Deerhoof is the just latest flavor of the month --please stop calling this annoying POS a masterpiece.

all these 0 reviews are probably from people who were never fans to begin with, or have limited listening span. take 'em or leave 'em, Deerhoof are always true to themselves. i thoroughly enjoyed this (this was my first real introducation to the band), and I find myself oddly addicted to her voice.

There is no clearer indictment of Pitchfork's penchant for pretention than their endorsement of this album as the 6th best album of 2005. Unlistenable garbage.

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

After a second listen, I couldn't help skipping the songs.. The singer is sooooo annoying with her fake cutsy-child-like voice. That's beside the fact that she never hit the right notes! People who appreciate this album must be deaf! or music illiterate! this is what I like to call "fashion music" :P

Just saw them open for the Flaming Lips and I got there early because of the type of hype and praise given them--boy what a waste of time! The only redeeming quality is the thunderous balls out drummer. The guitarist churns out 3rd rate Polvo riffs that were done better 15 years ago. And finally the singer--- girly cute monosyllabic lyrical nonsense. Repeating panda 20x in a row is not inspired, clever, musical or worth anyone's time. I beg of someone to explain this rubbish to me. I have adored the Flaming Lips since 1989 and tons of other indie/alt, but this and the scores all the reviewers gave it I just don't get. I would have rated this higher for the drummer's talents, but I reminded myself that he has hitched his wagon to the horrid, untalented vocalist.… Expand

aaah deerhoof. music as we know it has taken another step to shattering itself and constructing something so basic and so exciting that everynote while meaning nothng carries a sense of purpose. i can t shed that feeling throughout this record. this group is bringing back rock not as other rock gorups do by replicating a former style but creating something playful in a new reincarnation of a former style. simply an amazing record… Expand

Sometimes when I listen to bands that critics rave over, I wonder... do they (the reviewers) get together and decide to play a trick on us (the listeners)? Tthe reason I ask is because this bands stinks.

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

While this album definately isn't for everyone, to those who enjoy experimental work and pop songs that kick you in the head, this is an amazing album. Check out the guitar smashing on "Scream Team" and the quiet beauty of "After Me the Deluge."

I am not hard to pleaseand when I saw how much the critics loved this album I rushed to get it. How terribly disappointing. I might be wrong but I think they confused bad for different. Lack of talent is rephrased as child like and creative.

One of the top albums of the year.

Best album of the year by far.

A seroiusly great record. The production is warm and rich, the riffs are chunky and the rhythm section is on fire!!! This is the only Deerhoof record I would call consistently listenable. The others have great songs (milkman even has a few good sequences) but this is by far their pinnacle. Wrong Time Capsule and Spirit Ditties of No Tone are worth the price of admission.

I can't get past the annoying vocals. Never could with Deerhoof.

Tip top tastic. Could of been trimmed down a little. Sounds as if Keef Richards has been asked to play on it too! Rifftastic!!

An excellent record. My favorite of the year so far, and one of Deerhoof's best (along with Reveille and Apple O'). "Rrrrrright" is such a fantastic song and a great closer. And as usual, Greg Saunier somehow manages to simultaneously be one of the most subtle and yet most powerful drummers out there.

15 listens. Minimum. And then 5 more. All the way through. And then, maybe, I can only hope, you'll get it. Because it's all there; my intervention the purchasing of the new Wolf Parade so I'd be forced, if only for a day, to stop listening to Runners Four.

perfect deerhoof. cant get enough of this one.

Best album of 2005. Nothing like Milkman, except superficial. Really nothing like any Deerhoof album before except in infectiousness.

It isn't immediately catchy as thier other albums and I was expecting something that sounded like Green Cosmos. At first listen, it was almost too tame to be the Deerhoof I've grown to love, but something kept bringing me back. This is a "grower" and those "growers" are always the best albums. Amazing work and very charming.

Wow!!! Now this is an awesome album. Experimental but very accessible. A terrific listen.

Hands down the best album of 2005. Absolutely amazing.

is there really anything better than post-post ironic bands? the answer nope

if can get over the squeaking of the lead singer, then maybe you'd appreciate the music.. have the critics heard the album?