Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies

Destroyer…what’s with this guy? Has anyone else noticed that he doesn’t actually sound that good? I mean there are plenty of singers out there with dodgy voices, but most of them manage to make it work in their favour…he just annoys me. While his songs were usually my least favourite with The New Pornographers, I don’t remember them being that bad. The music on this solo album however just sounds awkward and lost. From what I’ve read, many of the people who like his music point to the lyrical content. For me, lyrics play second fiddle. If I like the sound of a song, the lyrics can tip the balance between love and hate. But if I don’t like the music to begin with, the lyrics mean nothing. I fail to see how he is so revered; to me he just comes off as a b-grade musician. Am I missing something?

MP3: Painter In Your Pocket

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep listening until you get what your missing.

Anonymous said...

no, the music is by and large dull, with destroyer's rubies a step down from his last cd. one of the most over-rated discs from 2006. those I know who liked it initially, seldom ever play it much anymore.

Wayne Massingham said...

"feel free to challenge my challenge"
I am going to take your challenge. I think Dan Bejar is not only an incredible lyricist, but his music is superb. The first two songs are better then most music I heard last year and I still listen to it. I agree he doesn't have a great voice, but a lot of my fav singers don't have great voices-colin meloy for example. The argument about lyrics vs music I probably come down on music side as well, but as stated I love Destroyer's music as well. The funny thing is I don't believe its even his best work, which I believe This Night is. Just different taste I guess, but I had to stick up for Destroyer.

Peter said...

So many clashing opinions! I don't know why I even bothered doing this. All that could come from it is people getting up me. Everyone who gets directed from Hype Machine will be fans which just makes things worse. Now I remember why I only reviewed stuff I liked!

Wayne Massingham said...

Keep going Peter, but you are right you're only left open for criticism. You do seem to be getting people agreeing and disagreeing. so its not all bad. It makes for lively discussion. I just had to stick up for Destroyer. I was definitely with you on Thom Yorke.

Jon said...

Listen harder. Destroyer are good.

Anonymous said...

I dunno, I really enjoy it. I have a live version of It's Gonna Take An Airplane, it's freaking amazing.

Anonymous said...

His voice is everything. If you like (or even love) it, you'll find so much in the music itself to love. If you hate his voice, I can't see anyone ever liking his music.

I guess it's like unsweetened coffee, which you either can't stand or you can't get enough of.

Anonymous said...

i'm not a destroyer fan really either...even if he is from my hometown.

K. Sullivan said...

I've tried again and again to like Destroyer, but it just doesn't do it for me. I was initially interested because of an interview/review I heard on the radio. And then I listened to the cd - and nope, just doesn't do it for me. I think the real test is whether you do listen to the music in a year's time - devoted fans may, but then that's an exclusive group for any band. Trick is to find a commenter who's lukewarm about the band but says they still listen after time passes. I've just chalked destroyer up as something that's not for me.