In 1992 dada exploded on the scene with their critically acclaimed debut release "Puzzle" originally released on I.R.S. Records. The single "Dizz Knee Land" set the alternative radio movement (just then hitting it's strid... more »e) on fire and quickly migrated to mainstream rock and pop stations. The re-issue of "Puzzle" has been newly remasterd and enhanced and includes 3 bonus tracks (recorded during the "Puzzle" sessions)never before released in the USA. This "Enhanced CD" includes the video of "Here Today, Gone Tommorrow"« less
All Artists:dada Title:Puzzle Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label:Blue Cave Release Date: 7/27/2004 Album Type: Enhanced, Extra tracks, Original recording remastered Genres:Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:829250564328
Synopsis
Album Description
In 1992 dada exploded on the scene with their critically acclaimed debut release "Puzzle" originally released on I.R.S. Records. The single "Dizz Knee Land" set the alternative radio movement (just then hitting it's stride) on fire and quickly migrated to mainstream rock and pop stations. The re-issue of "Puzzle" has been newly remasterd and enhanced and includes 3 bonus tracks (recorded during the "Puzzle" sessions)never before released in the USA. This "Enhanced CD" includes the video of "Here Today, Gone Tommorrow"
"What a fun album this one is. The production is squeaky clean and bright, the playing unerringly melodic, the guitar solos truly brilliant yet concise, and most songs well within the pop range of 3-5 minutes. The lyrics themselves help set this band apart from the rest. They're not content to just warble shiny happy tunes or wax miserable and frustrated. Instead, the lyrics are razor sharp wit. References to psychics on La Brea, Lolita, and Jim Morrison reveal this band's bent toward decadence -- and that's only on the record's arguably best track, "Posters." The song is basically an update of "Norwegian Wood," but much saucier and more visceral, with tight, TIGHT drumming and great guitar solos. More decadence is found on "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," a great tale of a Catholic school boy turned wild hipster -- again, references to Hugh Hefner and (obliquely) William Burroughs. You get the distinct notion that the future members of Smashmouth were listening -- very closely.
What else to say about the rest? Pop hooks galore. Listen to the way the second verse leads into the chorus on "Dog," or the stunning electroacoustic strumming on "Mary Sunshine Rain." Or the excellent dynamics on the gorgeous "Dorina."
Perhaps there might be a few quibbles. The slower, more thoughtful songs drag a bit, though the final, elegiac "Moon," which bemoans a a friend's suicide, truly hits home. And if you're not one for cleverness, beware -- these guys border on being too clever for their own good.
And, yeah, these guys did hit the charts. If you were anywhere near a radio in 1992, you'll recognize "Dizz Knee Land" immediately. Not far afterward came the wilder "Dim." Altogether, a wonderful pop near-masterpiece."
Back in print at last!
Kenneth Edens | Laurel, Md. USA | 09/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After being out of print, this amazing disc is back. Great song writing, great singing, and great guitar playing. There is no filler on this disc. Each song carries it's own weight. I grew up
listening to Skynyrd, Clapton, Hendrix, Blackmore and a lot of other excelent rock and blues guitarists. I feel that Michael Gurley can play with anyone. From the range of dynamics in Dorina, to the blasting solo at the end of Dizz Knee Land, this guy is hot. After you hear this disc, you'll be out buying the rest of DADA's music. Trust me."
Awesome guitar work, stunning songs, beautiful harmonies, an
C. Thomas | Vienna, VA | 01/18/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've always been impressed by good three-piece bands. It's rare for a lead guitarist to have the chops to fill out the sound without a strong backing rhythm player. So when I hear Dada's 'Puzzle' album, with its solid guitar work, backed by competent bass playing and a drummer who is up to the task when guitarist Michael Gurley is really driving him, I enter a beautiful zone. The lush harmonies escalate the feeling. The songs are just amazing - even the simplest ones have the surprising changes, and the kind of structure and flow that define great songwriting. Unfortunately, the flow is interrupted periodically by the crashing intrusion of some truly awful lyrics; not that often, but often enough to keep an otherwise excellent album out of the five-star league. They were youngsters then; I'm pleased to hear they're still working together, and I'm hoping that more recent lyrics reflect some real maturity."
Love this album
Samatha Smith | 11/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this as a tape when it first came out and had been looking for it on Itunes- I decided that it was more cost-effective to buy the CD. I love ever song on here- including the bonus tracks that I had not heard before. So glad Amazon had it."
Great Rock Band
Jerry P. Levy | California | 11/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has it all---a bit of blues, rock, and pop all in one. It sets various moods with sophisticated guitar that is mellow, sometimes angry, and always interesting..... and is a great road trip CD. I am surprised this CD did not sell better. If Da Da ever comes to Orange County, this will be a concert I will definitely go see."