Casualties of the 1995 demise of its first record company, I.R.S., after three albums, Dada reemerges on a new label, MCA, with this eponymous effort. It's a solid effort, indeed. The Danny Kotchmar-produced album starts s... more »trong with "Information Undertow," a tongue-in-cheek Brit-pop-meets-Lou-Reed take on the media. "Playboy in Outerspace" is another standout, with its trippy Beck-like guitars and harmonies reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. "California Gold" sports an uncanny resemblance to War's "Low Rider," but with Dada's trademark Beatlesque touches. Which leads to one complaint: Dada relies too heavily on its overpowering Beatles musical references. Still, Dada has come a long way since 1992's inexplicable hit, "Dizz Knee Land." --Lesley Holdom« less
Casualties of the 1995 demise of its first record company, I.R.S., after three albums, Dada reemerges on a new label, MCA, with this eponymous effort. It's a solid effort, indeed. The Danny Kotchmar-produced album starts strong with "Information Undertow," a tongue-in-cheek Brit-pop-meets-Lou-Reed take on the media. "Playboy in Outerspace" is another standout, with its trippy Beck-like guitars and harmonies reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. "California Gold" sports an uncanny resemblance to War's "Low Rider," but with Dada's trademark Beatlesque touches. Which leads to one complaint: Dada relies too heavily on its overpowering Beatles musical references. Still, Dada has come a long way since 1992's inexplicable hit, "Dizz Knee Land." --Lesley Holdom
You have no idea how much you'll enjoy this band!!!
01/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To all Dada fans, and yet to be Dada fans, you will congratulate yourself immensely for buying this CD. It is difficult, and pointless, to classify what dada's "sound" is. Dada always finds a way to avoid being lumped in with formula bands and the newest self-titled CD is no different in that regard.Michael Gurley and Joie Calio (co-lead singers, playing guitar and bass respectively) are an amazing songwriting duo with a treasure chest full of gems just waiting to be discovered by true music lovers. If you've heard "California Gold" and dismissed this album, you're making a huge mistake. Record companies have a history of getting the radio airplay for dada's most catchy and hook-filled tunes (as with Dizz Knee Land from their debut album - Puzzle) but it is songs such as "Playboy in Outerspace" and "Ballad of Earl Grey" that are a dada fan's delight. I have played this album for as many people as I can and every one now wants this CD.A Dada fan is born every 22 seconds in America. They just don't know it yet. See them live, love them in your car. You'll thank yourself.If you're still not certain, buy Puzzle - the debut CD first. You'll soon be convinced."
Not the best but still worthy
02/26/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I fell in love with Dorina and never looked back. But, I never considered this dada CD my favorite. Not having listened to this CD for quite a while, I was randomly going through my collection and decided to give it a spin. Is it my sad mood that changed my opinion of songs that in the past I never gave much thought to? I say this because since giving this CD a recent re-listening, Where You're Going and Baby Really Loves Me now seem much more prominant. As if I'm just now truely hearing them for the first time. These two songs are precisely why I love this band. Where You're Going: simple, plaintive lyrics, along with Michaels driving/slashing guitar rhythms ( not overly distorted, just the way I like it ) and lead work, sublime harmonies. Baby Really Loves Me: great metaphoric lyrics, starts off dreamy then Joie's vocals soar and Michaels snarling guitar kick into high gear about two thirds through, then Michael finishes off the song with characteristic guitar noodling. To my ears, this is power pop at its best and where ever Michael Gurley and his guitar go, I will follow."
Dada's Fourth Album Not Quite as Great as the Previous Three
Eric R. Last | San Bruno, CA United States | 08/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Album 4 is a small step down from previous efforts, but if you had never heard the earlier efforts you'd still think you'd stumbled onto something tremendous. It's perhaps a tad overproduced. My favorite tracks are "Where You're Going" and "This Thing Together". Least favorite: "California Gold"."
One of the best of the year.
Mark R. London | 01/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was not a big fan of Dada's previous album, but this one grabbed me immediately. They have moved away from the alternative rock sound and replaced it with great sounding power pop. This album has tons of great harmonies, catchy fun lyrics, beautitful guitar sound, lots of interesting production, and has both rockers and soft pop songs. There is so much variety, that I've listened to it at least a dozen times and still have not tired of it. My choice for best of the year."
The best band you forgot about.
Mark R. London | 01/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dada is truely a great band,and their newest release proves once again that they write some of the best songs around. It is a shame that the only song most people remember from the band is "Dizz Knee Land". They are so much better than that song! If you want to hear great music, buy this album today!"