Dada - Puzzle (1992)

Any CD cover showing a troll getting crushed in a vice grip is OK with me, and when that package also includes some entertaining music we all get a nice bonus. Such is the case with 1992's Puzzle, the debut CD from Dada.

On this album, guitarist Michael Gurley, bassist Joie Calio, and Phil Levitt on drums made rock music that didn't completely fall victim to the angry young man disease most of the grungers and alt-rockers were afflicted with in the early 90s. While the album is not totally devoid of alienation and rebelliousness Dada has a lot more to offer, and that is why Puzzle was a hit with me.

The band plays loud, punchy rock with hooks, melody, harmonies, and unique lyrics.

Even though they don't jam incessantly Gurley has proven himself to be a very fine rock guitarist. His style mimics many older ax wielders of the 70s. Weaving around the catchy verses of "Dorina," and on top of Calio's powerful bass lines, Gurley plays four brief but tasty solos that always stay fresh due to their brevity, his originality, and the fact that the trio makes the song, not their egos or guitar hero pyrotechnics the most important part of their music.

Before Gurley takes off with another great solo on the humorous "Dizz Knee Land" - #5 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart - the band managed to poke fun of those well known Disney World commercials while at the same time showing their disdain for authority. They sing:

"I just ran away from home, now I'm going to dizz knee land

I just crashed my car again, now I'm going to dizz knee land

I just robbed a grocery store, I'm going to dizz knee land

I just flipped off President George, I'm going to dizz knee land."

Other top tracks include, "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," "Surround," "Posters," "Mary Sunshine Rain," and "Dog."

The original trio has not disbanded although they appear to be inactive at this time. You can find out more on their website.