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Dada was formed in 1992 in Los Angeles, California. The founding members are Joie Calio (bass, vocals), Michael Gurley (guitar, vocals), and Phil Leavitt (drums, vocals). The band gained initial popularity with their debut album, Puzzle (1992), which included the hit single “Dizz Knee Land.” The song received significant airplay on alternative rock radio stations and peaked at number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Puzzle itself reached number 111 on the Billboard 200. Over the years, Dada became known for their distinctive blend of rock, jazz, and pop, coupled with strong vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.
Throughout their career, Dada has released five studio albums: Puzzle (1992), American Highway Flower (1994), El Subliminoso (1996), Dada (1998), and How to Be Found (2004). The band has also released compilations of their work, such as The Best of Dada (2004), and maintained a loyal following through extensive touring.
DADA STUDIO ALBUMS
Puzzle
Released 1992
Puzzle was the debut album by Dada, released in 1992 on I.R.S. Records. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, between April and June 1992. Produced by Ken Scott, who had worked with David Bowie and The Beatles, the album was a blend of alternative rock, jazz, and pop. Dada consisted of Joie Calio (bass, vocals), Michael Gurley (guitar, vocals), and Phil Leavitt (drums, vocals). The album was best known for the hit single “Dizz Knee Land,” which received significant airplay and peaked at number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Puzzle reached number 111 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a successful debut for the band.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dorina” – 5:36
- “Mary Sunshine Rain” – 5:04
- “Dog” – 5:45
- “Dizz Knee Land” – 4:06
- “Surround” – 4:57
- “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” – 4:06
- “Posters” – 3:25
- “Timothy” – 4:20
- “Dim” – 4:35
- “Who You Are” – 6:01
- “Puzzle” – 5:05
American Highway Flower
Released 1994
American Highway Flower was Dada’s second studio album, released in 1994 on I.R.S. Records. The album was recorded at The Complex Studios in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Dada and Jerry Harrison, a former member of Talking Heads. It built on the band’s unique sound, blending alternative rock with jazz and funk influences. Despite the quality of the record, American Highway Flower did not match the success of their debut, peaking at number 193 on the Billboard 200. The album, however, produced some memorable tracks like “All I Am” and “Feet to the Sun,” both of which were fan favorites.
CD Track Listings:
- “Ask the Dust” – 4:14
- “Feet to the Sun” – 3:54
- “All I Am” – 3:48
- “S.F. Bar ’63” – 5:08
- “Scum” – 4:11
- “Pretty Girls Make Graves” – 4:18
- “Green Henry” – 4:16
- “Real Soon” – 5:05
- “Feel Me Don’t You” – 4:15
- “Big Dipper” – 4:20
- “Flow” – 4:47
- “Sweet Dark Angel” – 5:20
- “Spirit of 2009” – 2:30
El Subliminoso
Released 1996
El Subliminoso was Dada’s third studio album, released in 1996 on MCA Records. The album was recorded at Studio Ultimo in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Dada and Danny Kortchmar, who had previously worked with artists like James Taylor and Don Henley. El Subliminoso saw the band further explore a fusion of rock, jazz, and psychedelic sounds, leading to critical acclaim but limited commercial success. The album did not chart on the Billboard 200 but received praise for tracks like “California Gold” and “Bob the Drummer.” The album became a cult favorite among Dada fans for its experimental sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “Time Is Your Friend” – 4:36
- “I Get High” – 4:11
- “Sick in Santorini” – 4:00
- “Information Undertow” – 4:32
- “California Gold” – 4:15
- “Bob the Drummer” – 3:36
- “Rise” – 3:51
- “I’m Feeling Nothing” – 5:14
- “Nothing Like You” – 4:07
- “Sweet Salvation” – 5:19
- “Guitar Girl” – 4:28
Dada
Released 1998
Dada’s self-titled album Dada was released in 1998 on MCA Records. The album was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Danny Kortchmar. This album reflected a more mature sound for the band, with tighter arrangements and deeper lyrical content. While it did not achieve significant commercial success and did not chart on the Billboard 200, songs such as “California Dreamin’” and “Spinning My Wheels” demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and commitment to artistic expression.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dizz Knee Land” (Acoustic) – 4:06
- “This Thing Together” – 4:14
- “Spinning My Wheels” – 5:08
- “California Dreamin’” – 4:45
- “Papi” – 4:18
- “Baby Really Loves Me” – 3:56
- “Goodbye” – 3:41
- “Blue Girl” – 4:28
- “Going Under” – 3:42
- “Some Other Way” – 4:09
How to Be Found
Released 2004
How to Be Found was an album by Dada that was initially released in 2004 as a compilation of previously unreleased tracks. The songs on this album were recorded between 1997 and 2004 at various studios across Los Angeles, California. It was independently released and produced by the band themselves. How to Be Found combined the alternative rock elements that fans had come to love with introspective lyrics and a focus on storytelling. Though it did not chart on any major Billboard lists, it was well-received by the band’s dedicated fan base, serving as a testament to Dada’s ability to craft thoughtful and memorable music outside the constraints of the traditional music industry.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Next Train Out of My Mind” – 4:01
- “How to Be Found” – 3:55
- “Guitar Girl (Acoustic Version)” – 4:05
- “Nothing Like You” (Live) – 4:21
- “S.F. Bar ’63” (Alternate Version) – 5:05
- “Beauty and Sadness” – 4:47
- “Baby Really Loves Me” (Demo) – 3:58
- “Goodbye” (Live) – 4:02
- “Spinning My Wheels” (Acoustic) – 5:10
- “Dream Away” – 4:15
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Complete List Of Dada Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
About The Author
Emily Fagan
Emily Fagan grew up in the town of Burford in Oxfordshire, England. She was raised on Progressive Rock music. She is currently writing a book on the history of Charles The Great and the impact of the Carolingian Renaissance.