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.

A Japanese guitarist friend of mine plays Rush and Eric Johnson songs from memory but had never heard of Dada, much less "Puzzle", until now. I lent him the CD over the weekend, giving him a playlist (start with "Dim" (track 9), I said). First thing Monday morning he comes rushing up to me with a big smile on his face. "These guys f*#$ rock", he said with a pumped fist. "I bought all their CDs on Saturday," he added.

I wonder how many more music lovers in Japan are missing out on the music force that is Dada?!?! I guess it's up to me to educate the country one person at a time. Ganbarimasu!

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.

I purchased this albumn when it came out in 1992, and I still play it on a regular basis today. This is a good filter too - usually it's the truly talented musicians and producers with their own garage studios that own a copy of "Puzzle". It's smart music, and that's what I enjoy the most.

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.