As we have learned in our Sophomore Slump Revisited roundtable series, there are many factors and circumstances that can sink a band's second album, especially when coming off a hit single. In the case of Dada and their 1994 release American Highway Flower, the lack of an obvious radio single to match Dizz Knee Land off their debut is a fair consideration. Rather than repeat a formula, the skilled trio of singer-guitarist Michael Gurley, singer-bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt pushed the band in a variety of directions while maintaining a more consistent sound than their first release. But pushing the envelope doesn't always result in a match with the cultural trends, and while the band flexes their muscle with harmonious power-pop and '60s psychedelic flourishes while unafraid to get extra noisy or delicately hushed. They may not have scored a Top 5 single or moved a million units with American Highway Flower, but that doesn't mean this sophomore release qualifies as a slump.
Songs In This Episode:
Intro - All I Am
13:11 - Feet To The Sun
17:22 - Feel Me Don't You
23:00 - Real Soon
30:35 - S.F. Bar '63
Outro - Pretty Girls Make Graves
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#047: In Casino Out by At The Drive-In
#046: Ro Sham Bo by The Grays
#045bonus - Full Interview with Ben London of Alcohol Funnycar
#045: Weasels by Alcohol Funnycar
#044: Circa Now! by Rocket from the Crypt
#043: Teenage Symphonies to God by Velvet Crush
#042: Songs from the Second Storey by The God Machine
#041: Fallout by The Mayfield Four
#040: 24 Hour Revenge Therapy by Jawbreaker
#039: Gimmick by Barkmarket
#038: Still Feel Gone by Uncle Tupelo
#037: Porno for Pyros by Porno for Pyros
#036: Get In Get Out by Mink
#035: Phaseshifter by Redd Kross
#034: Become What You Are By The Juliana Hatfield Three
#033 - On The Turn by Kerbdog
#032 - Reloaded by Green Apple Quick Step
#031 - Dead Letter Chorus by Llama Farmers
#030 - Auntie Ramos' Pool Hall by The Sidewinders
#029 - Angelfish by Angelfish
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