Dada
For their fourth album, Los Angeles trio Dada tries to pick up the pieces that were left after its last album, 1996's El Subliminoso, sank under the weight of its collapsing record label. Their rebirth here, starting with the simplicity of the album title, culminates with them going back to the basics (which amounts to a stripped-down version of their past couple records, or back to 1992, take your pick); Dada is an alt-rock album that plays like it never heard of Nevermind. This is semi-edgy pop, stripped of soul, loaded with melody and polished to a glaring shine (which results in it being a bit self-conscious and a little too formulaic at times). It's also very disposable and not very memorable. Dada have absolutely nothing new to say, hiding their empty agenda behind frantic and harmonious numbers like "California Gold." Agreeable but hollow.