The Dada Polka

Album: Realism (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Realism is the ninth studio album from the New York-based indie pop band, Magnetic Fields. The group's leader Stephin Merritt has described the record as "my folk album" and he cited the influence on it of the orchestrated British folk of the late '60s / early '70s, and Joshua Rifkin, who arranged the Judy Collins albums In My Life and Wildflowers.
  • For Realism, Merritt banished instrumentation that needed to be plugged in, making it totally acoustic. The only exception was this track, which incorporates subtly an electric guitar. Merritt explained: "That's because the original track dates back to 1986, remaining unreleased until now: It had been waiting for me to do my folk album, and here I am, doing my folk album."
    Merritt also avoided using a traditional drum kit on the record. He admitted the sound on this track "is kind of drum-like, but I think they are bongos."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.