Missing Persons featuring Dale Bozzio – Missing in Action
Cleopatra Records
https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/missing-persons-feat-dale-bozzio-cd/

Rating: B-

Missing Persons were the New Wave rock band in the 1980s that had the boppy, skinny-tie sound, but did it in a way that included major musical virtuosity.

Terry Bozzio on drums, and Warren Cuccurullo on guitars, spent time in Frank Zappa’s band, as did Terry’s then-wife, Dale Bozzio.  Where the musicians provided solid musicianship and songwriting, Dale provided the voice, the squeals, the see through plastic bras and the look.  And what a look it was!  Dale was easy on the eyes and had no problem kicking teenage boy’s testosterone levels off the charts.  On top of the look, she also had unique vocal skills.  This combination of the guys on their instruments, and Dale’s sexy stage presence, and unique vocal approach, made Missing Persons one the coolest bands of their era.

For over 25 years, Missing Persons has remained part of the past.  Now, Dale Bozzio is back… and while the original musicians are not, she has once again teamed up with another virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood, to create a new album titled Missing in Action. 

Dale has a physical presence that is as strong today as it was 25 years ago.  Her voice has aged but she can still sing.  There may not be many odd little squeaks and squeals, but she still has that ‘it’ factor which comes across loud and clear.

The best song on the album is “Hello, Hello.”  Here Sherwood and Bozzio get it right.  This will take you back to the days when you were ‘Walking in L.A.’ and wondering what ‘Words’ were for.  This is what has been missing from Missing Persons.  The duo nail it on other tracks as well, most notably “Do or Die” and “Covert Operation.”  The rest of the album, however, is somewhat hit and miss.

There are some great moments that will bring a nostalgic feeling for those who grew up dying their hair pink and self-piercing their ears, but this album also shows how this brand of music can still have a place in the modern day.

At the end of the day, it is great to see/hear Dale Bozzio back in the game.  Hers was a hard fought road that ended too soon.  Seeing her pick up the pieces and not only carry on, but move ahead, is a great thing.

TRACKS
1. Do Or Die
2. Hello, Hello
3. Walk Into The Sun
4. Covert Operation
5. The More We Love
6. The Speed Of Light
7. All The Way
8. If I Gave You My Mind
9. Siren Song
10. Crisis In Overdrive

BONUS TRACKS
11. Walking In L.A. (Acoustic Version)
12. Hello, Hello (Radio Remix)

By Jeb Wright