Missing Persons “Spring Session M”

 

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#983 in the Series) is Missing Persons,Spring Session M. (Capitol)

I don’t know many bands that would 100% fill the term “Cool” better than Missing Persons.  Not only did they have the “look” but they definitely also had the “chops” to go with it.

They were one of the original bands that received a huge boost by MTV. The hot look of lead singer Dale Bozzio had a ton to do with that, especially when the ex-bunny dressed in only bubble wrap.

Hot looks only take you so far without musicianship however, and as good as they looked, they played even better.

Dale Bozzio’s “other half” was drummer Terry Bozzio.  This man is one of the best drummers to ever sit on the throne. Before Missing Persons, Terry had played with great acts like Frank Zappa and UK.  Zappa doesn’t hire crap.

Guitarist Warren Cuccurullo also came from the Zappa stable, he would also go on to a long career with Duran Duran. Zappa doesn’t hire crap.

Bassist Patrick O’Hearn? Yup Zappa again, he also would have a successful career as a new age solo artist on the famed Private Music Label.  He just recently played bass for John Hiatt.

Chuck Wild played keys on this album. He didn’t (at least that I know) but I’m guessing he could have played with Zappa if he wished. He too has a nice new age career and also received a Daytime Grammy Nomination.

Dale was great as the front woman in the band, good looking, a little quirky, quite memorable and a voice to carry the tunes. She also did some work with Zappa. Give Joe’s Garage a listen.I hear a ton of Dale Bozzio in singers like No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani. –

The most well-known tracks were ‘”Destination Unknown,” “ Windows,” “ Walking in L.A.,” “ Words” and “ Mental Hopscotch.” Most songs had simple ideas with exceptional execution.  People in the clubs could bop to the songs while the music cat at home could dig the playing.  Me, I dug the playing.

“Don’t Hate Them Because They’re Beautiful.” This band could do it all.

Missing Persons “Spring Session M,” (1982) was produced by Ken Scott and peaked at #17 on the Billboard US Top 200 Charts.

Dale Bozzio has resurrected the band and is always out there playing dates. Look for them.

–Larry Carta

Track listing

All songs written by Terry Bozzio and Warren Cuccurullo, except where noted.

1. “Noticeable Ones” – 3:24
2. “Windows” (Terry Bozzio) – 4:59
3. “It Ain’t None of Your Business” – 2:55
4. “Destination Unknown” (Terry Bozzio, Dale Bozzio, Waren Cuccurullo) – 3:35
5. “Walking in L.A.” (T. Bozzio) – 3:59
6. “U.S. Drag” – 3:37
7. “Tears” (T. Bozzio) – 4:21
8. “Here and Now” – 3:28
9. “-” – 4:26
10. “Bad Streets” (T. Bozzio) – 3:41
11. “Rock & Roll Suspension” – 2:36
12. “No Way Out” – 2:45

Personnel

• Dale Bozzio – vocals
• Warren Cuccurullo – guitar, vocals
• Chuck Wild – synthesizer, keyboard
• Patrick O’Hearn – electric & synthesized bass, keyboards, synthesizers
• Terry Bozzio – vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, drums, percussion

Links

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Check out a bunch of Cool Missing Persons music below.