Search - Missing Persons :: Classic Masters

Good Hits Collection from an Underrated 1980s Band.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 09/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you ask most listeners to pick five groups from the 1980s, it's doubtful most will mention (or even remember) Missing Persons. They never had a Top 40 hit and were written off by many critics, particularly Rolling Stone, who had a few less-than-flattering words for their 1982 debut "Spring Session M." Criticism aside, Missing Persons were actually a band of reasonably competent players fronted by ex Playboy bunny Dale Bozzio (other members included then husband Terry Bozzio and Warren Cuccurillo, who left the band to join Duran Duran). Rumor has it that even Miles Davis liked them. They had a string of catchy, hook infested singles which are compiled on this collection. The bouncy "Words," "Walking in LA," and "Destination Unknown" are cool samples of 1980s new wave at its cheesiest, right down to Dale Bozzio's high pitched voice, which sometimes breaks into hiccup-like sounds. While a previous Missing Persons hits collection also exists, "Classic Masters" is really the more desirable disc. Why? Not only are the songs 24-bit digitally remastered, but it also includes 12-inch extended versions of "Give" ("give again, give again, give again") and the Bernard Edwards-produced "Can't Think About Dancing." What's more, "Classic Masters" also features an overlooked single, "Surrender Your Heart," which is from the "Rhyme and Reason" LP. So, if you're looking to build a collection of music from bands of the 1980s, you can't go wrong with getting this disc. Missing Persons were a fun group that never took itself seriously. Play this disc, and party like it's 1983."

Great

Frankie J. M.M. | Still in mex | 10/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I was 13 I thought the lead singer for the group was the coolest thing I had ever seen. She wore a plastic bra, wrapped herself in some type of hose, dyed her hair pink and blue, and wore lots of make up. What a perfect 80s icon. Then there was the music. I loved it. Mental Hopscotch, Walking in LA, Words, I like Boys, Destination Unknown, and even the long forgotten Right Now are on this CD. I hadn't heard these songs since 1990, when I moved out of LA.
Well, it's now 20 years since they hit the scene and made it exciting for us 80s children. Fortunately, the whole super hard rock phase is dying, and groups like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Strokes, Interpol, Hot Hot Heat, and The Sounds are embracing this 80s/late 70s sound. This CD could be played immediately following any of those and not seem out of place."

This is the quintessential best hits album!

fuglyjs | USA | 03/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Missing Persons fanatic, I was drooling over the news of two NEW MP releases, and this is the "Best of" album that should have been released years ago! Although the first "Best of" CD includes a few good tunes missing here, (BRAVO!) Classic Masters has compiled a fantastic selection of essential hits (I'll take a collection with "Surrender Your Heart" over "Hello, I Love You", any day!) that both casual listeners and MP fans alike will definitely appreciate. I for one, can't get enough!Dale, Warren, Terry and crew cranked out a number of amazing tunes in the fabulous 80's and they sound fantastic on this new 24-bit digital remix! New/remixed versions of: "Give", "If Only For the Moment" and "I Can't Think About Dancin'", make for some great listening, and truth be told, this new release is the perfect compliment to the still available "The Best of the Missing Persons" (Although if I were to choose between the 2, I'd grab this collection first - real fans of Missing Persons will have no trouble choosing as having both in your library is a must!). Enjoy!"