“missing_persons”
Missing Persons
Remixed Hits
Cleopatra
Missing Persons are probably one of the most fondly remembered bands of the early-to-mid 80’s synth-pop/new wave heyday (largely thanks to singer Dale Bozzio’s outlandish costumes and trademark helium-fueled vocals), but I didn’t recall exactly how short that heyday was until this remix disc showed up and reminded me that they really only had three hits: “Destination Unknown” (remixed twice here), “Walking in LA” (three times), and “Words” (also three times). Some lesser known tunes show up, too, but those hits make up the bulk of the disc. The real news, then, ends up being the stellar line-up of remixers that lined up to participate, including Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog (who also lays down a new rap over “LA”), Wayne Hussey of the Mission UK (a goth-grooved, darkwave “Destination”), Sheep on Drugs (who bring industrial beats and more darkwave guitar to “I Like Boys”), KMFDM (with an electronified “LA”), Interface (a totally technofied “Words”), Kevin Haskins of Love & Rockets/Bauhaus (a suitably spacey and dark “Mental Hopscotch”), and the band’s own Warren Cuccurulio, along with his current bandmate in Duran Duran, Nick Rhodes (a pretty straightforward “Destination”). While there’s enough here to grab your interest, the unfortunate reliance on those three hits (and “Hopscotch,” which is remixed twice) leaves the record feeling very repetitive – less like an album than a series of 12-inches. If you’re into that thing, or if you’re a hardcore fan of either Missing Persons or any of the remixers, I don’t think you’d be disappointed in Remixed Hits , but if you’re looking for a good introduction to Missing Persons, this definitely ain’t it.
Cleopatra Records, 13428 Maxella #251, Marina Del Rey , CA 90292
