SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MISSING PERSONS – HOLLYWOOD LIE

MISSING PERSONS
HOLLYWOOD LIE
CLEOPATRA RECORDS

Missing Persons originally came together because they were the back-up band for Frank Zappa. According to lead singer Dale Bozzio, Zappa encouraged them to form their own band, and by 1980 they had released their debut EP. Their debut album, Spring Sesion M followed in 1982. By 1986, after several hit singles and three albums, the band called it a day. Dale Bozzio kept the fire going by forming different versions of the band for touring purposes but also recording the occasional studio album. Hollywood Lie is the first studio album under the Missing Persons banner since 2020’s Dreaming.

Hollywood Lie is exactly what one would expect from the band. Bozzio’s iconic vocals are there in several songs (“Castles In The Sand” is a good example), and the songs are fine, but there is a feeling of trying to capture the 1980s. While several bands from the era try to incorporate contemporary sounds into their music, Bozzio and company go full tilt. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact it often works but after 40 years a little more growth should be a bit more evident. Adam Hamilton produced the album and does recreate the big drums, 1980s sound faithfully.

Bozzio’s autobiography was quite frank and honest about her experiences in the music industry. Lyrically the album is quite strong. And where it succeeds is with songs such as “Lucky” which is a bit different for Missing Persons. “Because Of You I’m Crying” is another interesting song, both musically and lyrically which features Billy Idol’s guitarist Steve Stevens. The album ends with the strongest song on the album, “Gatsby”. Bozzio does not try to sound like she did 40 years ago, but it is almost a poetry recital. She sums up the album with this song and one cannot help but wish there were more songs like this.

Dale Bozzio has a great deal of talent and can still sing and write. She has the ability to create incredible music and deliver brilliant songs. As good as the songs are on Hollywood Lie, it could have been better. That being said, it is still a good album and fans will enjoy the trip back in time.

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