Customer Reviews

Lost Tracks

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Released in 2002, Missing Persons "Lost Tracks" offers a unique compilation of musical rarities both old and new. Documenting five different incarnations of Missing Persons over 20 years, the disc includes studio tracks, live recordings, alternate versions, demos, an instrumental, and even a video clip! MP fans will enjoy "Dark and Dangerous Guy," a song recorded in mid-career 1986 (circa "Color in Your Life") that explodes with a raw intensity reminiscent of their debut EP. "Hair & Kiss & Makeup" captures the fun of a casual jam session. And "On Vacation" is just plain wacky. The "reunion" tracks of 2001 offer slightly mixed results: Drummer Terry Bozzio and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo demonstrate great virtuosity as instrumentalists but are hampered by Dale Bozzio's labored vocals. Regardless, "Lost Tracks" earns very high marks for scope, variety, and enjoyment.

Unless you're a hardcore Missing Persons fan, don't waste your money or your time on this CD. The sound quality is terrible - it sounds like someone taped it using a single microphone, if that's board sound - they need a new board. The song selection is okay but the playing is very sloppy. Reminds of some garage bands I've heard in the past. This is one of those CD's you play once and say, Hmmmm - Interesting but never play it again. If you're looking to buy a Missing Persons CD - choose something else, make this one your last MP selection. With that being said, Terry Bozzio is still one the best drummers around but this offering just doesn't do anyone in the band justice (even Terry). As I said - Only for the very hardcore fan!

I get these compilations because many times bands don't put all their solid material on albums. That is the case here. All of the tracks I don't have on regular releases that are here are ones I wouldn't want to be without. I don't even notice the sound quality. Who are these guys that analyze the sound on a Missing Persons album. They write awesome pop songs with an atmospheric, catchy sound and profound lyrics. Too bad they can't get along.

Scott

I'm a huge MP fan, but I have to say that aside from the fact that there were some tunes I'd never heard, I was dissapointed by Lost Tracks. The biggest dissapointment musically is Dale on the 2001 reunion tracks. The band was tight, but as the prior reviewer aptly put it, Dale's vocals are labored. You can hear the difference between the earlier live tracks and the new stuff. The other gigantic dissapointment is Warren. He has his site listed on the CD and after visiting it, I will not follow another project he's on. The guy sold out big time...classless freak show style.

The problem with some of the cynical reviews above is that they miss the point.
If you are a Missing Persons Fan, and want their absolutly last release, with rarities, live material etc., this is not
to be missed. It's a much different recording, and that's a good thing!

Live performances taped during rehearsals for the 2001 Reunion shows: #2 "Dark & Dangerous Guy" #5 "Throw Money" #8 "Face To Face" #10 "Give" -- #12 "Dark and Dangerous Guy" is from a live show in 1986.

If you like the 80's buy this one.