Noticeable One: MISSING PERSONS

MISSING PERSONS: Spring Session M

Every once in a while, you discover a group that never really leaves you. For me, Missing Persons is one of those bands. Every time I pull Spring Session M off the shelf, I'm transported right back to the early ‘80s. One of my favorite New Wave Band growing up.  Formed by husband and wife Terry and Dale Bozzio. They and the incredible session musicians built a following among LA’s live music venues of the time.

1. Album Art

I always loved the iconic album cover featuring Dale Bozzio with the Bowie-esque blue paintbrush effect across her eyes.  Maybe I loved it so much because, 1. She is stunning. 2. Pris, my favorite off-world replicant played by Daryl Hannah in the movie BLADE RUNNER (1982), also painted over her eyes at the beginning of her demise in the film. Funny how our brains connect music, movies, and memories into one giant scrapbook.

2. The first time I heard …

'Noticeable One' was on 92.7 WLIR*.  I half-recorded it on my single-speaker cassette recorder.  Then I was instantly hooked.  Nothing on Top 40 radio sounded like it, and the singer had such a unique style…one that instantly grabs your heart and draws you in.  MISSING PERSONS: 'Spring Sessions' 1982 is their masterpiece as far as I'm concerned.  By the way, Spring Session M is an anagram of Missing Persons.  Ah Ha!

Growing up with Classic Rock and Disco (Yeah, I was one of those),  'Noticeable One' made me feel like I was hearing something special as it opens up with their signature guitar riff by Warren Cuccurullo. If you only listen to one moment on this album today... make it 2:15 of Noticeable One. (Warren ended up a member of Duran Duran, replacing Andy Taylor in 1986 and played on 5 of their studio albums). Then...in comes the awesome drumming, with a real frickin drumset commanded by Terry Bozzio. (Check out his work on the song ‘Windows’ 2:54…amazing!)  He is among my favorite drummers of all time.  He's exactly the kind of musician Latchkey Boys loves to celebrate—someone whose influence far outweighs the recognition he received.

Dale Bozzio’s vocals are so incredibly distinct and unusual.  Years later, I couldn't help noticing little hints of Dale's vocal style in artists like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera. Her signature “ahuh” punches character into her work, making her tracks truly unique, experimental, and very latckkey.  The drums, repeating guitar riff, and perfectly placed synths really make 'Noticeable One': MISSING PERSONS so memorable. 

However, if they were to re-issue this album again, I’d ask for a high-resolution remaster with a little more low end in order to please my JL Audio subwoofer. That’s it. I'd recommend connecting with the team at Culture Factory USA! (I didn't get paid for that. :)

3. “Out of the sleeve and onto the platter chatter.”

I’d have to say that this song may have landed differently on me and may not have been what Terry, Dale, and Warren intended.  But I think it was like “Hey, notice me.” I’m growing up latchkey, and I have something to say.  If we only had social media back then...  However, we had plenty that year. 1982 gave us ET, ColecoVision, the Falklands War, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Epcot, Jane Fonda’s workout, the first artificial heart, and USA Today… and your parents still didn’t know where you were.

4. Why 'Noticeable One' still matters.

As someone from the Latchkey Generation, I spent a lot of my life trying not to draw attention to myself. We were taught to keep our heads down, work hard, and let someone else take the spotlight.

Maybe that's why this song means something different to me today.

These days I'd say...

Be noticeable.

Share your creativity.

Tell your story.

Someone out there needs to hear it.

Be noticed because you are noticeably lovely.

5. B-Side

Now I’m sure you’ve heard all the hits from this incredible album: 'Noticeable One', 'Windows', 'It Ain’t None of Your Business', 'Destination Unknown', 'Walking in LA' and 'Words'.  However, while we have the album out, give the song ‘Tears' a spin. It's off-tempo / on-tempo beat which I’m sure was difficult to pull off…except if you are Terry Bozzio, it’s a treat for the ears and he does an amazing job with it.

6. Run out

We'd love to talk with them one day.  In the meantime, I went looking to see what Dale was up to…and I found her awesome Missing Persons website  https://missingpersons-dalebozzio.com/#

It includes her bio, tour dates, fan photos (looks like she loves her audience for sure)  and…and the best selection of merch that I’ve seen.

Some albums become classics. Others become companions. Spring Session M has been riding along with me for more than forty years, and somehow it still sounds like it's looking toward the future.

Thanks, Guys! Let us know what to put on the turntable next. Catch you next time.

7. Two for the road…. Hey, let us know…

1. Where were you the first time you heard Missing Persons Noticeable One?

2. Could this song become a hit today?

*Copyright © 2026 Missing Persons

*WLIR: Owned by Red Apple Media.