Dale - Riot In English (1988)

Here is another post that comes courtesy of another fantastic Isle fan, Tyler. He noticed that I had mentioned in the Terri Nunn post that I would like to feature this album, and he generously uploaded and sent it to me to share with you all. Thanks so much again, Tyler! You rock! Dale Bozzio was born Dale Frances Consalvi, but changed her last name after getting married to Terry Bozzio, her bandmate in new wave sensations Missing Persons. The group was formed out of musicians who worked with Frank Zappa. As one would suspect, their music was something different, punky new wave that featured Dale's unique voice. And given her penchant for appearing practically (and sometimes fully!) nude, they were an instant hit on MTV. (One of their most beloved songs, "Walking In L.A.", was even covered by Isle postee Traci Lords!) But Dale and Terry ended up going through a bitter divorce and the band broke up in 1986. In hopes of riding on the band's success, Dale pursued a solo career, dropping the last name. She was signed to Prince's Paisley Park Records, though like Good Question, her association to Prince was very limited, with her recording one song on the album that he wrote, "So Strong" (which is the best track on the album, IMO). The album was produced by singer/producer Robert Brookins, with an obvious attempt at a Prince sound, funky new wave. The first single "Simon Simon" made a small dent on the dance charts, but the second single "Riot In English" made no splash, and neither did the album. Clearly Dale's fans were looking for something more like Missing Persons, and her distinct hiccuppy little girl voice didn't quite suit the music. She faded into relative obscurity for years, occasionally showing up in a Missing Persons reunion or using the band name with other musicians. Her most recent moment in the spotlight was on the TV show Hit Me Baby One More Time, fronting a make-shift Missing Persons and singing their hit "Words", as well as a cover of Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head". They didn't win. But she continues recording, most notably doing modernized remakes of her own and others 80s hits for Cleopatra Records (joining Tiffany, Dead Or Alive and Information Society, among others). But her influence is underestimated. Listen to Gwen Stefani, Santogold and even Ashley Simpson in "Outta My Head", and you can hear the obvious influence of Dale's one of a kind vocal style.

Video for Simon Simon

Download Riot In English

1		Simon Simon
2		Giddi Up Baby-Be Mine
3		Overtime
4		So Strong
5		Love Is Hard Work
6		Riot In English
7		He's So Typical
8		Ouch That Feels Good
9		The Perfect Stranger