Record guide: selected rock and pop releases

December 21, 1982

These capsule reviews are designed to help readers decide which records to buy. Inclusion does not indicate Monitor endorsement. Further reviews in the rock/pop category - as well as in other categories, such as classical and jazz - are published from time to time.

ROCK/POP

Missing Persons: ''Spring Session M.'' Capital ST 12228.This Los Angeles-based act has a chemistry that bubbles with a refreshing and different sound. ''Session M'' is a bouncy, upbeat album from which two hit singles, ''Words'' and ''Destination Unknown,'' have already bloomed. The five-member band includes former Frank Zappa drummer Terry Bozzio and wife Dale Bozzio, whose somewhat-limited vocals nonetheless help give the band its special sound. For most songs, the band relies on a quick, driving tempo that gives Pat O'Hearn a chance to finger his bass and allows Warren Cuccurullo to churn out quick chords on his guitar. Chuck Wild rounds out the band's sound with his more-than-adequate keyboard playing. There's perhaps one weakness: the easily forgotten lyrics. However, the music is appealing to the ear, and danceable as well.