Why does Scala require a return type for recursive functions?

In the code snippet included below, I have a recursive function call, used to facilitate a retry if a network call fails (Amazon SimpleDB will occasionally return a 503 and require retry.)

When I try to compile, the Scala complains recursive method simpledb_update needs result type.

// sends data to SimpleDB. Retries if necessary
def simpledb_update(name: String, metadata: Map[String,String], attempt: Int) = {
 try {
  db(config("simpledb_db")) += (name, metadata)
 } catch {
  case e =>
   // if it fails, try again up to 5 times
  if(attempt < 6)
  {
   Thread.sleep(500)
   simpledb_update(name, metadata, attempt + 1)
   } else
     AUlog(name + ": SimpleDB Failed")
   }
 }

Why is this required on recursive functions? My thought is to just return a true/false boolean to satisfy the compiler... the following compiles fine.

// sends data to SimpleDB. Retries if necessary
 def simpledb_update(name: String, metadata: Map[String,String], attempt: Int): Boolean = {
 try {
  db(config("simpledb_db")) += (name, metadata)
  true
 } catch {
  case e =>
   // if it fails, try again up to 5 times
   if(attempt < 6)
   {
    Thread.sleep(500)
    simpledb_update(name, metadata, attempt + 1)
   } else
    AUlog(name + ": SimpleDB Failed")
    false
  }
}