Barbeau's voice on this album bears a striking similiarity to Alex Chilton, though his songs tend more towards melancholy and cleverness than vitriol.
King of Missouri benefits from backup band The Bevis Frond – Barbeau opened for the British neo-psyche masters at a gig in Sacramento apparently and they liked him enough to do an album together. XTC are also said to be Barbeau fans.
Highlights include the high-spirited title track and the killer pop melody and heartbroke lyrics of the ballad I Remember Everything. Very stylish graphic design from Bongobeat Records label-head Ralph Alphonso conveys an appropriately vintage feel.
