Anton Barbeau, the pop king of Sacramento, has returned with the follow-up to 2002’s 'The King of Missouri' — and unfortunately 'Guladong' looks pale beside its predecessor.

'King' was recorded at Gold Dust Studios in Walthamstow with members of British psychedelicists the Bevis Frond. By comparison, half of Barbeau’s latest is just the man himself. On other tracks he’s joined by drummer Brad Cross; a smattering of other guests help out on a track each. Barbeau is the same playful, horny purveyor of twisted pop — slightly in the Robyn Hitchcock mode, or a straightfaced Tall Dwarves — and Cross is a perfectly capable accompanist, but 'Guladong' still sounds like a demo.

The primary culprit in this case is the “wee digital 8-track” used for production. Instead of the creative spark generated by the interaction of musicians, you get the inspiration-sapping effect of a performer  playing with himself (err ... so to speak).  Cross’s drum sound is also cruelly treated by the dry digital sound and is reduced to a sad clatter on several tracks. Barbeau fans will likely still enjoy it, as his songwriting skills are still present and accounted for, but for newcomers it’s easier to recommend something from his extensive back catalogue.


Track Listing
Telephones And Singalongs
You Look Good In Yellow
Grapes On A Plate
It Won't Be Long Till The Banjo Patrol Comes Along
Stewart Mason
Ruth From Leeds
I'm Just A Country Girl
Keep My Face Clean
The Prince Of Chairs Has The Happiest Dream In The
Mahjong Dijon
Chinese Boots Of Spanish Leather
Guladong
King Of Missouri 2
K's Wet Whistle