Thursday, August 16, 2007

Missouri - Welcome Two Missouri (1979)

Southern rockers, Missouri, hail from Kansas City & came together in 1975. Led by Ron West, brother of Shooting Star's Gary West, the band began as a studio project, but the success of their self-titled debut prompted the band to tour across the country for two years. Released by Panama Records in 1977, "Missouri" spawned a regional hit single "Movin' On" which eventually led to a contract with Polydor Records the following year. The band were shuffled into the studio without much preparation and in 1979, "Welcome Two Missouri" hit store shelves. Though the material was surprisingly strong, especially under the rushed circumstances, the tastes of music lovers were beginning to change and by 1980, Missouri were without a record deal. For four more years, the band struggled to secure a contract, only to split in 1984. Since the split, the band resurfaced for a tour in 1994. Former members went on to performing with various local acts in Kansas City, as well as forays into production and numerous activities outside of the business. Ron West is currently in talks for another band revival.

"Welcome Two Missouri" is an excellent southern hard rock album with just enough sleek precision to please sophisticados. Complete with trademark twin guitars, like many of their southern rock peers, Missouri crank out one classic cut after another to create a consistently strong batch of songs. Unlike the Allman Brothers, Little Feat or Marshall Tucker Band, Missouri craft concise hook driven southern rock without overindulgence. Fans of Atlanta Rhythm Section, Hydra or Blackfoot will find much to enjoy here. Check out this contribution from 'orchman' and see for yourselves.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post Ronnie. The 1sr Missouri album is pretty good too if you find it. Keep up the good work!

--D.Moose

Anonymous said...

Dude you are my hero. I've been looking for this one for a while and was even gonna request it here.

This blog just keeps on kickin ass.

micksguitar said...

great post. these guys are very good. i got their 1st. lp and it has an early version of movin' on . and it's real good. thanx mick.

space88 said...

Hello Ronnie
From me also a big Thanks.I like Westcoast a lot.Maybe you have there First Album?
Andre

Anonymous said...

Is the first track appearing twice as the first track? (7 min 13 sec)

Great album. Good Southern Rock.

Thanks!

Collin said...

And of course Missouri descended from the legendary 60's garage group, the Chessman Square, and Michael Brown's post-Stories project, the Beckies. Sadly, guitarist Jimmy McAllister passed away last year.

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing this

fairplaybeach said...

Great sound... Thanks for digging up a new band for me to enjoy.

Big clash said...

Hi Ronnie,
This bans is very nice.
Thanks for this post.
ah...Your blog is wonderous.
Congratulation!