Customer Reviews

Deja View

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The second CD, first studio CD from Hanna's Reef has 14 tracks, 5 new songs along with 9 re-recorded songs from back when most of Hanna's Reef played under the name Key West-The Band. Unlike many "re-recorded" songs, these nine songs have been re arranged and reworked in one way or the other, and have a new feel and "soul" to them. They're like new songs and well worth listening to again and again.
The name "Deja View" (which I'm kinda partial to) was chosen because, in Jerry Diaz' words "It contains some of our favorite songs from our past and some of the new music that we're making now."

And Hanna's Reef is making some great music! This CD has been the only one in my player for over a week now and it's not coming out anytime soon.

The CD starts with "Rum in Pensacola", a "kick yourself in the butt because you didn't realize what you had" song. I've been listening to Jerry's songs for eight years now and this song is my favorite.

The next song, "Tropical Girl" is a tropical love story with a Latin flair.

"Beer Drinkers and Sail Raisers" gets it's start from the back of a Hanna's Reef T-Shirt. This song is destined to be the "Sing Along" song on the CD, with lyrics like:
"We're Beer Drinkers and Sail Raisers
Smiles away from the old rat racers
Three sheets to the wind and goin' strong.
We're all for one, one for all
Bound for another port o' call
Doing everything I said I would
Life is good!

"King of the Island" is a story about Galveston Island in the 30's when "Victor was king of the island" and the Mob wanted to move in.

"Island Time" Sometimes the world moves way too fast and there's too much technology. You just want to slow things down.

"Bitter Winds" We've all looked back and said "what if". This song reminds you to keep moving forward, reaching for your "pot of gold".

"Livin Well" This is a song about the "rock star life" but could also apply to a mid-life crisis. Hey, either one, along with this song sounds great and is nothing but fun. Jerry Diaz gets on the mike for this one.

"Jamaica Me Smile" Sometimes you meet someone that makes you feel better than a week in the Keys or in this case, Jamaica.

"Have You Seen Your Rita" We all know or have known someone like this.

"Local Knowledge" "Local Knowledge" is information and stories that you're not going to hear in the tourist traps. You have to go where the locals are. Those memories can sometimes be the best treasures from any trip. This song is one of the treasures of the CD.

"Sail Away" Had Enough? It's time for an escape, a get away. This song is the next best thing to just walking away and heading to the nearest boat.

"Makin' Waves" Another great song about 5 people getting away and Makin' Waves.

"Fun in the Sun" Classic 60's beach song. Very Beach Boy-esque. This song is screaming for a remake with Beach Boy Mike Love sitting in. If your not tapping your feet during this song, call the doctor - You're comatose.

"Everything's Gonna Be Alright" A catchy, feel good song to wrap up the CD.... Well, almost. Here's a hidden "track"


You'll be able to see Hanna's Reef not only at Meeting of the Minds in Key West this November, but also at Riddles in the Sand in Galveston, Texas the last weekend in July.


This review, along with $.75 will get you coffee in some places other than Starbucks. It's just my opinion and you know what they say about those.

Happy listening!

What makes Hanna's Reef stand apart is that in their live shows they blend original music with Buffett-esque covers. They are not just another cover band. This album combines nine of Jerry's original songs that were recorded in his previous lifetime, with five new original tunes. The opening track, Rum In Pensacola, is worth the price of the CD by itself. If this song doesn't get some radio play, somebody missed the boat. The rest of the new songs are great, and the older songs have been updated and sound great also.

I've been following these guys for several years, even before they went by the name "Hanna's Reef". This album is BY FAR head and shoulders above anything they've released up till now. First, the production quality is top-notch. The person credited as "the producer" (Danny Broussard) has finally captured the "feel" that this band has been needing. There are several re-makes of songs that this band recorded previously, when most of them were with "Key West-the band". But with the improved production, and an obvious re-thinking of the instrumentation, these remakes really are like new songs. Especially notable are "Tropical Girl", and "Makin' Waves". They did a fantastic job of updating those two.

Now for the best part of the album though. The five new songs recorded here are superb. The album opens with "Rum in Pensacola", which has has got "radio airplay" written all over it. It's a classic love song, with the Pensacola Beach as a backdrop. Mike Barnett's vocals, and Jerry Diaz's guitar solo at the end highlight this should-be hit. Another great new song is "Beer Drinkers and Sail Raisers". It's a catchy little song that you'll be humming all day after you hear it. As a sailor myself, I can tell you that this is sure to be an anthem for the sailing crowd, once it gets circulated.

The other new tunes include "Living Well", which is a great showcase for Diaz's lyrics. Funny stuff! Also included is another great sailing song "Local Knowledge". It is actually my favorite song on the album. It sounds like something that could have been on Buffett's "Son of a Son of a Sailor" album. And lastly, a mindless little summertime tune called "Fun in the Sun" shows that these guys must have listened to a few Beach Boys albums somewhere along the way.

The overall feel of this album is exactly what I have in mind when I see these guys perform live. It has that heavy bottom end to it, but it's complemented with a breezy acoustic guitar throughout the album, and steel drums to spice things up a bit. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best albums I've heard in years. I'd give it a rating much higher than a 5, if they'd allow it!

What a pleasant surprise this purchase turned out to be! I heard about Hanna's Reef from a friend of mine in Texas. She had seen them perform at a festival there this summer. I had not heard them, but bought the Deja View CD on her recommendation.

"Rum in Pensacola" is just awesome! I think that if this song ever gets on the radio, it will be a national hit. But it's not the only good song here. They are just one right after another. "Tropical Girl" is great, and so is "Beer Drinkers and Sail Raisers". These guys just have a great sound, and their music really makes people feel good.

I definitley recommend this CD to anyone who likes fun, uplifting, "tropical" music!

Hann's Reef is an awesome band. I love island music and they sound great on this CD.

I also recommend an album by Key West, Beach Balls and Alcohol.

I've listened to this CD 3-4 times now and what comes to mind is a comment from Simon Cowell: "It sounds like someone singing karaoke." To me, this CD sounds too contrived and too planned. It doesn't come across as heart-felt or real. I've never seen this band in concert and maybe I need to so I can appreciate them more. It isn't bad music if you like Jimmy Buffett and want songs that sound like he would write if he were still working the bar circuit. It is just missing the energy. It's an OK CD.

Although this has been out for some time, I just purchased it this week. It was absolutely and positively worth the money. If you love Jimmy Buffett, Brent Burns, Gene Mitchell, the Boat Drunks, etc., you will love this, too. I only wish they had more CD's to purchase. I had never heard of this group until I had the Margaritaville radio station on one day. They were playing a song I loved, and when I ran in to see who it was, it was Hanna's Reef. The particular song was "Life Is Good", but the others on this CD are equally as good. I hope you will enjoy this one as much as I am. I am happily adding it to my "Play All Summer Long" CD's.

The guys in Hanna's Reef have a great sound. A blend of carribean, country, and beach, the songs tell great stories. I especially enjoys Pensacola, Jamaica me Smile, and Sail Away.

You will truly enjoy this album.