Customer Reviews

Take The Weather With You

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

OVERVIEW

Jimmy Buffett writes songs like he talks; never pompous, but often profound, and occasionally profane. His modus operandi is so laid back that one sometimes forgets what a stellar storyteller he truly is. This collection of songs, moods, tunes, and vibes began at the end of the world; that is, not a point in time so much as a physical location in Tierra del Fuego, where Antarctica is just around the block. And before you start envisioning our favorite Tropical Troubador cavorting with penguins, you'll be relieved (and delighted) to know that this Perpetually Peripatetic Parrothead is back to doing what he does best. And what is that, you may ask? Read on ....

SONGS

With his umpteenth album (really, who's counting) TAKE THE WEATHER WTIH YOU, Buffett serves up a fine smorgasbord of original and cover songs. I've never heard a bad Buffett album, although some of them can stand accused of being bland at times. But this album really raises the bar (pun intended); Buffett is here to have a good time, but he reminds us that "one day soon, I'll be a grandpa." In short, a bit of wisdom has crept into the Buffett paradigm, and his work is all the richer for it. Witness the songs here:

"Bama Breeze" - a spicy slice of salty southern soul, tinged with some country blues and tropical breezes courtesy of some very tasty guitar and warm keyboard/organ work (kudos to Mr. Utley). Surprisingly, given it's authentic feel for the Alabama Riviera, it wasn't actually written by JB (but you gotta love the shout out to Lulu).

"Party at the End of the World" - JB did write this one, and it's a very cool Robert Greenidge steel drum workout that will make you want to dance and even think...despite the party atmosphere, Buffett is actually tapping into the whole "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you may die" vibe.

"Weather With You" - As a huge fan of New Zealand's Finn Brothers (Crowded House, Split Enz), I approached Buffett's cover of their classic song with some trepidation. But, it turns out to be one of the best recordings of Buffett's entire career. He is obviously simpatico with the lyrics, and while he is faithful to the Finn's original, he also blends in his own unique stylings to concoct a libation that goes down smooth and pleasing.

"Everybody's On the Phone" - Loaded with some of Buffett's best one liners, it's a brilliant commentary on the wonders and perils of our interconnected little world. "I'm ADD on AOL and trying to read the writing on the wall," he muses. And, my oh my, does Greg "Fingers" Taylor wail on the harmonica!

"Whoop de Doo" - Buffett pairs perfectly with Mark Knopfler (himself a briliant songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire) on Knopfler's bluesy tearjerker. His words may say "Whoop de Doo," but his heart is still bleeding all over the floor. This reminds me somewhat of Buffett's classic "Coast of Marseilles."

"Nothin' But a Breeze" - Is a perculating little Jesse Winchester number that could have been a massive hit for JB back in the 70s...it's got that nice little bouncy-funky Carribbean Soul thing working on all cylinders.

"Cinco de Mayo in Memphis" - Written by maestro Guy Clark with Chuck Mead, it's a brilliant fusion of Tex-Mex, Key West, and Mississippi River ambience. It's brand new, but it already sounds like classic Buffett to me.

"Regabilly Hill" - Another cover, with a great title, this song is pleasant enough musically, though the background "whoo-hoo" vocals sound a little forced; overall, it's not a stand out track. The lyrics are enigmatic and certainly intriguing.

"Elvis Presley Blues" - Musically, this homage to the Sun sound (with some of that Johnny Cash boom-chicka-boom happening) is a definite winner; lyrically, it's a little strange, in that I think The King would take a bit of umbrage at the idea that "he shook it like a chorus girl/he shook it like a Harlem Queen." If he were alive to hear that, it's likely that Elvis would give our JB a swift karate chop and then eat his Cheeseburger n' Parrot Ice.

"Hula Girl at Heart" - This Buffett original shows JB at the absolute top of his game lyrically, vocally, melodically, instrumentally; this is everything a Buffett song ought to be. It has an underlying sweet innocence befitting its subject matter.

"Wheel Inside the Wheel" - While JB didn't write this one, it's about a subject near and dear to his heart: the Big Easy, New Orleans. It's an impassioned tribute, but with too many disparate musical influences fighting for the fore; it's attempting to be a great gumbo, but at the end of the day, it's not quite the sum of it's parts.

"Silver Wings" - After the complexity of the previous cut, this Merle Haggard classic is just what the doctor ordered. Buffett's voice is well-suited for Haggard's oeuvre and the easy-going country-reggae shuffle is just right.

"Breathe In, Breathe out, Move On" - This Hurricane Katrina remembrance really should be considered for a Song of the Year Grammy. It's incredibly moving--not just emotional, but a song to help you "move on" after great trial and tragedy. Musically, it's just gorgeous. It ranks with the best of the best of Buffett; it's at least the equal of "A Pirate Looks at Forty," "Changes and Lattitudes," or "Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season."

"Duke's On a Sunday" - A perfect closer; lighthearted, but mellow. It's Hawaiian, but without any cliched island trappings, just some fine picking, sweet harmonies, and understated percussive brilliance.

RECOMMENDATION

Buffett pals Michael Utley and Mac McAnally have given this CD a really clean, rich sound, and have brought JB gently back to the Tropical Cowboy Pop sound that his longtime fans know and love. It certainly ranks very high in the Buffett canon, right alongside some of his best 70s work.

Jimmy Buffett has always made some of the best "feel-good" party music, but it's rarely mindless drivel. On this album, he makes you want to dance and think, and that's a winning combination. In short, get this CD, plug in your headphones, kick off your shoes, and wiggle your toes in the sand.

I know that I'll get hammered on the "was this review helpful" poll, but that's the way it goes. This is simply my opinion.

I've gotta go against the grain with most people that have reviewed the CD and give it simply 3 stars. As a Buffett fan for 30 years, I'm one of many that have become disillusioned by his recent work. Things seem to have changed around "Barometer Soup" which was still a very good CD, but after that, it went downhill. "Beachhouse on the Moon" really did it in for me. I took a 3 CD break, but decided to jump back in with "Take the Weather With You".

In my opinion, the CD is good, but not great like many have said. If you're looking for Jimmy to return to his old roots of beach music, there is some of that, but there's also a lot of songs that do nothing for me. I'm definitely not throwing it into the CD player to listen to when I get in the car.

Definitely two thumbs up for Bama Breeze, Party at the End of the World, Nothin' But a Breeze, Hula Girl at Heart, Reggabilly Hill, and Breathe In, Breathe Out. All of these are very good songs with Hula Girl and Breathe In Breathe Out probably being the best of this group.

Others such as Whoop De Doo, Silver Wings, Weather With You, and Cinco De Mayo in Memphis are pretty good songs. They weren't my favorites, but I think you, the listener, will fairly enjoy them for the most part. Cinco de Mayo in Memphis is probably the best and could probably be in my top group.

The rest on the CD I could do without (Everybody's on the Phone, Wheel Inside the Wheel, Dukes on Sunday, Elvis Presley Blues). Probably the worst of them all is Wheel Inside a Wheel. Jimmy talks much of the song and the style didn't appeal to me. Dukes on Sunday was sort of dull. I've been to Dukes so I was looking forward to hearing it.

So in my opinion, some songs are very good, some are average, and some I really didn't care for at all. To me, there were more average and dull songs over the very good ones.

If you like Buffett, go buy it. I don't think you'll feel like you've wasted your money. However, I'll bet you a 6 pack you'll end up saying, "It was ok, but not great".

First, the songs that Jimmy has written on this album are, by far, the weakest moments on the record. There are some GREAT cover songs, including a spectacular cover of Crowded House's "Weather with You" (featuring the British electonic/hippie band Gomez on vocals, which helps cover Jimmy's lack of singing prowess). Also, Gillian Welch's "Elvis Presley Blues" is very nice, and Mary Gauthier's "Wheel Within a Wheel" is an acutal rock'n'roll JAM song about New Orleans (and it does, indeed, rock, with Jake S. playing the ukelele like a banjo and Sonny Landreth ripping on slide guitar).

The rest of the album is solid, if not remarkable, but I noticed on track 4, "Everybody's on the Phone"....that harmonica sound. Could it be??? I checked the liner notes, and yes, Greg "Fingers" Taylor is back blowing the harp. The sound that had been missing from Buffett's songs for so long is back on a couple tracks, and it is indeed a welcome sound.

So the definite high points are the 3 cover tunes mentioned above, and even though Jimmy's own songs pale in comparison, there are no real weak spots like on previous albums (Math Sucks, Simply Complicated, Mental Floss, for example). Thus, a rather solid CD with a nice blend of traditional country, alt-country, and island sounds.

Take the Weather With You gets off to a great start: "Bama Breeze" may be Jimmy's best song in a decade, with its typical witty lyrics and laid-back classic rock feel. "Party At the End of the World" is vintage Buffet, a paen to Tierra del Fuego, which the liner notes report is the southern-most part of the world (next to Anartica, of course). "Everybody's on the Phone" is another winner, mixing Jimmy's wry observations on modern convenieces (in this case, cell phones) with an irresistable sing-along chorus. The title track, a cover of Crowded House's "Weather With You," seems an odd choice, and really doesn't improve upon the original.

Things get a little more conventional after that, with a string of well-performed but somewhat lackluster material. "Elvis Presley Blues" is a stand-out misfire, as Buffet actually seems kinda bored with song. "Regabilly Hill" and "Hula Girl At Heart" suffer from a similiar malady. A faithful rendering of Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings" is fine, although it would have been more at home on Buffet's 2004 country album, License To Chill.

Take the Weather With You also brings us the inevitable Hurricane Katrina number, "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On." Some great imagery about buying a watch from a street peddler is marred some less-than-subtle lines: "If a hurricane doesn't leave you dead/It will make you strong/Don't try to explain just nod your head/Breathe in, breathe out, move on."

As I've said in reviews of previous Jimmy Buffet albums, hardcore fans don't really need reviews. . .they're going to buy the CD anyway. And the strong songs mentioned at the beginning of the review make this one worthwhile for casual fans.

Awesome album, don't listen to the previous poster, he is just some one on the Buffett bitter bus. This album is wonderfull, I would pay the full price just for Dukes On Sunday alone. Jimmy has walked away from the country sound ala License to Chill, and gone back to his fan favorite Trop Rock Sound. Stand outs are Dukes on Sunday, Cinco de Mayo in Memphis, Reggabilly Hill, Weather With You, Nothin' but a Breeze,Silver Wings,Hula Girl at Heart, Party at the End of the World,and the outstanding Breathe in, Breathe out, Move On. So as you can tell that is most of the album, so that has to say something. Best album since Banana Wind, 9.5 out of 10, enough said.

The inimitable Jimmy Buffett released his 26th original album (not counting live and compilations). Overall, the album is very good and has some good, and at least two "great" songs, but does not rank as highly as some of his more recent work. Nevertheless, it is a good album and I'm enjoying it.

Jimmy's last album, "License to Chill" was his greatest commercial success to date from a career that has lasted over 35 years. That album featured several popular country artists and was recorded after Jimmy appeared with Alan Jackson in a song called "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and attracted the attention of large, mainstream country music fans. Suddenly, Jimmy was cooler than ever.

1. Bama Breeze - This song appears to have been written specifically for Jimmy. It includes a reference to his sister, Lulu, who does in fact own a bar on the Alabama-Florida border called the Flora-Bama. A video was also made for this song. The ruins are of an actual bar in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi called the Firedog Saloon, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This is the song Jimmy "had" to do following the success of "License to Chill." It's a pretty good tune.

2. Party at the End of the World - A tad goofy, it's still a fun song. A characteristic Buffett song invoking images of global travel and introducing Latin rhythms and sounds. The music has more of a world music feel. It would be neat to create a dance re-mix of this song.

3. Weather With You - Written by the Finn brothers and originally recorded by Crowded House, this is the remake of a song Buffett probably wishes he had written. It continues a familiar theme related to his recording of an old tune called "Everybody's Talkin'." That song contains a line known to resonate with Buffett that goes, "Going where the weather suits my clothes." Most of us can relate to having a bad day, perhaps being in a rainy, cold climate and needing to get out. Now when you get to the sunny destination, you can bring the nice weather back home.

4. Everybody's On the Phone - Buffett has tended to be a bit of a biographer of modern times, which comes through in this tune. Some of the lyrics are pretty clever and the music is kind of catchy, but it can't quite escape its goofiness. The music makes you want to blast the volume, and you just can't quite bring yourself to do it while singing these words. Buffett has done some songs that turned out this way in the past, like "Who's The Blonde Stranger" and "Ragtop Day".

5. Whoop De Doo - Written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame. Knopfler also plays guitar on this track. It's a nice, smooth, romantic ballad. I like it, although I would like it more if the title and main line "Whoop De Doo" were something else - that slight goofiness has reared its ugly head again. This song features a surprisingly proficient vocal performance by Buffett.

6. Nothin' But a Breeze - Penned by Jesse Winchester, who is responsible for some of my favorite Buffett songs, including ""Defying Gravity" and "Biloxi". This song is classic Buffett, and very satisfying. Easily one of the best tunes on the album.

7. Cinco de Mayo in Memphis - One of the best examples of how Buffett blends the sounds, images and flavors of different cultures and regions as well as the way he weaves things from his youth into his songs. This fun song brings to mind the amusing thought of Mexican immigrants swimming across the Rio Grande to pay homage to Elvis Presley. Memorable lyrics include "soul sisters hugging senoritas" and the Jimmy babbling (as is typical) at the end, "me gusta las zapatas azul" and "excusa senora, donde esta Graceland?" Great tune.

8. Reggabilly Hill - Instant favorite. A reggae ballad retelling a Caribbean story of the people fighting government oppression and poverty. I would love to find more information about the songwriter, as this may be a cover of a song that already exists. There is an indication it may have been recorded by a group called Blue Alleluia, but I can't find anything on the internet about them. I love singing the chorus on this one.

9. Elvis Presley Blues - I guess this is a song Buffett likes and wanted to record. It continues the theme begun with Cinco de Mayo in Memphis. I'm not an Elvis fan, but I do like this tune, particularly the prominent rockabilly bass line and the piano, which reminds me of some of my favorites from Buffett's early days on "Living & Dying in 3/4 Time". Jimmy didn't write this and, as I said I'm not an Elvis fan, but his contributions to modern music are undeniable. I like the line about "his soul at stake" since the holy rollers at the time told Elvis (and his fans) that he would burn in hell for his un-Christian ways (e.g. rock `n roll is the devil's music and shaking his hips). I like this one, too.

10. Hula Girl At Heart - It's a nice, easy song with a bit of a Hawaiian feel (surprise!) but a bit boring to me. Not a bad song, but I tend to skip it when listening to the album.

11. Wheel Inside the Wheel - Instant classic. I love this song, even though it's one of the darkest songs Buffett has ever done. We're back in New Orleans again, with more images of frivolity and hedonism, weaved together with an overall theme of immortality. This is a tough, bluesy rock n' roll song that does make you crank the volume and sing at the top of your lungs. Especially as you head down to the French Quarter for a bit of partying. The writer of the song and the original recording artist, Louisiana native and poet Mary Gauthier gets credit for the imagery and feel of the song, but Jimmy and his band turned this into a straight-ahead rocker that's got real staying power.

12. Silver Wings - This is a classic country song from way back by Merle Haggard. Jimmy gives this one a Polynesian feel and does a competent job on vocals. Nicely done.

13. Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On - Perhaps my favorite of this album. This song was co-written with Matt Betton, former drummer for the Coral Reefer Band and is about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Because Jimmy is from the Gulf Coast and has a special place in his heart for that region, this soulful song is special, too. Great music, great words, great feelings.

14. Duke's On Sunday - Song written by a Hawaiian artist, the music has a heavy jazz influence. It's a slow, soft and easy song. Not one of my favorites, but a good one to end the album with. Good background music for dinner or conversation.

15. Here We Are - This song is not actually on the audio track, but is a video included on the disc. The video feature footage from concerts, mostly of the antics of fans engaging in their parking lot pre-show partying. The song is a nostalgic look at the relationship Jimmy has had with his fans over the course of his career. Without people showing up to his shows, especially in the early days, Jimmy never would have made it. His laid-back, carefree persona has become something a bit larger than himself and he has his fans to thank for that. The video closes with a visual reminder to his friends to always keep your "fins up".

Some of the more astute afficianados may note, either by listening or reading the liner notes, that estranged harmonica player and original Coral Reefer "Fingers" Taylor has made a return. Fingers left the band about 10 years ago following a disagreement over health insurance (which the band members don't receive). Great to have him back.

Very good album overall, not disappointing at all, but not a grand slam either.

The last several JB CDs have been a bit introspective, lacking the old free spirit feeling of the earlier releases. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, mind you, for we parrot heads simply enjoy anything Jimmy releases. That being said, however, it's really good to go back to the light and fancy free Buffett we all know and love. The original songs harken back to the good old times, and Jimmy can take someone's else's song and make it distinctly his own. I wait very impatiently for every new Buffett release, and this one has made the wait well worth while. Party on, Jimmy!

In my opinion this is the best thing since Barometer Soup. Excellent from start to finish. To the reviewer that does not like Hula Girl, give it another shot or two before you skip over it. It is right in line with other Buffett greats about the kids, such as Little Miss Magic, Delaney Talks To Statues, Chanson Por Les Petite Enfants, etc. I can only guess the song is about Jimmy's daughter all grown up now.

If you gave up on Buffett after Beach House on the Moon, now is the time to get back on board. This is a great, no GREAT piece of work!!!

I have friends that have listened to Buffett with me in the past and thought I was kinda strange for liking his stuff, but when driving to lunch yesterday I heard a strange noise in the back of my car. When I turned to see what was going on, these people were tapping their feet and smiling. I think I converted 3 people into parrotheads.

I simply cannot say enough good things about this CD (or record as Jimmy would call it) to do it justice. It is absolutely wonderful! I know already that this CD will spend the next month in my car player and I have already listened to it 4 times since I downloaded it from Itunes. Having gone through a difficult divorce recently the song "Whoop do Doo" spoke to my heart. The steel guitar on this selection and througout the rest of the album is amazing. In fact if you are a steel guitar fan buy this CD for that fact alone. "Everybody's on the phone" is a fun romp that should hit home for all of us in this day and age. I have already played "Breathe in, Breathe out and Move On" over and over. Going through some difficult business decisions right now, this song is just the medicine I need. It was written in and effort to help heal the wounds left by Katrina but it contains wisdom that can apply to anyone's life. I would consider this song to go beyond the pop song realm and to be very deep and philosophical; the reference to Nietzsche in the song line "If a hurricane doesn't kill you it makes you stronger" should make us all take a moment to reflect on our lives and move on stronger. Silver Wings may be a cover song but with Jimmy's tropical flair, it makes me think of boarding a plane on the runway in Ixtapa. The Wheel Within the Wheel is an awesome tune; it makes me want to book a flight to New Orleans right now. I could go on and on. Each and every song on this release is a gem. Buy it. You won't regret it, I promise! Thanks Jimmy and keep them coming!

This was worth the price just to get "Bama Breeze"!