Customer Reviews

Thongs In The Key Of Life

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought "Thongs" last summer on the advice of other Amazon reviewers, played it once and put it away until our trip to the Keys this Christmas. It sounded great down in Florida, and fortunately now it's just what the doctor ordered in snowy Central New York. Such an unbelievable CD!

The sixteen songs here couldn't be more pleasantly diverse in their styles, yet every one takes you back to the beach, to Key West or to a Buffett concert. In fact, some of the artists here have either opened for Buffett or played at Parrothead gatherings like the Meeting of the Minds. The more I listen to it, my favorites change, although right now three songs get my vote - "Beach People, Beach Music" by Key West, "Postcard" by St. Somewhere, and "Life in the Laid Back Lane" by Sunny Jim White. The latter is a modern-day "Margaritaville", sung by a self-described poolside strummer from the Cayman Islands whose CD by the same name I just ordered from sunnyjim.com (pay attention, Amazon!).

Anyway - each of these artists have other stuff for you to buy, and the liner notes tell you where to find it. No doubt I'll also buy one or more CD's from Key West (the band) and several others. (Can I control myself and maybe only buy one per month? Doubtful.)

Guaranteed - if you buy this CD you'll be buying much more and branching out to great music you never knew existed!

I have great news for Jimmy Buffett fans after listening to this album: there is music like he used to make out there! In fact, since I purchased this album, I haven't taken it out of my cd player. I think every cut on here is good, but my favorite is "Beach People, Beach Music", by Key West. I ordered 2 of their other albums off of amazon, after I heard them on this album, and they are great! I also like the opening cut, "Postcard" from the band St. Somewhere, and the song "WEDO" by John Reno. I think this was a great idea, and I hope that Jim Hoehn decides to put out a second volume of "Thongs in the Key of Life". I think that it could be just as good as this first effort.

Greetings from the band Key West! We appreciate evryone who has purchased this album, and gone on to buy one (or more) of ours, as a result. And thanks to Jim Hoehn, for such a great idea in the first place. Jim, we think it is time to start working ona second one! What do you think? Now, a quick review: we think that this album is an excellent showcase of some of the best undiscovered music in America. We especially like the tunes by St. Somewhere, James White, John Reno, Brent Burns, Living Soul, Jim Morris, Scott Kirby, Jim Hoehn, ah hell, all of 'em! Anyway, thanks again to everyone who has sent kind reviews to us. If you'd like to get on our mailing list, see our website at keywesttheband.com, or call us at 1-800-836-4554. Thanks! Arthur Ford, Mark Hammond, Jerry Diaz, Tod Stark, Matt Bell, & Frank Randazzo KEY WEST-the Band

I bought this CD about a month ago, on the suggestion of a friend. She was right (thanks, Angie!) this is definitely one of the best collections of unsigned artists that I've come across. I was a little skeptical, because this wasn't on a major label, but a lot of these artists should be. I really like Brent Burns, "Vacation" song (in fact, I bought his album since then) James White's "Life in the Laid back Lane", and the song by Key West, "Beach People, Beach Music". I bought two more of Key West's albums since then, and they have a lot of material that is even better than "Beach People". Oh, and I also like that song, "Salsa Dance". All in all, this is a very entertaining mix of beach songs, with many different interpretations of the similar style. I'd recommend it to anybody......

Thongs is a compilation CD of 16 "beach" songs by 16 extremely talented artists. There is at least one song on this CD that will become a lifelong favorite for everyone who listens. I've been inspired to seek out these artists and listen to the rest of their stuff. Just to mention a few favorites (although ALL tracks are favorites)James"Sunny Jim" White's Life in the Laid Back Lane brings me to the Caymens right away. Scott Kirby has the most unbelievable voice, and Little Blue Boat is a great cut. Being one, I have to include ParrotHead Holiday by Mango Mango & Kevin Mulvenna's The Original ParrotHead. PH Holiday is fun, Original PH is every Buffett fans secret dream in a song. Last but certainly not least is Jim Hoehn's song Humanity Night on the Redneck Riviera. A great story from a great storyteller, and an excellent toe tapping tune to go with it. Buy this CD. Listen to it every day. It will put you in a good mood, I promise.

Being on the ocean much of the time, I have always had a huge interest in "local" music. I happened to come about this CD and was I surprised! This is an excellent CD, and is a must for any boat operator, Diver, or "Beach People".

Living in Florida, I already am familiar with the talents of Jim Morris (BOCANUTS) and James White, (LIFE IN THE LAIDBACK LANE), and you will not be disappointed. Natives of the "Sunburn Circuit" these songs exemplify the Tropical, Calypso, some Reggae flavor of this area. But the extention of this included Texas Gulf and Carolina Beach with its climate based laidback lyrics.

I guess if you can imagine A "BEACH MUSIC" concert version of Newport Jazz, this would be it. To a ocean person and a proud drifter of the islands from St. Thomas to Pedro Island, this CD is mandatory along side your Jimmy Buffett, Bertie Higgins, Bellamy Brothers, James Taylor, Barefoot Man, and Marley.

Go for this and Volume II. An excellent bargain.

JIMMY BUFFET FANS! ANY LOVERS OF CARRIBEAN MUSIC WILL LOVE THIS CD! IT IS SO FAST MOVING! GREAT MUSIC FOR B-B-Qs!

Note: Short review, but I don't know how to review CDs that well. Blame me.

This is really a fantastic CD. I have been a fan of Kevin Mulvenna, and Jim Hoehn's music, for some time now. They both have songs on this album, and they are extremely good. "Humanity Night" by Jim Hoehn is hilarious, and "The Original Parrot Head" is a great story. I also like many of the other artists on this album (most of whom I'd never heard of) including Scott Kirby, Key West, and St. Somewhere. I think that this is the perfect summertime album.

I bought this CD last December, after seeing some of the bands who are on it perform at the "Meeting of the Minds" party down in Key West, Florida. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. Most of the artists here are fantastic, and I think I will be buying their CD's soon, also. A few songs stand out, including "Life in the Laid Back Lane" by James White, "Beach People, Beach Music" by Key West, and "Overheated", by Sonny Russell. I have already checked out some of the artists' websites, and it has opened up a whole new world of music to me.

This is an excellent CD, and I can't believe it is by artists who have not been discovered yet! If you like Jimmy Buffett's music, then you'll really like this album. From Sonny Russell's "Overheated" to John Reno's "WEDO", it is obvious that these musicians are Buffett-influenced, and that is alright by me. Two other songs that I really like are Key West's "Beach People", and St. Somewhere's "Postcard". Buffett should get behind these people if he isn't already, because they are making good music!