Jimmy Buffett
He has released twenty-one albums, all good sellers, since he first achieved success in the early seventies, but radio stations do not play his stuff. Not ever. His fans (known as "Parrot-Heads") are truly devoted and loyal; his concerts are rollicking, multi-generational family affairs; and he's been described by Rolling Stone as the only man who really knows how to party. Alternative music? Absolutely. It's Jimmy Buffett--who else?
The uninitiated, if asked about his work, would probably be able to name only "Margaritaville." But the truth is that "Jimmy"--as he is simply known--is a musical genre all his own, which is precisely why he doesn't get played on the radio--he doesn't fit any format. His music combines elements of musical genres including Folk, Rock, Country, Raggae, Cajun, Latin, and even Big Band. The only things he positively doesn't do are pop or head-banging rock. His Coral Reefer Band uses a seemingly limitless array of instruments including harmonica, viola, fiddle, sax, flute, trumpet, acoustic as well as electric and steel guitars, and uncountable varieties of drums. It all adds up to Jimmy's own unique musical category, which is why an aficionado who is asked what type of music they like may say something like "Oh, I like folk, fusion, and Jimmy Buffett."
There are many reasons why Jimmy's music is best savored by listening to it repeatedly in order to catch the clever pathos and other techniques it contains. Jimmy's lyrics have always been full of literary allusions and tributes to American writers ranging from Mark Twain and John D. McDonald to Pat Conroy. His signature anthem is "Son of a Son of a Sailor" and the fans' undisputed favorite tune is "Fins to the Left, Fins to the Right." Every album contains catchy, humorous numbers like "Life is just a Tire-Swing" and "I Will Play for Gumbo."
The drunken revelry and rowdiness of Jimmy's early albums have been largely replaced by more mature ballads which contemplate growing older and having kids. But his work is still dominated by the unmistakable feeling of fun which is Jimmy's hallmark. His songs, characters, and fans savor satisfying and interesting relationships, events, and good food--in short, they enjoy life. Jimmy's music celebrates perspective, humor, and the good in the real life of ordinary people, people who worry about gaining weight and can relate to ubiquitous allusions to Star Trek. Jimmy discusses life's priorities; he sings that "Money is contraband (You can't take it with you when you go)" and admonishes, "Be good, and you will be lonely."
From albums like "Living and Dying in 3/4 Time" (1974) to "Fruitcakes" (1994), "Barometer Soup" (1995), and "Banana Wind" (1996), Jimmy's works reliably reflect his irreverent but loving spirit of reveling in life's foibles. Younger fans will enjoy his paean to homework, "Math Sucks (the Big One)" while others appreciate his homespun, gently ironic philosophy ("We are the people our parents warned us about") and intriguing turns of phrase exemplified in such selections as "Last Mango in Paris" and "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean." Jimmy is also active in several conservation causes, leading an effort to save endangered manatees, and he works with children's and other charities.
In the past few years Buffett has also published several books, fiction collections mostly, capitalizing on his (okay, limited but real) name recognition. The material is mostly related to or drawn from his songs and their sources. He acknowledges that he felt he had to do it because he always fancied himself a storyteller, since many of his songs are quaint little folksy tales; however, the clear verdict from anyone who has read Tales from Margaritaville and the other releases is that Jimmy's books are really only for hard-core devotees who need to buy them as a tribute to their bard. They are not great literature by any stretch of the imagination, but that does not detract from the phenomenon that is Jimmy, because it's all about the music anyway, and there he is still the master.
In the final analysis what makes Jimmy Jimmy is the rhythm, wonderfully evident in his latest album, Beach-House on the Moon (1999). As with all his past albums, it's an irresistible slow-swaying dance rhythm with a moderate-quick tempo running via all sorts of different arrangements through all of his music, and it's both seductive and comforting. Like other artists from Paul Simon to U2, Jimmy combines it with social commentary and satire, but in his case it is as easily accessible as talking with a friend; Jimmy ruminates on themes and lessons anyone can relate to, such as the times in life when we catch ourselves "Pacing the Cage" or regretting a "Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling." Parrot-heads of course can only hope that Jimmy will go on recording songs that show how well he understands culture and celebrates life. Anyone who is not yet a parrot-head should buy a Jimmy Buffett album and listen to it while relaxing, and experience his inimitable way of restoring your perspective and your smile.
The Jimmy Buffett Parrot(t)head Page
