Look, ask yourself how important the tune "Margaritaville" has been to Jimmy Buffett in terms of identifying him, branding him and flat out making him a multi-millionaire? It was huge, there's nothing to compare with it, save "Cheeseburger in Paradise," but that's on another album. Bottom line is that his brand is "Margaritaville," and it's been very good to Buffett.
Thus, "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," marked the end of his classic period and was the transition album to the persona he was in the process of becoming, so even the album title works in that sense.
Nevertheless, the music on this album is terrific. You could exclude "Margaritaville," too, and it'd still be great. The title tune is one of them, as are "Wonder Why We Ever Go Home," "Banana Republics," concert fave "Tampico Trauma," "In the Shelter," Miss You So Badly," and the great cover of the Jesse Winchester opus, "Biloxi," in my humble opinion, one of his best ever recordings. It's Jimmy at his balladeering best.
On this album, the Coral Reefer Band comes into it's own, too. The Nashville Cats who were his sidemen on previous albums aren't featured as Coral Reefers anymore and Don Gant has been replaced by Norbert Putnam as the producer. Although the personnel of the Reefers has changed over the years (Mr. Utley being the last of the early Reefers still around), Buffett eschewed the steel guitar in his sound, moving to a contemporary rock sound -- including experimenting with instruments not normally heard on rock tunes -- and "Margaritaville," is the classic example of this change in musical direction.
As I said, Buffett was becoming a big star, supporting this album in bigger venues than ever and he wasn't sure where it was all going as he says in "Wonder Why We Ever Go Home," "....wondering if I can keep her, as I race to catch up with my dreams....how they shine and glitter and gleam."
Well, clearly, Buffett was getting the picture that if he played his cards right, he could live a lifestyle most people could only dream of with and still play his music, too. On "Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," this all kind of comes to the surface.
On the other hand, the music on this album is just about as good as Jimmy Buffett can get. I personally like "A-1-A" about the same, maybe a little more, but this album has been around for almost 30 years and has stood the test of time. The material was great then and it's still great. It's much, much more than "Margaritaville," believe me. And like "A-1-A," there isn't a weak cut on the album.
Five stars.
This album is a joy to listen to from start to finish. The title track is superb, a finely crafted piece of country/folk perfection which cannot fail to impress all who hear it. Another excellent track is Banana Republics, one of the finest songs never to be released as a single. Many people have a snobbish attitude towards Buffett and his fans but he personified the west coast sound and gave a new dimension to feel good music. He represents everything that was good about the 1970s and beyond. This album, by far his best work, is a must have for any serious music fan.
CHANGES IN LATITUDES, CHANGES IN ATTITUDES is where Jimmy Buffett's special outdoors-focused blend of country-rock and Caribbean music reaches its peak of quality. There are many gems here, including, especially, "Margaritaville" and the title song. If you get this one, SONGS YOU KNOW BY HEART, and a few other of his albums, you'll have the essential Jimmy Buffett library.
I must admit I was a little dissapointed to find out Jimmy didn't write one of my favorite songs, Banana Republics, Steve Goodman did. (He also wrote "This Hotel Room"). But it's still a great song to escape into, as is this whole album. A perfect Key West moment.
This could very well be the best Jimmy Buffett album ever. Filled with hit songs and personal favorites, any person who has even heard of Jimmy will love this album. Great for true-grit fans or someone looking to get their first Buffett album. "Changes" will not dissappoint.
