Jimmy Buffett Album: “There's Nothing Soft About Hard Times [1 CD]”

I am a huge Buffett Fan, I have seen him every year for the last 10 years. This Album is too country, I was expecting something more Fun! If you're a die-hard Fan, buy it for your collection, otherwise buy Live Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

This is a standard Jimmy Buffet album, not much special. Some of the songs I enjoyed very much, like Captain America, while others didn't do much for me, such as Ain't He A Genius? I wouldn't recommend unless you are a true Parrothead.

For those initially turned off by this album, I suggest reading Jimmy Buffett's autobiography, titled, A Pirate Looks at Fifty. Many of the stories in the book put a timeframe around this album. Buffett hasn't always written caribbean rock and roll music!

I am an absolute Buffett fan and as such I hope that Jimmy is not behind this album and so many more like it. It is a scam.

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A LITTLE HISTORY

Jimmy recorded two albums before heading to Key West in the early 70's. Those albums are Down to Earth and High Cumberland Jubilee. These albums are "interesting". I agree that a true fan would be fascinated with these albums, but be warned that they are very different. If you are looking for something along the line of Margaritaville, Five O'Clock Somewhere, or Come Monday, keep on looking.

The record label promptly fired Jimmy after the release of Down to Earth. High Cumberland had been recorded but was not released. Down to Earth went nowhere (which you might understand after listening to it) so their actions are understandable. However, they clearly regretted their decision years later and are trying to make some of the money they missed out on with this product. These songs have been repackaged again and again. Caveat emptor! If you want these songs (and many folks do not and will not) buy them only one time.

Good things about these two albums: original versions of The Captain and the Kid, In the Shelter, and Livingston's Gone to Texas. They are different and something I quite enjoy listening to. And I do know all the words to the other 21 songs as well, but I have to listen to them in private as I know no other human who can stand them (my dogs don't mind too much).

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BACK TO THIS PRODUCT

But buy Down to Earth and High Cumberland Jubilee, NOT this album. How can you spot the bad ones? First clue: this item is listed without a track list. What are they hiding? The fact that this same album is sold under many other names and isn't good enough to want to own multiple copies of. Second clue: when looking at an obscure Buffett album beware of the songs Ellis Dee (He Ain't Free), Captain America, A Mile High in Denver, Ace, High Cumberland Dilemma, and God Don't Own a Car.

In my not so humble opinion: you should only buy this product if you have an unhealthy need to own everything with the name Jimmy Buffett on it, but your money would be better spent on therapy (or bubble wrap).

When I first listened to this cd I thought it was a pirate imposter. It is horrible. I checked the internet to see if it was really a cd by Jimmy Buffet. Unfortunately, it is.

I have been listening to Jimmy Buffet since 1975 and this just is not him. Gone are all of the island style sounds. The captain and the Kid sounds like a terrible amature talent show. Save your money and save your love for Jimmy, don't buy this cd! It's worth less than an AOL cd.