Jimmy Buffett Album: “Son Of A Son Of A'”

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Personnel: Jimmy Buffet (vocals, acoustic guitar); Tim Krekel (guitar); Billy Puett (bass flute, recorder); Fingers Taylor (harmonica, organ); Jay Spell (piano); Mike Utley (organ); Harry Dailey (bass); Kenneth Buttery (drums, percussion); Ferrell Morris (percussion, marimba); Norbert Putnam (kalimba); Steve Goodman, Deborah McColl, Penny Nichols, Lea Jane Berinati, Janie Fricke, Ginger Holladay (background vocals); The Muscle Shoals Horns. The Muscle Shoals Horns: Harvey Thompson (tenor saxophone); Harrison Calloway, Dennis Good. Full title: Son Of A Son Of A Sailor. Personnel: Jimmy Buffett (vocals, acoustic guitar); Tim Krekel (guitar); Billy Puett (bass flute, recorder); Fingers Taylor (harmonica, organ); Jay Spell (piano); Mike Utley (organ); Harry Dailey (bass); Kenneth Buttery (drums, percussion); Ferrell Morris (percussion, marimba); Norbert Putnam (kalimba); Steve Goodman, Deborah McColl, Penny Nichols, Lea Jane Berinati, Janie Fricke, Ginger Holladay (background vocals). The Muscle Shoals Horns: Harvey Thompson (tenor saxophone); Harrison Calloway, Dennis Good. Originally released on MCA (31091). All tracks have been digitally remastered. The follow-up album to Jimmy Buffett's commercial breakthrough CHANGES IN LATITUDES, CHANGES IN ATTITUDES isn't quite as brash or atmospheric, but it's close enough that nobody seems to mind. The showstopper here, is, of course, the amusing ode to conspicuous consumption that is "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (it's a food that Buffett assures us in the chorus is "worth every damn bit of sacrifice!"). But the torchy Nelson Riddle-ish version of Keith Sykes' broken-heart ballad "Coast of Marseillles" is almost as memorable. "Manana" has one of his best-ever singalong choruses ever, as well as a hilarious reference to comic Steve Martin that you really don't see coming. The follow-up album to Jimmy Buffett's commercial breakthrough CHANGES IN LATITUDES, CHANGES IN ATTITUDES isn't quite as brash or atmospheric, but it's close enough that nobody seems to mind. The showstopper here, is, of course, the amusing ode to conspicuous consumption that is "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (it's a food that Buffett assures us in the chorus is "worth every damn bit of sacrifice!"). But the torchy Nelson Riddle-ish version of Keith Sykes' broken-heart ballad "Coast of Marseillles" is almost as memorable. "Manana" has one of his best-ever singalong choruses ever, as well as a hilarious reference to comic Steve Martin that you really don't see coming.

After the success of "Margaritaville" took Jimmy Buffett into the mainstream, he followed that up with the best album of his career. Son Of A Son Of A Sailor combines all of Mr. Buffett's best elements: vivid songwriting; sharp humor; tropical rhythms; nothing but a good time attitude. The title track opens the album on a strong note. The song is autobiographical in nature and has an excellent vocal. "Fool Button" moves at a frenzied pace and tells of a night of going over the line while partying. "Last Line" has a funky beat reminiscent of Steely Dan's "Black Cow". "Livingston Saturday Night" takes Mr. Buffett back to his country roots and is a real country honky tonker. "Cheeseburger In Paradise" ranks right up there with "Margaritaville" in the Parrothead pantheon and is just plain fun. "Coast Of Marseilles" slows things down a bit while "Cowboy In The Jungle" may well be his most underrated song. It pretty much sums up Mr. Buffett's view on life, just roll with the punches, make the best of any situation and enjoy life because before you know it, it's gone. "Manana" is funny song that name checks everyone from Kiss to Anita Bryant and "African Friend" closes the album out on a quiet and touching note. Son Of A Son Of A Sailor was his first (and for 15 years, only) top ten album, peaking at number 10. If you even casually like Jimmy Buffett, this album should be in your collection.