License To Chill

[Lightning Bolt]

This new CD is growing on me more every day, and I'd been really looking forward to hearing "Back To The Island" and "Scarlet Begonias" ever since
they were being trotted out during the Spring tour out west.

Actually, and maybe oddly, but that's me, the title track "LTC" is the one song the I'm lovin' the least so far.
"Five O'Clock Somewhere" is still sitting on the charts, and I don't care for another super radio-friendly number to cater to the masses.

[MGRTAVL]

I'm probably going to make some enemies here...but here goes:

Upon the first few listenings, I found a few cuts on LTC enjoyable. Specifically Boats to Build, Trip Around the Sun, Scarlet Begonias, and my personal fave, Coast of Carolina.

However, I am a firm believer that Jimmy's creative juices have gone dry. If you look at the liner notes from this album, you will notice that he wrote one song himself, and four songs were co-written with others. The other songs are all covers (i.e. Bruce Cockburn, Jerry Garcia, Hank Williams, etc). This is consistent with some of his other recent "new" songs, i.e. "Everybody's Talkin'." On Far Side of the World, Jimmy performs five songs written by others. In fact, a good deal of the songs that I find I connect with are written by Mac McAnally.

It seems to me that most of his "new" material is coming from outside sources, and a good bit of his own new songs are, to be honest (and in my opinion), tired cliches. If you disagree, read the lyrics to License to Chill and Simply Complicated - they are simply awful.

Perhaps his creative well has gone dry. He certainly doesn't have to prove himself -- he has an impressive discography, and I really love most of his stuff, particularly the older stuff.

But I do wonder to what extent the distractions - the restaurants, the frozen Margaritaville shrimp, the internet radio station, the stores, the Krispy Kremes, the new book, etc. have had an impact on his creative writing abilities.

I also feel that Jimmy underestimates his audience. I have heard him on several occasions over the years (during interviews) allude to the fact that there are songs that he "must play" during concerts or "be killed" by the audience. 'Cheeseburger' is one of these songs. Personally, I would rather not ever hear Cheesburger in concert again. I think most of his audience would be okay with never hearing some of these overplayed songs again.

I was at the Camden show last month and he played a few songs from LTC - they were very well received. I think the audience welcomes the new songs and will go wherever Jimmy will take them -- unfortunately, more often than not, it's back to the same old Margaritaville over and over again.

Overall, I do embrace the parrothead lifestyle and enjoy Jimmy's concerts and music for what they are worth - escapism. But I am someone who looks for a personal connection with an artist to find meaning in their "product," in this case, music -- and for me, that's what is missing in Jimmy's latest albums.

Just my two cents. Differing viewpoints welcome.

[Demerara]

I have heard him on several occasions over the years (during interviews) allude to the fact that there are songs that he "must play" during concerts or "be killed" by the audience. 'Cheeseburger' is one of these songs. Personally, I would rather not ever hear Cheesburger in concert again.

I WANT MY CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE!

You make some really valid points and I can't argue with them. But as someone attending his first show this year, I'd be one of those guys who'd "kill" Jimmy if I didn't get to hear all those great songs!

From the live shows I've heard, Jimmy does a pretty good job of mixing it up. You get the hits, you get the new stuff and you get the lost gems... but someone who's been around as Jimmy can't possibly satisfy everyone all the time.

[StrngBirdx]

However, I am a firm believer that Jimmy's creative juices have gone dry. If you look at the liner notes from this album, you will notice that he wrote one song himself, and four songs were co-written with others. The other songs are all covers (i.e. Bruce Cockburn, Jerry Garcia, Hank Williams, etc). This is consistent with some of his other recent "new" songs, i.e. "Everybody's Talkin'." On Far Side of the World, Jimmy performs five songs written by others. In fact, a good deal of the songs that I find I connect with are written by Mac McAnally.


I have to disagree with this assessment, but I agree with it too. You were right further on in your post when you said that he has more distractions now that when he was writing his best songs. Between the books, resturants, night clubs, etc., he doesn't have time to write the same quality songs that he used to, but he still picks good songs to put on his albums (mostly), and this is his first effort since "Off To See The Lizard" that doesn't have a song on it that makes me cringe when it comes up on the CD player. (Simply Complicated is close, though). I don't really care anymore if Jimmy wrote all, most, or even any of the song on his records, if I like the songs. I like the fact that he showcases some excellent songwriting talent on every one of his albums. And I think maybe one reason for the improvement in LTC over his last 3 or 4 efforts is that he gave up the distracting "executive producer" title and let Mike and Mac handle production.

[yooperchic]

I fell in love with "Boats to Build" the first time I heard it, at Alpine. My daughter is already requesting it as a bedtime song. I'm enjoying the rest of the tunes, too, and personally don't think this is too much of a departure for JB, despite the label of being a "country" album.

[bananawind]

Tell you all what - having been a country girl for a good portion of my life, I was totally THRILLED when I heard about this album! All my favorite country boys piled up in one. . . (dreams are made of this, right girls?) I certainly have not been disapointed either - Mr. Buffett has once again done well by us! A little too much mushy/love/romance in some of those songs (I AM the anti-sentimentalist after all), but still very Jimmy at heart!!

Thanks my man! keep em comin'!!

When the sun goes down. . .

[NorCal]

Does any one know if this album is available by purchased download. I bought and downloaded the Live Las Vegas album from Apple iTunes last year but they don't seem to offer License to Chill. Anyone seen it out there in digital format?

Thanks!

[don juan]

News Flash


LTC is nothing new. Listen to 1984's "Riddles in the Sand" and 1985's "Last Mango in Paris". It is the same formula!

1983's One particular harbor had the want to be pop hits "I used to have money one time" and "California Promises" they did not work although CP was good

Then the country, SOooo. Far Side of the Worlds Rap? Talk? "AUTOR DU ROCHER" did not work so now country again!

It is not shocking it is just on the heals of "Five a clock some where" so it is HUGE though not particuarly new to the learned parot head.

And even though some of the people the collaborated with really really s*** IT IS A GOOD ALBUM

Here is the real question is this new fan fare going to do to Buffetts shows what "touch of Grey" did to the Dead?

I am Happy for Jimmy but I have got to say after your new lime light and LONG OVER DUE CHART AND INDUSTRY ACKNOLODGEMENT

Mend the fences with FINGERS and lets go down south one more time old friend!!!!!!!!!

PS Was I the only one who got a kick on the "ANTI Piracy" label on the worlds most famous Pirates album?

JIMMMY CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CaptainP]

Although I don't agree with thte bulk of your assessment, I know you are entitled to your opinion, and you do bring up some good points. But I wanted to point out one irony you mentioned....

But I do wonder to what extent the distractions -...... the new book, etc...... have had an impact on his creative writing abilities.

Um, writing a novel has hurt his creative writing?

[steelband]

Just out of curiousity, have any other tracks other than HGL, been played on country music stations? Trip Around The Sun has become a real favorite of mine, and I would like to think popular on the "dial". I ask because if I'm not listening to a JB cd, then it's sports radio.

[photogal]

I just heard Simply Complicated on RM and it reminds me of that skit on hee haw......you met another and pftttt you were gone............it's simply AWFUL!! That has got to be the worse song on the album. (You can all throw things at me now. )

[Blue Dynamo]

I don't know the legalities of it all, but I really was hoping to see "Five O'Clock Somewhere" on one of his albums - would have fit in great with this one. I don't dig country and I had to hold my breath when I bought the CD and I saw all the country duets. Don't like Alan Jackson's music enough to buy his CD just for that song.

Other than my whining about that, I really liked the CD, but he's about as far into Nashville as I'm willing to go!

Yeah, I winced a little bit when I purchased it, but I couldn't stop myself. The more I listen to it, the more it grows on me. I bought "Five O'Clock Somewhere" off of iTunes, because I didn't want to buy the entire album.

[Key Lime Lee]

I just heard Simply Complicated on RM and it reminds me of that skit on hee haw......you met another and pftttt you were gone............it's simply AWFUL!! That has got to be the worse song on the album. (You can all throw things at me now. )

Reminds me of "Life Sucks" by The Fools of the I-95 a**hole Song... fun as a bar/drinking song but not meant to be taken seriously.

[Tiki Bar]

"AUTOR DU ROCHER" did not work so now country again!

Am I the only one that loves that song?!?

[don juan]

"AUTOR DU ROCHER" did not work so now country again!

Am I the only one that loves that song?!?

Tiki Bar
I can not say "Love" but I do really like the feel and mix of the track.

[meisinger]

"AUTOR DU ROCHER" did not work so now country again!

Am I the only one that loves that song?!?

Nope. I'm right there with you.

[PirateQueenApril]

What reviewes!

I must say that when I first heard the album on a tease from margaritaville.com I wasn't thrilled with the country sound. I typically don't do country but it's very popular where I live so I am used to it.

That would never stop me from buying a JB album though and I got one as soon as I could. Right away the solo's jumped out at me and I adored Coast of Carolina , Back to the Island and Scarlet Begonias.

Then I got into the country songs and even liked them! The lyrics to Boats to Build are beautiful and so is JB and AJ's voices to go with. I don't care who wrote it, it's a great song.

Peice of work makes me laugh, with TK and JB both being hellraisers in thier own worlds.

For some reason simply complicated STILL gets on my nerves. lol I am for all things Buffett, but it's hard to get into this one although some of the lines are way way hilarious.

Now adays, after listening to the album over and over....I totally adore Scarlet Begonias and Back to the Island the most. I like that they are close on the album so I can just play them over and over. lol

In the end, I am one of those fans that would buy anything JB put out and like it and smile when I hear it. I am so PROUD to see my main man JB on music video stations and other channels and in magazines now at this time in his career. It is fabulous that he is getting well deserved attention, no matter how it came about. I always get that swell in my heart when I see him on television. Everyone around me knows that JB is da man!

So what if he is winding down in some way or changing paths? Don't we all do the same thing in life? Maybe some of you haven't yet but be sure that you will someaday. Besides, diversity is what makes this big ole world of ours a great place to be alive in!

PirateQueenApril

[MattDreams]

The album's been out for a while now. First time through I immediately loved Scarlet Begonia and Coastal Confessions and are still my favorites. I've come to enjoy Boats to Build, Coast of Carolina and Anywhere Anytime (I can't think of the title off hand). Piece of Work and Simply Complicated probably work a lot better live. From a production stand point it's very well done and the vocals are excellent.
That said I think it's a so-so album. I would probably enjoy it more if it was just Jimmy. Most duets, any duet, have no appeal to me.
I'll be interested to see how the album does come award season. I'm all for JB to get some recognition but I would hope it would be for an album that is really good. From a commercial view you can't argue it success and we all know JB is a very good business man.
As if concert tickets weren't hard enough to come by already.

[SMLCHNG]

"AUTOR DU ROCHER" did not work so now country again!

Am I the only one that loves that song?!?

Nope. Phaw loves it, too. I can't say I agree.