By: David Schultz

Whether through song or in print, Jimmy Buffett has been entertaining audiences for years with his picaresque adventures of sailing, drinking and general joie de vivre. Although Buffett hit his commercial peak in the late seventies, his effect on the collective psyche of the fun-loving, beachcombing set who find portions of Herman Wouk's Don't Stop The Carnival to be inspired career advice has endured to the point where Parrotheads exist in nearly every corner of the world. Buffett rarely leaves his devoted followers wanting: for the last couple decades, Buffett has taken his Coral Reefer Band on regular tours of the country's amphitheaters. He's released a steady stream of new material but his appeal remains in the party scene that has developed around his concerts; though immensely popular, it's been years since Buffett was relevant. In light of the fact that Buffett hasn't had anything remotely close to a hit song or album in years, his decision to play New York City's Madison Square Garden seemed questionable. Once the show sold out in a matter of hours, it qualified as a stroke of genius.

Many city dwellers find release and respite in Buffett's music and lifestyle, he sings of a way of life unsupportable in any asphalt jungle. As the embodiment of a Life Of Riley, it really shouldn't be surprising that Buffett's captured the imagination of concert goers both young and old. As evidenced by the many parents who brought their children to the show, Buffett's music transcends generations and has become something parents can share with their offspring. Buffett took notice of the varying ages amidst the crowd, playfully changing "Why Don't We Get Drunk And Screw," to "Why Don't We Drink Milk And Moo" so that parents wouldn't have to answer any embarrassing questions later. Playing barefoot, wearing a decidedly non-Metropolitan T-shirt and Bermudas, Key West's favorite son turned a rainy New York evening into a beach party. In between classics like "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes" and "One Particular Harbour," Buffett worked in songs off his upcoming Take The Weather With You as well as some well-chosen covers. Without leaving the crowd waiting too long for the classics they came for, Buffett deftly inserted his newer material like "Everybody's On The Phone," "Party At The End Of The World" and "Bama Breeze."

With the Garden crowd singing along with every word, Buffett offered finely honed versions of "Cheeseburger In Paradise" and "Margaritaville" as well as the limbo classic "Volcano." Buffett's rapport with the audience is that of an old friend, he talks to the assembled crowd as a kindred spirit; an assumption that largely rings true to respective differing extents. Other than the joy of seeing Jimmy Buffett play a number of songs you know by heart, a thrill that seems to vary from person to person, there's not much to recommend about the show. Anyone who isn't a fan might have enjoyed the covers of "Werewolves Of London," "Southern Cross" and "Brown-Eyed Girl" but otherwise would have been mildly bemused and possibly a bit turned off by the Parrotheads. There are moments throughout the evening where the uninitiated will feel as if they entered a private club meeting and are missing the code words and secret handshakes. As there aren't many other occasions in Manhattan where a tacky Hawaiian shirt and grass hula skirt makes for a fashionably acceptable wardrobe, the local Parrotheads dressed themselves to the nines.

From a superficial analysis of Buffett's songs, he could easily be framed as the poster boy for immature irresponsibility. The sun and tequila drenched sagas had the audience singing and dancing and provided the high points of the show but Buffett's mediations on aging gave the show its heart. Most of Buffett's fans find him by their college years, relishing in the fun in the sun images of his music. However, Buffet has a reflective side. Even though most fans have sung "Son Of A Son Of A Sailor" and "A Pirate Looks At Forty" since high school, his words resound more weightily through the years. Buffett's heartfelt rendering of the songs at the Garden showed the depth of his uncomplicated lyrics and the world-weary experienced soul that has made him a successful songwriter and author. Without question, Jimmy Buffett isn't for everyone. Fortunately, those who do get him aren't starving for the company of those who don't.

Labels: Jimmy Buffett