Jimmy Buffett - Dont Stop The Carnival (20 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Something a bit different

SeanG | 12/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether you're a Jimmy fan, a Wouk fan, a Caribbean fan, or a fan of musicals in general you'll find MUCH to like here. Myself, a long time Buffett fan, picked it up for just that reason. Initially, I was struck by the contrast that this offering contained in relation to the 'Bubba I was so very used to. Mere minutes into its virgin spin in my CD player, however, I found myself in love all over again, transported wholeheartedly to Kinja, getting to know the prismatic cast. During its next 100 or so rotations over the insuing 3 or 4 days, I nearly forgot Jimmy ever wrote "Cheeseburger", so captivating was the musical genius at work here. When I finally threw A1A on weeks later, the aforementioned contrast was seemingly even more stark. Two seperate worlds. One hell of a songwriter. Both schools are readily able to be reconciled to each other. One hell of a carnival! Word to the wise: I would recommend reading the book first and seeing the musical itself first, if possible. This will serve to orient you to the engrossing story and to further show a major talent at work -- flawlessly adapting the book into musical form."

Great Follow-Up To The Herman Wouk Novel

Antoinette Klein | Hoover, Alabama USA | 07/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When Jimmy Buffett landed in Herman Wouk's Palm Springs retreat, Wouk fondly recalls that he looked like a long-haired Peter Pan in denim. Jimmy had come to obtain the rights for a musical based on Wouk's 1965 novel DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL. Thus, a great friendship between a very oddly matched couple of creative geniuses began. The result was a short-lived but very catchy musical. After having just finished the novel, I thorougly enjoyed this CD but have to admit the rhythmic calypso-based tunes would not have made much sense had I not just enjoyed the book. If you do plan to buy this one without first reading the novel, read the CD's accompanying booklet very carefully in order to get the gist of the story. Then I think you will have a wonderful appreciation for what Jimmy Buffett was attempting.

There is no great and memorable show-stopper tune, but all have the wonderful Buffett flavor. Some with a tango rhythm (Just An Old Truth Teller), some slow and smoky (Shelia Says), others with a stand up and dance feel that is instantly recognizable as Buffett (Public Relations, Kinja Rules).

The book is great and you won't be disappointed if you read its tale of a man who leaves the rat race of New York City to become an island hotel manager in the Caribbean. Afterwards, this CD will be a delight as you sit back and imagine life in the sunny Paradise."

A Sleeper of a Masterpiece

SeanG | Washington, DC USA | 07/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Herman Wouk's masterpiece Don't Stop the Carnival is one of the best reads' I have enjoyed in a long time. It takes a while to get the characters straight, but once you do, its wonderful. You feel like you are on the Island of Kinja. Jimmy Buffett's album by the same name is much like the book. Upon first listening to it, the songs do not jump out at you, but after repeated listening's a beautiful thing occurs. A great album develops! Norman Paperman is the hero, fool or malcontent of the story, and basically by the time the story ends, most of us wish we could be Norman. Owning a resort on an island, what could be better. Margarita's all day long at the beach... well, listen to the story develop and you will find there is a mirage at work here. The calypso beat is all over this album (imagine that, it's Jimmy Buffett) and the stories of sex, drink and fun abound. Musically, it is very upbeat, but lyrically its similar to reading Marx, dark. If you skipped this album because you thought it sounded silly or you dislike musicals take a step back and try it. It will grow on you, I have been a Buffett fan since living in Florida as a child and I have seen him 50+ times in concert and I too wanted to skip this album, but I am glad I didn't. Pros: Two years later and I still LOVE IT! Cons: None The Bottom Line Buy this disc, you will like it, have a drink and drift into the world of Norman paperman. Recommended: Yes"

Don't Stop the Carnival

SeanG | 07/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saw the stage show while on vacation in Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Just had to buy the CD. For once a musical with lyrics that are enunciated clearly and tunes that are so "catchy" you can hum them for days. This is for anyone who longs for that "island escape" from the day to day or just wakes up in a funk and needs lift to get the day going. Just ordered the book. If the book is even half as good as the other Wouk's (Winds of War, etc) it will be a good read. Wouk and Buffett are not a natural match, but trust me, THIS WORKS If the stage show comes to the states, don't miss it. Even if you haven't heard the CD"

Parrot-Heads. Read The Book. Buy the CD.

waveodyssey@bitstreet.com | Texas | 05/13/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having intended to read the Herman Wouk classic for years I finally felt pressured by time as I knew Jimmy's CD would be out soon. I found the novel captivating if not a little to true to life. Even, or maybe especially, in paradise Murphy's Law prevails. Been there. After having read the book and listened to the CD I proclaim Jimmy Buffett a lyrical genious! No one else could have written the music for this show. To me the highlight of the CD is 1000 Steps; Norman, Henny, and Iris reveal their innermost thoughts in a very catchy reggae tune. Public Relations, Island Fever, Who Are We Trying to Fool, Calaloo, The Key to My Man are also notable and a delightfull mixture of different rythms and sounds. ParrotHeads, this the sound-track to a musical so it is a little different from you run-of-the-mill JB album. Never the less, if you like the book, you'll love the CD. Can't wait to see the play!"

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