The Parrot-Head Companion

I'm extremely surprised to see the negative reviews below. Although I agree somewhat with most of the comments, the overall reviews of this book are unfair and almost bordering on mean and nasty. I'll agree that the writer has his opinions about the albums, but a simple pinch on the arm and personal reality check by any Parrot Head will reveal that each has his or her own opinion too. I don't have any problem reading this authors opinions, especially since he backs up what he is talking about with explanations. And his opinions aren't off-base at all; actually they're quite accurate and on-target. I've noticed that some Parrot Heads are afraid to say anything critical of Jimmy's music, even though some albums are lower in quality than others. Fans of any music should be free to point out these things without fear of anger or reprisal. I value this author's openminded and fair approach to the reviews. He neither slams albums nor worships them as some kind of sacred objects. I genuinely feel that Jimmy could read this and not be bothered, but would probably smile and even nod his head. Really, this is an interesting book, covering basically all aspects of Jimmy's life and music, since his birth, through the release of Banana Wind. Any Parrot Head should find interesting and useful information here. There is much information beyond the album reviews. I guess if you're narrowminded, or easily offended, you aren't mature enough for this book. Everyone else though should get it. The reader may have started out with little familiarity of Buffett, but it's clear he spent a lot of time researching Jimmy, and ended up getting a great perspective on what he and his music are all about. Well worth the money.

The Parrot Head Companion's title is really a misnomer as the book is for people who are more casual fans of Jimmy Buffett, but not the devotees that real parrot heads are. Thomas Ryan advises that he was not a big Jimmy Buffett fan before he started writing the book, but grew to become one. The book reviews all of Mr. Buffett's albums and you get an honest take from the author. If you have never been to Jimmy Buffett concert, you get a feel of what it's like to be there. The book is quick and easy to read as you can skip around the chapters. Hardcore parrot heads may be put off by the book, but if you area fan of Mr. Buffett, this is nice book to have on yourself.

I just wanted to tell the author, Tom Ryan, how much I enjoyed this book. I agreed with him on most of the reviews of the Buffett songs, but mostly I enjoyed the last part of the book where he went to the Buffett concerts and converted to Parrot Headism! I believe he pretty well captured the essence of our love for Jimmy Buffett and his music. I only wish I could get 2nd row seats!

This book will provide Parrot heads as well as casual Jimmy Buffet fans a concise and well researched synopsis of Jimmy's music. I thought the idea of evaluating every one of jimmy's albums in chronological order while interloping stories on the business side of his career was genius. Unfortunately, I found the authors opinions of Jimmy's music off base in some cases. The author reads way too much into many of the songs and this perceived insight comes across as a little pretentious. But, the author states that it is only his opinion of the songs, and in many cases I found myself agreeing with his analysis. I must admit I could not put the book down and I read it in one night. It is a must read, and even though you won't agree with everything he writes you have to respect the time and effort put into it.