Review: Captn Jac's 'Livin' On The Hard' Is Buffett Lite
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
It isn't quite rock, not sure it's totally country or pop, but if you're a fan of Jimmy Buffett, then Captn Jac's latest CD "Livin' On the Hard" is probably right up your alley.
As for lyrics, "Livin' On the Hard" is about as deep as a goldfish aquarium. But that's probably going to be its appeal to most listeners - just something to play while boating, barbecuing in the backyard or having friends over for drinks.
Even when Captn Jac is talking about living through hard times, the music is mostly up and peppy.
There are a total of 11 songs on the Pilothouse Music Records CD, ranging from 2:57 minutes to just over 5 minutes at 5:14. Coming in at under an hour, listeners will just get enough that they won't overdose on the Jimmy Buffet lite.
Some of the songs come off more like commercial jingles. "Down at Bomba's Shack", the third track off the CD, could very well be a jingle for a seafood restaurant or some other summery destination. Listening to it, you can picture a roaring fire on the sandy beach near the restaurant, with many friends sitting around it talking and sharing drinks. Maybe there's some ladies dancing. And don't forget the "full moon" that's rising.
Throughout the CD, Captn Jac references Jimmy Buffett tunes and lyrics. For example, in "My Bahama Mama" he mentions "Margaritaville". Listeners won't have to be knocked over the head to get "Livin on the Hard" is an ode to Captn Jac's icon, Buffet.
This CD is best served as background music to a party. Captn Jac has an affinity for the sounds of Jimmy Buffett and he tailors his music to copy Buffett's sounds and schtick as much as possible. For fans of Buffet, Captn Jac is right up their alley. If you're not a Parrothead, or can only take Buffett in moderation, Captn Jac's CD may be too many bouncy waves in the sunlight.Overall, I'd recommend "Livin' On the Hard" only to the island birds. If you prefer a little more rock or deeper substance, skip the CD altogether.
Captn Jac is a graduate of Wawasee High School. Real name Jerry Lemmon, he performed at the North Webster Mermaid Festival Wednesday night. He wrote "The Mermaid Festival Song" in 1994, which he "donated" to the North Webster Lions Club.
He spent the past five years performing a Buffett tribute show. "Livin' On the Hard" was recorded in Indiana, Florida and Nashville, Tenn.
Hear some samples of it on Captn Jac's Web site at www.captnjac.com
