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Most of his fans, though, seem to want just one or two of their favorite flavors of Jimmy all the time. Hence the reaction to "Off to See the Lizard." Even the most introspective of tunes on the album -- "Take Another Road" -- is still couched in melodies and lyrics that make it a fun, playful tune. And that rubs fans looking for something else from this album the wrong way. So be it.

I happen to greatly enjoy this album, but part of that is because of something that Parrothead completists should take note of: This album is a companion piece to Jimmy's first book, "Tales from Margaritaville." The songs and stories overlap to a great degree, and songs like "The Pascagoula Run" are fleshed out in the book, although they still retain a lot of their charm here. Even seeming novelty tunes like the title track get further explanation in the book -- the story turns out to be about a very odd high school football mascot.

Overall, this is a charming and fun album and a good buy for Parrotheads looking for just that, or those who want to deepen their appreciation for "Tales from Margaritaville."


The Rock Says.../\   November 23, 2000
 7 out of 15 found this review helpful

First of all Let the Rock say, that the Jabroni that who's previous review is not worth the bandwidth that it is taking up, is completely wrong. The Rock has heard allot of people say, that Jimmy Buffett was better in his older music, and that all of his new Calypso Music sucks, well to that the Rock says this...You Jabroni's who think that you are some sort of Jimmy aficionado, and that you can tell Jimmy how to write music, you simply do not have the testicular fortitude to understand how and what Jimmy writes about. If you did you would understand Off to See the Lizard, Banana Wind, and the like are works of art and a demonstration of the Genius of Jimmy, by understanding the higher concepts of life through a simple means and coming to the realization that all of the Monkey Crap, that we humans get enraptured with, Cell phones, Dating, Jobs, Money, Sex, Technology blah blah blah, really truly, DOES NOT MATTA! So while the Rock may get 0/344 helpful votes on this review, that does not matta either because the fact remains that The Rock has said his peace about this issue. /\


Buffett Is The Wizard   January 11, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Off To See The Lizard was released in conjunction with Jimmy Buffett's first literary effort, Tales From Margaritaville. The book contains expanded versions of several of the songs included on the album. As the book suggests, the songs have a literary quality and are amongst the most well constructed and written in his career. "Take Another Road" is great as is the jaunty "Boomerang Love", the wistful "I Wish Lunch Could Last Forever", "Pascgoula Run" and the memorable title track. The album is the last truly great record he has made.


Off to See the Lizard   August 7, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This was the first in a series of albums that broke the Jimmy Buffett mold. While all the songs still have his signature Carribean flavor, they show a more thoughtful approach to song writing and offer a glimpse of what Buffett really has to offer. The songs are even better if you've read the book Margaritaville because many of the songs were included in the book as short stories. This is album is an excellent introduction to Jimmy Buffett's later work.


A different musical angle   July 25, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

You know, it seems to me that there are two different kinds of Parrotheads; those that love tunes like 'Fins,' 'Cheeseburger in paradise,' and the other loud, jokey, drunken party tunes (and there are at least two on every Buffet album!), and those that really recognise Buffet for his true strength, and that is as a balladier without equal. Whether it is reminiscing about childhood activities, or observations of the human condition, scene setting, or just a heartfelt love song, Jimmy Buffet stands head and shoulders above just about any other artist I have ever heard. In this context, 'Off To See the Lizard' should be looked at as a slightly different twist in the Buffet repertory. Not quite what you might expect, but that's kind of what makes it all so interesting! Can you imagine if Jimmy Buffet continued to do the same kind of music he started out with? He wouldn't be around now, I'll tell you that! In sum, give the 'Lizard' a listen. Youmigt find it grows on you...