Of course there are, as with all anthologies or greatest hits packages, going to be questions as to why one song or another wasn't included. I would like to have seen "Death Of An Unpopular Poet" thrown in, but I'm not complaining - "I Heard I Was In Town" and "Sending The Old Man Home" are pleasant surprises.

So I'm more a "Ballads" and "Beaches" kind of guy - there is more than enough music of those types here to keep me occupied. Maybe you prefer the "Bars" and "Boats" stuff more - same deal. The fact that Buffett has included 72 songs in the set leaves little or no room for complaint. The simple fact is, if you like Buffett, you'll like "B,B,B, and B". It doesn't matter whether you're one of the new breed of Parrotheads or an old curmudgeon like me who would, at this point in my life, rather sit in the yard and listen to "When The Coast Is Clear" than be caught up in the mob scene at a live show.

This wonderful box set would, in my opinion, make a great gift for anyone (if there is anyone left) who's not yet been introduced to Buffett. In fact, if you have anyone on your Christmas list who fits that description, I suggest you pony up the dough (at 50 bucks or so, it's a steal) and buy that person a gift for which he or she will thank you many times over. Oh, and by all means, if you don't own it, buy it for yourself first.


Well-Chosen Anthology Will Please Parrot Heads & Casual Fans.   November 7, 2004
mirasreviews (McLean, VA USA)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

"Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads" encompasses 20 years of Jimmy Buffett's material, from 1970-1990. It includes 72 songs (about 4 hours, 26 minutes) taken from 19 studio albums and 1 live album, as well as 8 previously unreleased tracks. The songs are distributed among 4 CDs, each dedicated to a boats, beaches, bars or ballads theme. There are Top 10 hits and obscure gems, all of consistently high quality.

As Jimmy Buffett is a man with sailing in his blood, the songs on the "Boats" CD seem close to his heart. "Boats"' 17 songs (66:22 minutes) are, for the most part, literally about sailing and sailors. The selection includes the popular "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" and background vocals by James Taylor on "Treat Her Like a Lady". "Love and Luck " is a previously unreleased track, written to a Zouk melody and featuring Steve Winwood on organ. "Take It Back" also makes its debut here.

Many of the songs on the "Beaches" CD were written about Buffett's days on Key West, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean. Others have nothing to do with the beach, but evoke an atmosphere of sand and sun. There are 18 "beach" songs (63:16 minutes), starting with the Parrot Head national anthem, "Margaritaville". "Money Back Guarantee" and "Christmas in the Caribbean" were previously unreleased.

The "Bars" CD kicks off with the rousing "Fins". Some of these 18 songs (61:35 minutes) are about bars; more may have been composed in bars, but mostly they are distinguished by indoors themes and lively beats. "Boats" is the Party CD. The slightly scandalous "Why Don't We Get Drunk" is here, along with Buffett's humorous, previously unreleased attempt at Elvis imitation, "Elvis Imitators". "Domino College" was also new as of this album.

The "Ballads" CD is self-explanatory. The melancholic-yet-optimistic hit "Come Monday" starts it off. The 19 ballads (74:22 minutes) include "Middle of the Night" and a live performance of "Everlasting Moon", both previously unreleased.

"Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads" is packaged in a 12 1/2" x 6" x 1 1/4" box that holds 4 CDs, each with its own jewel case, and a 63-page booklet entitled "The Parrot Head Handbook". In the Handbook, Jimmy Buffett comments on Parrot Heads, his search for a real "Margaritaville", the genesis of his career, and his seaplane, among other topics. There is fun stuff like a Parrot Head quiz, crossword puzzle, "Can you find Jimmy?" in old photos game, a recipe for the perfect Margarita, and a list of the world's 10 Best Cheeseburgers. Buffet has written a blurb telling the story behind every song, but lyrics are only included for "Margaritaville". Look for other lyrics at www.margaritaville.com . Keeping in mind that "Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads" was released in 1992 and includes none of Jimmy Buffett's work since then, this remains a fantastic and reasonably comprehensive set that will likely please casual fans and Parrot Heads alike.


My indoctrination to becoming a "Parrothead"!   October 10, 2001
Dave Hilton (Columbia, SC)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

I have a few box sets in my CD collection, and this one I pull out to listen to quite frequently. What can I say, if you want to become a "parrothead", you have to buy this box set! This is a gem of a collection of Jimmy's songs! I have a Beach Boys box set that was quite disappointing.It contained some hits, but mostly outtakes and unreleased Brian Wilson compositions. This box set from Jimmy is so much more refreshing. There are no boring outtakes or weird stuff, but JIMMY'S unreleased material is a treasure. It's just plain Jimmy Buffett at its finest!

I was a little apprehensive to buy this box set, but I see now why so many Parrotheads recommend it. There are some unreleased songs that are excellent! One is "Love and Luck" which is a great song: upbeat, relaxing, and just plain fun! Another unreleased work is "Elvis Imitators", and I'll tell you this, Jimmy does a sensational impression of Elvis! Other released ballads that just really move me are "Changing Channels", "Tin Cup Chalice", "Incommunicado" and "Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season". Some fun songs are "Manana", "Ragtop Day", "Frank and Lola", "Who's The Blond Stanger?", and "Jolly Mon Sing". Alot of this released material surprised me. I had no idea that besides the hits, Jimmy has written some incredible stuff!

With this box set and my first Jimmy concert in May 31, 2001, my transformation into a Parrothead is now complete! (Or so most of my Parrothead friends say, anyway!) Even if you aren't a hardcore Buffett fan, consider buying this CD box set. It is an exquisite and detailed collection of songs written by a guy who not only has depth and creativity, but knows how to have fun.


What a great Boxed Set   January 12, 2000
ANDY INGLE (dallas,texas)
28 out of 30 found this review helpful

Good ole' Jimmy buffett at its best. This is defintitely one of the best greatest hits packages anywhere. There is not one bad song on these four CD's. The CD's include a number of parrothead hits as Come Monday, Margaritaville, fins, A Pirate Looks at 40, and Son of a son of a Sailor. This also includes songs that are not heard as often, but that should definitely be given more attention because the content and music is so relaxing and genious. The whole set is worth listening to and you will find yourself daydreaming and picturing the wonderful things in life that Jimmy Buffett himself writes and has written about. This is worth every penny you spend on it. 50 dollars may seem high, but do not forget that you are getting four CD's with at least 16 songs on each. WHAT A BARGAIN! So buy it and enjoy it, because you will never find a better greatest hits package of the best singer-songwriter of our time!


Buffett In A Box   January 11, 2001
Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads is a four cd box set that targets the four main themes that Jimmy Buffett features in his music. This is as good as a box set as any that has been released. By breaking the disks down into common themes, it makes for a great listening experience. Depending on your mood, you can throw on the boat disk and hit the seas, the beach disk and lounge the day away, the bar disk for your party and for a little romance throw on the ballad disk. For those who have already have all of Mr. Buffett's work, there are a couple of previously unreleased tracks per disk. Also, the accompanying booklet is essential reading for any Parrothead and it contains commentary from Mr. Buffett about the songs and great pictures.