Get in a Buffett state of mind

Last week, Jimmy Buffett was stopped by officials in a private French airport for carrying Ecstasy. Though Buffett loves a party, the alleged drugs were simply vitamin supplements. \nThe Margaritaville Maestro casually admitted that the "drug" bust was really just a buzzkill. \n"My vices these days consist of boat drinks, beer, wine and the occasional hot fudge sundae," the singer posted on his blog. \nWith that in mind, the changes in attitude in Take the Weather With You is an album where nothing remains quite the same. It is tempest brewing together the genres of Buffet's Dixieland past with his current St. Barts state of mind. \nYounger Parrotheads might have expected a sequel to the pop-tinged License to Chill, but Take the Weather With You is a throwback for earlier Buffett fans. The album floats downstream from the island sounds of the Coral Reefer Band, mixed with the Reggae-billy that Buffett invented. It's margaritas in Nashville, with a twist of New Orleans. \nTake the Weather With You has more Opry influence than his recent country collaborations. The first single, "Bama Breeze," still brings Buffett to the bar, but this time, it's for a nostalgic look down the the bottle to his earlier drinking days. Country bars will still play the song, but it won't invoke the same sing-along response as the modern Buffett standard, "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" promises. \nThere are a few songs that extend beyond Buffett's Dixie roots. "Wheel Inside the Wheel" is Buffett's tribute to the Big Easy. With lyrics meant for rebuilding spirit and inspire rebuilding sung over wailing saxophone, it's an anthem in honor of the city's storied past. "Party at the End of the World" is the only track without an obvious southern influence. The title is a double entendre, another clever moment from the king of island kitsch. It invites listeners to join him in Tierra Del Fuego, the southern-most point before hitting Antarctica, right before the earth spontaneously combusts. \nAs always, Buffett spells out his formulaic method of cold drinks, good friends and good music for good times. Take the Weather With You is another chance to pretend you are on the Caribbean sands with a Corona. Take a cue from Buffett: Listen to the album when you tailgate. Sing along and put you arm over your buddy's shoulder. Even though it's 40 degrees out, the sun is shining, and you still have a drink in your hand.