The 1975 film Rancho Deluxe features a soundtrack by an artist you probably wouldn’t expect to write a Montana ranch album. Jimmy Buffett wrote and performed the music for the neo-western comedy, considered to be Buffett’s sixth album.
Initially, the album was released exclusively for the film. Later, is was re-released on several MGM labels. The soundtrack featured original songs and incidental music that were featured prominently in the film, and re-releases included dialog tracks from the movie.
Jimmy Buffett later re-recorded the songs “Wonder Why We Ever Go Home” and “Livingston Saturday Night.” He included these on his subsequent albums Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes and Son of a Son of a Sailor. The former would be his big breakthrough album, featuring the song “Margaritaville.”
Essentially, Rancho Deluxe could possibly be considered Buffett’s gateway to stardom. Considering how we remember him, a ranch movie seems out of character. However, Rancho Deluxe serves as a reminder that Jimmy Buffett truly contained multitudes as an artist.
Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Rancho Deluxe’ Soundtrack Was a Departure From His Usual Style
At that time, Jimmy Buffett had released several albums already. Down To Earth, High Cumberland Jubilee, A White Sport Coat And A Pink Crustacean, Living And Dying In 3/4 Time, and A1A. Many of these albums failed to chart, and when they did, stayed low on the list. With the exception of A1A, of course, which rose to No. 25.
With Rancho Deluxe, Buffett took a step away from his tropical rock feel and tried something new. He went completely country, and while it was strictly for the film, it still allowed Buffett to exercise musical muscles he otherwise wouldn’t have.
Jimmy Buffett’s link to Rancho Deluxe goes beyond just being the right guy at the right time. The script was written by his brother-in-law, Thomas McGuane. However, Buffett’s contribution is more than nepotism. While the soundtrack is unlisted on his discography and might put off some more casual listeners, Jimmy Buffett’s immersive addition to the already hungover, slap-happy western makes it that much more delightful.
A dude bro ranch movie starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston with a soundtrack by Jimmy Buffett? Give us Rancho Deluxe in paradise any day.
Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
