Butt Rockin' [Remaster] (CD - 1981)

Additional personnel: Anson Funderburgh (guitar); Greg Piccolo (tenor saxophone); Doug James (baritone saxophone); Al Copely (piano).

Recorded at Crystal Studios, Hollywood, California and Goodnight Studios, Dallas, Texas. Originally released on Chrysalis Records (1319). Includes liner notes by Denny Bruce.

Digitally remastered by Robert Vosgien (2000 Capitol).

Personnel: Kim Wilson (vocals, harmonica); Jimmie Vaughan, Anson Funderburgh (guitar); Greg Piccolo (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Doug James (saxophone, baritone saxophone); Al Copley (piano); Fran Christina (drums, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Denny Bruce.

As with most bands who reach back into styles more than a couple of decades old for their chief inspirations, the limitations of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' approach was becoming apparent by this, their third album. Granted they were still more competent and enthusiastic at their specialty than most of their competition, and they did expand their recorded sound a bit by using some members of Roomful of Blues on sax and piano. Ultimately, though, it's an average if well-done set of roots rock with strong echoes of the blues, New Orleans R&B, and swamp-pop. The program's split between Kim Wilson originals (one of which, "One's Too Many," was co-written with Nick Lowe) and covers, including an unpredictable version of "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White." Actually the highlight is the instrumental "In Orbit," which features excellent Little Walter-styled harmonica by Wilson. The 2000 CD reissue on Benchmark adds liner notes by producer Denny Bruce and three bonus tracks, although no details about the extra cuts are provided. ~ Richie Unterberger

Unfortunate title notwithstanding, the T-Birds third album continues in the tough modern blues style of their two previous efforts, albeit with edgier production and some interesting horn and piano contributions from their pals Roomful of Blues. Highlights include the jaw-dropping change-of-pace instrumental "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" (originally a hit for big band leader Perez Prado during the Mambo Craze of the 1950s), an atmospheric cover of Slim Harpo's swampish-sounding "Tip On In," and "In Orbit," another of leader Kim Wilson's solo harmonica workouts a la Little Walter. minimize