What's the Word [Remaster] (CD - 1980)

Recorded at Sumet-Burnett Studios, Dallas, Texas and live at The Bottom Line, Austin, Texas. Includes liner notes by Denny Bruce.

Digitally remastered by Robert Vosgien (2000 Capitol Mastering).

Second album, equally powerful. Some of their best, including the off-kilter "Los Fabulosos Thunderbirds" and "Running Shoes." The 2000 CD reissue on Benchmark adds three bonus tracks, one of them the aforementioned "Los Fabulosos Thunderbirds," the other two recorded live in an Austin, TX, bar. ~ Cub Koda

The Fabulous Thunderbirds' second album continues in the tough modern blues style of their debut, albeit with a little more edge to the production. Highlights include the Tex-Mex flavored workout "You Ain't Nothin' But Fine," the vaguely New Wave-ish imaginary dance hit "The Crawl," and a terrific live version of Slim Harpo's "Scratch My Back."

Several blistering instrumentals are also featured, including "Extra Jimmies" (a stop-time shuffle workout for guitarist Jimmy Vaughan), and "Last Call For Alcohol" (a showcase for leader Kim Wilson's Little Walter harmonica work). Don't miss the very funny final bonus track, in which bassist Frank Ferguson turns in his only vocal performance by impersonating the announcer on a Mexican radio station. minimize