The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Although there was no Fabulous Thunderbirds album by the name of Girls Go Wild prior to this 2000 release, this is actually a repackaged version of their self-titled 1979 debut. It has all of the songs from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, in the same sequence, but adds three bonus tracks, as well as liner notes by producer Denny Bruce. Why the title change? Well, because the lettering "Girls Go Wild" was so prominent on the cover, it became unofficially known as their "Girls Go Wild" album, and for this reissue, the title change is official. At any rate, it's still the group at their early bluesy best. No hard info about the bonus cuts though, except that all three, oddly, were recorded after drummer Fran Christina (who did not play on the debut album) joined. One of those bonus songs, "Things I Forgot to Do," is an outtake from the band's third album, Butt Rockin', and features members of Roomful of Blues.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds - High Water (1997)
Blues-Rock | MP3 320 Kbps | 126 MB
Publisher: High Street

Although credited to the Fabulous Thunderbirds, High Water was written and performed by bandleader Kim Wilson with guitarist Danny Kortchmar and percussionist Steve Jordan, who produced the album, and it does not feature the rest of the current T-Birds lineup, which, in any case, has long since devolved into a backup band for Wilson. Kortchmar and Jordan are not exactly authentic bluesmen, of course, but instead high-priced sessionmen, and they provide a tightly arranged, somewhat antiseptic accompaniment to Wilson, whose vocals and harmonica playing are the focus. Longtime fans may miss the prominent guitar work and band feel that characterized earlier releases.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Butt Rockin' (1981)
Blues-Rock | MP3 320 Kbps | 65 MB
Publisher: Chrysalis

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.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Live (2001)
Blues-Rock | MP3 192 Kbps | 88 MB
Publisher: CMC International

Like spiritually similar brethren George Thorogood (only with a Tex-Mex flair, natch), the Thunderbirds have released a live disc on the CMC imprint. This appropriately monikered Live does a fine job of displaying the hits, namely "Wrap It Up" and "Tuff Enuff," and that alone would make it a decent primer for the band, though purists would no-doubt be able to find one or a dozen missing gems from the band's vast catalog. Gearheads will appreciate the modern technology used to capture the band's set — this is outlined nicely in the liner notes, though those same liner notes refer to the disc as This Night in L.A., which is bound to create confusion.

Between stints with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and his work as a busy session player, Roomful of Blues founder and original guitarist Duke Robillard finds time to work with his own band, one of the most rockin' ensembles extant, highlighted by the vocal support of Susann Forrest. "Turn it Around" is yet another excellent Duke Robillard offering which features guest artist Suzanne Forest. This album was released about the same time as the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Walk that Walk, Talk that Talk" disc, and Duke's guitar and vocals are on the same high level as on the latter. Add angelic vocals by Ms. Forest and this disc is a superb representation of vintage Duke Robillard. Anybody who enjoys blues, Texas rock 'n roll and r&b needs to add this to their collection.

Between stints with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and his work as a busy session player, Roomful of Blues founder and original guitarist Duke Robillard finds time to work with his own band, one of the most rockin' ensembles extant, highlighted by the vocal support of Susann Forrest. "Turn it Around" is yet another excellent Duke Robillard offering which features guest artist Suzanne Forest. This album was released about the same time as the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Walk that Walk, Talk that Talk" disc, and Duke's guitar and vocals are on the same high level as on the latter. Add angelic vocals by Ms. Forest and this disc is a superb representation of vintage Duke Robillard. Anybody who enjoys blues, Texas rock 'n roll and r&b needs to add this to their collection.