The Fabulous Thunderbirds Albums (13)
What The Critics Say
Since the departure of founding guitarist Jimmie Vaughan in the early '90s, Texas blues-rock icons the Fabulous Thunderbirds have largely been the showcase for lead vocalist/harmonica man Kim Wilson. However, with the conscription of time-traveling blues pimp powerhouse guitarist/vocalist Nick Curran, Wilson has finally put together an ensemble truly worthy of the Fabulous Thunderbirds moniker. Curran, a former rockabilly wunderkind with retro-vamp Kim Lenz and avowed Vaughan acolyte -- the former Thunderbird even made a torch-passing appearance on Curran's 2003 Blind Pig release Doctor Velvet -- has of late been a party to his own authentic brand of jump blues, '50s rockin' swing, and garage rock iconoclasm. Ironically, while promoting his 2004 Blind Pig blues nugget Player!, Curran parted ways with his longtime rhythm section including ex-Fabulous Thunderbird bassist Preston Hubbard only to then join up with Wilson. As a fan, one could only be left perplexed at Curran's hasty move, but also curious as to what this would do to the sound of the Thunderbirds. The answer is Painted On, the fifth Thunderbirds album since Vaughan left and the one to come the closest to recapturing the original lineup's fire and bravado. Centered around the gritty, distorted garage rock vibe of the title track, the album is a mix of classic Thunderbirds touchstones including catchy Tex-Mex rockabilly-style numbers like "Two-Time Fool," danceably funky New Orleans R&B workouts including Earl King's "Feeling My Way Around," and of course volcanic blues-rock brought full tilt via such originals as "Got to Get Out" and the gut-pounding "Rock Candy." Fans of Curran will be glad to find that, more than just a hired gun, he gets to grab the spotlight with his own shuffle blues "You Torture Me." However, it is not just Curran who adds life to the album. On the contrary, longtime Thunderbirds pianist "Uncle" Gene Taylor, bumptastic bassist Ronnie James Weber, and Portland percussion dynamo drummer Jimi Bott bring a seriously groovy rhythm section vibe to the album. Then you have guitarist Kirk Eli Fletcher, who matches Curran note bend for bend as one of the most low-down blues slingers of his generation. Throw in a guest vocal spot from Detroit Cobras vocalist Rachel Nagy, who pairs up with Wilson for the Wilson Pickett-worthy "Love Speaks Louder Than Words," and you don't just have the best Fabulous Thunderbirds album in years, but also one of the best blues albums of the year. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
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. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For Fabulous Thunderbirds fanatics, or anyone longing for the raw gutbucket blues-rock of their early recordings, Different Tacos is something of a godsend. Essentially, the disc is a rarities collection, boasting nine outtakes from their first four studio albums, a couple of live cuts from various U.K. tours, and a nearly complete set from an Austin club gig in the late '70s. Each track is straightforward, take-no-prisoners Texas blues, played with astonishing fervor and grit. There are alternate takes and live versions of familiar T-Birds items, plus covers and songs that were reworked or abandoned for the original albums. Certainly, the nature of this live and rarities set makes Different Tacos primarily of interest to hardcore fans, but those fans will find it a most welcome addition to their Thunderbirds collection. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Roll of the Dice'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 12
Label Private Music
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Fabulous T-Birds' second album without Jimmie Vaughan is an improvement over Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk, featuring a tighter, more focused band and hotter playing. Nevertheless, the band takes a couple of missteps, particularly with a limp version of "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk'
Release Date 7/30/1991
Tracks 11
Label Epic Associated
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk is the first album the Fabulous Thunderbirds recorded without Jimmie Vaughan. It takes two guitarists -- two good guitarists, by the way -- to fill his place, and even with Duke Robillard and Kid Bangham on board, there is something missing. Though the T-birds have returned to straightahead blues-rock, abandoning the overly commercial production of their previous three albums, they don't sound as distinctive as they did with Vaughan. Still, Kim Wilson blows some good harp, Robillard and Bangham throw out a few stellar solos, contributing to a set of driving blues-rock that will be welcome to fans of the group's earliest records. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Powerful Stuff'
Release Date 1/1/1989
Tracks 10
Label Epic Associated
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After using manager Denny Bruce as producer for their first three albums, the Fabulous Thunderbirds tapped Nick Lowe for their fourth outing, T-Bird Rhythm. It was more of the same stew of rock, blues, R&B, and lowdown swamp music for which the early Thunderbirds were known. That was a good thing for anyone just in love with the sound and who wanted more. Those for whom one Thunderbirds album is good but enough, however, might not have seen much point to investing in another similar recording. Whatever the case, T-Bird Rhythm is solid, though not innovative, with the usual roots sounds that alternate between Kim Wilson originals and well-chosen covers of obscure non-hit oldies. The 2000 CD reissue on Benchmark adds historical liner notes. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Their breakthrough success. The title track and soul covers point the band in a new, more mainstream direction. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
