For those unaware, Butt Rockin’ is the third of the first four studio albums released by The Fabulous Thunderbirds and it features Jimmie Vaughan on guitar with Kim Wilson on vocals and harmonica, Keith Ferguson on bass with Fran Christina on drums.

Guests include the Roomful Of Blues horn section plus Al Copley and Anson Funderburgh. It is also now available as a 12 inch blue vinyl edition from the original master tapes - but the vinyl edition does not include the CD bonus tracks.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds were formed in 1974, but these days singer Kim Wilson is the only constant member through the band’s entire history. Their 1986 album Tuff Enuff sold over a million copies and spawned two minor hit singles: the title track and Wrap It Up.

1. I Believe I’m In Love
2. Ones Too Many
3. Give Me All Your Lovin
4. Roll, Roll, Roll
5. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
6. I Hear You Knocking
7. Tip On In
8. I’m Sorry
9. Mathilda
10. Tell Me Why
11. In Orbit
12. Found A New Love
13. I Got Eyes
14. Someday You’ll Want Me

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 above-average, if not genuinely well-done set of roots rock with strong echoes of the blues, New Orleans R&B, and swamp-pop.

When the Thunderbirds gave their sound more polish, as on Tuff Enough and Wrap It Up they had more success, but for me, they were at their best when they stayed true to their roots. Jimmy Vaughn’s playing is first rate, and he has a real sense in his soloing, keeping things nice and compact, and never losing track of the heart of the song. If you like good, striped down R&B, you’ll LOVE this album.

Official Purchase Link

www.fabulousthunderbirds.com