touch kicks the retro out of retrorock, so that the authenticity of Tuff Enuff's bruising R&B workouts is a much less important aspect of the record than the fact that it shakes the walls. Edmunds lets these songs hit frontally, but he's not shy about layering guitars and vocals if crowding the generally roomy sound will give that hit more impact.

And what performances he has to work with! These T-Birds are no showboats, so pyrotechnics are held to a pleasant minimum, but no one lets down for a note. Singer Kim Wilson, who wrote or co-wrote seven of the album's songs, is full of humor and force, manfully belting out the Bo Diddley-style braggadocio of "Tuff Enuff," exuding sexual command on Sam and Dave's blistering "Wrap It Up" and playfully mocking macho control on the Coasters-style "Why Get Up." Guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie Ray's older brother) twangs on "Tell Me," stings on "Look at That, Look at That," oozes the rhythmic glue that grips "Down at Antones" and blazes from note one of his instantly accelerating solo on "True Love." But bassist Preston Hubbard and drummer Fran Christina are the true stars of these ensemble stomps, starting a rumble down below that urges Wilson and Vaughan into more passionate playing.

This major-label shot, Edmunds's sharp production and a revived interest in the blues may propel the T-Birds out of Texas and the bars and onto the national stage. If so, there will be more space between stops on the highway, and the houses will get bigger, but as Tuff Enuff guarantees, the Fabulous Thunderbirds will never lose their ability to turn any room – even your living room – into a roadhouse bursting at the seams. (RS 472)

ANTHONY DECURTIS