(FORTUNE Magazine) – Texas Tornados Live From the Limo, Volume 1 Virgin/Frontera Records

Let's face it, Jennifer Lopez may be a fine actress, but as a recording artist she's a marginally talented carpetbagger armed with a few come-hither dance moves. And Ricky Martin... Is there any doubt that "Livin' La Vida Loca" is merely "The Macarena 2.0"? For any self-respecting fan of Latin-flavored music, the latest influx of not-so-caliente crossover pop is almost too depressing to contemplate. So let's give thanks to the Texas Tornados, who have chosen this moment to mount a mission-of-mercy counterattack.

A sonic gumbo of staccato horns, polka-party giddiness, and tear-in-your-beer lyrics, the Tex-Mex supergroup features crooner Freddie Fender, organist Augie Meyers, guitarist Doug Sahm, and the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion, Flaco Jimenez. Their rollicking Tejano anthem "Hey Baby Kep-Pa-So" or the ecstasy of "La Mucura/A Mover el Bote" proves the Tornados are the best thing to come out of Texas since baby back ribs. The only question is why it took the greatest bar band of all time a decade to put out its first live CD. Message to Flaco et al.: Hurry up with Volume 2.

--Chris Nashawaty