Texas Tornados - 4 Aces

In was in late '95 that the revitalized members of Texas Tornados joined forces again, signing to Reprise Records Burbank division and hunkering down in an Austin studio with lots of new energy and a bumper crop of fresh material. Joining them was ace producer Jim Dickinson, known for his work with, among others, the Replacements and Big Star. Also on hand were hotshot guitarist/songwriter Louis Ortega and a revolving cast of Austin's best skin men. The result is Four Aces, and from the opening notes of "Little Bit Is Better Than Nada" (the album's first track debut single and quintessential Doug Sahm slam-dunk), it's clear as mud that the Texas Tornados are back and better than ever. Other standout tracks include the Freddy Fender-penned show-stoppers "In My Mind" and "Amor de Mi Vida," Joe King Carasco's "Tell Me," the Chris Gaffney original "The Gardens," and the mini-epic title track, another delight from the pen of Sir Doug. With Four Aces, the Texas Tornados are playing a musical game where everything's wild. Very wild.

1) Little Bit Is Better Than Nada
2) Amor de Mi Vida
3) In My Mind
4) 4 Aces
5) My Cruel Pain
6) Tell Me
7) Ta Bueno Compadre (It's Ok Friend)
8) The Gardens
9) Rosalita
10) Clinging to You
11) Mi Morenita
12) The One I Love the Most