September 14, 2015

Texas Tornadoes’ Classic Albums Bring Rootsy Delights


Texas Tornados
A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada—Prime Cuts 1990-1996
Real Gone Music
        

Call them a supergroup, or just a super group—either way, the Texas Tornados were a lot of fun. Featuring Tex-Mex great Doug Sahm, leader of the Sir Douglas Quintet, on soulful vocals and guitar, SDQ bandmate Augie Meyers on pumping Vox organ, crooner Freddy Fender and ace accordionist Flaco Jimenez, this lovably scruffy crew created the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back party over the course of four studio albums (the first of which came in English and Spanish-language versions). Offering 39 tracks on two discs, including a Miller Lite beer ad, A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada contains a slew of rootsy delights, among them Sahm’s rousing “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” the classic Fender ballad “Wasted Days and Wasted Night,” and Bob Dylan’s tender “To Ramona.” There’s no better non-prescription cure for stress.

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