Tex Mex
Like the cuisine that shares its name, Tex Mex music is a fusion of Mexican and Southwestern American styles, but is firmly centered on the northern side of the border. Tex Mex is jaunty, Conjunto-fueled pop. Accordions aren't mandatory, but they sure help. Doug Sahm -- former head of the Sir Douglas Quintet -- typifies the sound, as does singer Freddy Fender and the band the two share: the Texas Tornadoes. Joe "King" Carrasco and the Crowns brought some Punk energy to Tex Mex, while L.A.'s Los Lobos have been the form's most popular act to date.