A Honky Tonk Reprise (Rounder, 1996)

This reissue of Rosie Flores' debut, which earned her a nomination for Best New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1987, has the added treat of six bonus tracks. Produced by Dwight Yoakam's longtime guitarist/producer Pete Anderson, this long out-of- print collection of songs tells the story of a woman's heartache and longing for true love.

Beautifully sung in a soaring voice, the songs come to life in the hands of the empathetic musicians. Incorporating accordion, mandolin, steel guitar, and plenty of electric guitars, the songs embrace the music of Flores' youth in San Antonio: honky-tonk, Tex-Mex, and rockabilly.

"God May Forgive You But I Won't" and "Somebody Loses, Somebody Wins," featuring the magnificent harmonies of James Intveld, evoke memories of George and Tammy. Flores' achingly sung "Blue Side Of Town", recorded prior to Patty Loveless, could easily have been the hit. Now others will get to hear what may be Flores' finest recording.