The Queen of the Inland Empire, Vicky Tafoya and her band of soulful stalwarts, The Big Beat return with two striking sides from the bluesy side of town. Melding the conviction of Etta James and the grace of Dinah Washington, Vicky delivers "These Chains of Love" with passion and prowess. Blasting out of the speakers with its big, brassy production the arrangement is masterfully lean, allowing guitarist Matt Beld to shine. On the flip is "What a Cruel Way to Be, " a gorgeous, lilting lament that scratches every itch for lovers of oldies and low rider ballads alike. Proof positive that Vicky Tafoya is a legend in her own time.