Here are some descriptions of modern Mex-Tex border music, slightly adapted from "The Dallas Morning News." The subject of narcocorridos has come up in the past few weeks, as several famous singers have allegedly been killed or threatened by cartels.

Narcocorrido: a modern version of the traditional ballad that is dedicated to the real or imaginary exploits of drug traffickers, mostly in northern Mexico. A corrido is a centuries-old ballad style that generally begins with a short personal story followed by a moral. It is the bedrock of traditional Mexican music. Narcocorrido songs are sometimes requested or paid for by the traffickers themselves or based on media reports.

Norteño: a musical style popular along the Mexico-Texas border that is influenced by accordion-dominated polka music. It developed in rural northern Mexico in the early 20th century. At its heart is the corrido.

Grupero: a more general term to describe several forms of Mexican music, such as norteño, tejano, or a mixture of different forms.

Ranchera: Romantic ballads often sung to mariachi music, which includes guitars, violins and horns.

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