The United States of Songs: New Mexico

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Hey everybody, welcome back! Hope you had a great holiday; I spent too much of mine inside with what is turning out to be a terrible back injury, so that was cool. But I did enjoy a Hawaiian Christmas with my in-laws, and I got to snorkel with sea turtles so I can't really complain too much. 

I got you a present, but it escaped on the plane.

Every week I try to find a new state song that names the state in its title AND sings of the state itself, not just one city or feature. It's been a hell of a lot tougher than I thought it might be, but this week our sonic roadtrip across America brings us to New Mexico:

The state: New Mexico
The song: "New Mexico Rain" by Michael Hearne

 

Ah, The Land of Enchantment! I've been through New Mexico a few times on Old Route 66, but I've always been on my way somewhere else so I haven't had a lot of time to really explore the place beyond the obligatory postcard from Albuquerque and a great diner in Moriarty that I can't remember the name of. But New Mexico's more than that! Hispanic culture, Native American heritage, nuclear research, and hey! Spaceport! New Mexico's the place where your dreams will come true because there aren't a whole lot of people around to stop you.

 

There's also a proud tradition of medical research.

As for the song, it's kind of standard state-themed folk tune-ish, but Michael Hearne does the job. It's a little twangy, but it's earnest enough that you can close your eyes and see Redondo Peak standing tall over the scrub grass and ranch land. It's a peaceful tune, kind of wistful, and I feel like that's the sort of vibe you'd pick up just hanging out on a hot New Mexico afternoon or snuggling in for a cold high desert night.

New Mexicans, I present your new state song. Let me know how it hits you!

Runner-Up: "Nebraska" by Johnny Cash
Most Laughable Suggestion: "Elf Tower New Mexico" by Coheed and Cambria

 

You know the drill! Let us know in the comments if you've got a better tune for New Mexico or want to suggest one for next week's state, New York!

 

Flickr photo Roswell NM by Angela Schatz used under a Creative Commons License.



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