New Mexico, Part 2
cf., New Mexico, Part 1
“I feel a hot wind on my shoulder
and the touch of a world that is older.”
- Wall of Voodoo/Mexican Radio
Would’ve been more than 20 years ago (Pisces), and I stopped in Lockhart on my way to the coast, gambling on a show. Bubba loaned me a tape with that song, and as it cycled up, the images of its video brought South Texas — for an Austin person like myself — sharply into focus.
I posted a quick “insta” of Marfa Prada, or whatever its title is. But not much further on down that road?
alpine target
“Alpine Target.” Dry, West Texas humor, with a slight deconstructionist sensibilities.
Hurtling westward under a wan winter sun? Still think of the lyrics. Also brings to mind an another old Austin memory, a rock band, sawing its way through a classic from certain era.
“Out in New Mexico, people there they treat you kind…”
- White Freightliner Townes Van Zandt
Music runs deep.
Still, should be a blast of conjunto, if nothing else — the bright brassy sound of horns, tempering the wicked yet lush countryside.
New Mexico, Part 2
Leaving El Paso, under a tentative, skittering rain, reminds me of many winters before, the clouds spilling over the mountains, the valleys nothing more than over-filled bowls with moisture slipping over the top, to wash down the sides.
Arrived in hot springs. Under the broken cloud cover, stripped and hopped into the secluded outdoor tub. The clouds were fixed, and the impressive array the night’s canopy was clear, mostly with six or so of the Seven Sisters visible, almost straight up.
They always did call us rainmakers in El Paso, my second home for many years.