October 5, 2023 • 32 mins
If Neil Young cherished it for the escape then there is certainly mystery and beauty within the 505. In this episode we got you face melters and listening rooms. No problem. But we also have the green chili!
Written by Caitlin White
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
The deserts of America have to be where songs are born,
where isolation gives way to desolation, All things have to
fight for survival, and a glaring beauty and madness glints
off the midnight sun in that white hot sun. This
has to be where songs come from, or maybe just
the best ones. Neil Young knew this, even if Zuma
(00:26):
captured his attention with its waves and moody beaches right afterwards.
It was Albuquerque where he sought comfort, a place of
respite to test his own survival when the glare of
fame was deflected in remote towns and fly over cities,
and he could drive and drive and drive movement for
the purpose of feeling in order to process the tragic
(00:48):
overdoses of two of his closest friends and the grief
that followed. On his underrated yet still classic nineteen seventy
five album Tonight's to Night, Young captured the beauty, wilderness,
and majesty of this particular desert in Albuquerque, track eight
on the record, It's not so much a destination as
(01:08):
an escape from the easy reality of the lowlands, a
place to check back in with yourself and return to
who you really are, or with a version you'd like
to be. It's a sky city, a literal and physical
attempt to climb somewhere higher. But also when you visit
the city, you just might feel what I feel, a
(01:31):
spiritual urge to connect with what it really means to
be part of the long melody of civilization, to sing
your own desert song, or join with the ancient hum
buzzing underneath the wind, dancing along the sand. I've been
flying down the road, and I've been starving to be
alone and independent from the scene that I've known Albuquerque.
(01:57):
So I'll stop when I can find some Friday and
country him. I'll find somewhere where they don't care who
I am.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Oh Albuquerque.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Integral to being an American is to know how much
we ignore within our own country, especially when the cultural
signifiers aren't white. But Albuquerque thrusts all of its rolling
century old history to the surface and demands to be seen.
It is the first real community in America. How can
you ignore that? And yet a lot of us do.
(02:30):
Albuquerque is an underrated but nonetheless essential music town. It's
what has been known in the tourist world as a
stopover city, a place where bands can count on an
audience to show up, even if it's a smaller or
more intimate show, and they'll play Albuquerque because they've got
to stop anyway. On the trek towards bigger hubs on
the West coast, must hit cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles,
(02:50):
San fran and the rest, the ones that pay the
bills and put gas in the van. But that means
there's actually a surprisingly great bevy of artists be seen
at venues in and around the area. So as much
as the higher end wellness and luxury travel types might
tout Santa Fe, Goop and Conde Nast and Vogue and
all them, it's Albuquerque where most things, especially for live music,
(03:13):
are actually taking place. This is the city with grit,
with hole in the wall bars where a stage just
appears in the corner some nights, or where local breweries
frequently host both in town and traveling musicians for some
live tunes to go along with the on tap beer,
because why not, everybody likes it and it's weird to
have beer without music, which, by the way, is another
(03:36):
similarity between Denver and Albuquerque. The local brewery scene here
has taken off in a way that's almost hard to
fathom unless you're on the ground.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
What is it about high altitude cities and brews?
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Maybe your taste buds can get a better sense of
the hops and yeast when you're high up. If that's
not reason to stay at this elevation, I don't know
what is. The science checks out though, because Baker's working
in high altitude have to change their proportions and baked times.
Maybe all this change and attention to detail is making
its way into the songwriting too. The longer history, the
(04:11):
desert sun activated survival mode, the regional pride, and something
as simple as the chili pepper. It's all part of
the Albuquerque Way, a sky city in the land of
enchantment that will win you over after one visit a
city that harbors and has harbored Demi Levado. The Shins
(04:32):
exhibit Beiruths, a Hawk and a hacks, the Rondell's Ryan
bi Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Junior. But what is
the point of highlighting the people no longer there? The
sound of a town is not the music that makes
a big outside of it, but the music happening within
(04:53):
right now. Sound of Our Town is a podcast about
the music that shaped the city you are touching down in.
It is also about finding, hearing, and experiencing the best
music happening right now. What sounds and places of shape
the city's culture, and what new sounds continue to define it.
(05:17):
Sound of our Town is about getting together in a
room to listen, and why that matters so much right now.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
My name is Will Day.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I'm an independent songwriter artist out there somewhere in the
night on one of these stages most likely, so whether
you are quickly dropping in or landing for a long stay,
in each episode, I'll introduce you to the real places
and sonic stories echoing in a particular town so that
your adventure is enriched with music.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Your support of this.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Show, your follows on your favorite platforms for podcasts, and
especially reviews have gotten this show to episode seven, season two,
as we venture into Albuquerque, New Mexico. So what is
(06:06):
the Land of enchantment anyways? What makes a tick? Albuquerque
is a city built on influences from Mexico, Spain, and
indigenous cultures, and there's a baked in celebration of native
music and culture here, as well as the hardy appreciation
for when larger more mainstream acts make their way to
this secluded desert city. Music from the ancestral Pueblonians who
(06:27):
lived in northwest New Mexico, sometimes called the Anazi, essential
to the first traditions of sound.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Here.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
They had the Anazi flute and other wind instruments, chants,
and drum beats as defining elements of their earliest culture.
They were also well known for their rock art and petroglyphs.
The music of this civilization was soon mixed with traditional
Christian liturgical music in the violin from missionaries, as well
as the Spanish guitar and Mexican music like mariachi and ranchera. Finally,
(06:57):
much later in New Mexico's history, when it was made
a state, which strangely didn't happen until nineteen twelve, the
frontier music of western and country, as well as zadko
from Cajun settlers was also thrown in. Which is to say,
the traditions of art and the importance of creative expression
has always been part of the lifeblood of this area,
(07:18):
and it's lived on in Albuquerque. It's made its way
to the contemporary scene. We can draw through line from
that history to say the Shins, one of the more
prominent groups who have actually formed in the city. That
may seem like a stretch, but they are folksy. But
it's really that reverb on Jane Mercer's voice that seems
(07:38):
like it's connected and echoing from a distant time. So
where do you go to see the next band that
will be as influential as the Shins playing around town? Well,
maybe you should start with one of the most historic
places for live music in town, a landmark an institution
designed by a beloved local architect. We'll get there, but first,
(07:59):
let's please you and slowly let your legs and your
lungs get used to the altitude before it's time to
buy a ticket, deal with the bouncer padding you down,
and finding your spot for a seated show. First off,
why not embrace their beer culture, Grab a pint, get
a taste of some super casual tunes. This is what
Albuquerque's local scene is all about, and even better, there's
(08:21):
more than one of them. Get off whatever steel horse
you rode in on and locate the closest tractor brewing
company to your current location in Albuquerque. My favorite is
the one right by the University in knob Hill, but
it's one of four locations across town. I'll hold that
(08:43):
this downtown location is the best introduction to the world
of Albuquerque. Plus is the name hints this is a
place to get a damn fine pint of New Mexico beer,
something you'll encounter all throughout the city. And brewing has
been an institution in this city since eighteen eighty eight,
but that's a story for different podcast. You are sandwich
between the colorful La Monita Food co Op, a great
(09:06):
local spot to get food if you're planning to cook
for yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
The area is also.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Teeming with other beloved kitchens, The Flying Star Cafe for breakfast, burgers,
sandwiches or salads, Frontier for classic New Mexican Mexican fair
more on this later, or Dion's, a casual pizza spot
that does indeed have a local green hatch chili and
pepperoni pizza Dubbed the five oh five after this part
(09:30):
of Albuquerque's signature area code.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
I say that.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Because you're welcome to bring your own food into Tractor
while you're drinking, and food trucks roll up outside to
feed the crowd of locals who stride in and Out
Tractor is one of those places where people love to
come and just hang out. And since there's a ready
and willing crowd, yes, live music does pop up from
time to time.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
It's not all the time, and it's not.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
The main attraction, but the horseshoe bar in the center
of the room is perfectly positioned to leave space in
the corner for a stage to appear.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Every Saturday.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
On Fridays, expect the DJ set, but select Thursdays will
feature live music too, So just ask around once you've
taken a seat to get a feel for the likelihood.
Even if there is no music that night, it's still
a super enjoyable hang The walls are decked out with
tractor gear with the cheeky tagline get Cloud just under
(10:24):
the radar enough to kind of slide by with some people.
And if it's still daylight and you're ready to go
even deeper into the scene, wander a few streets over
to knob Hill Music, an excellent record store for anyone
with a love for vinyl. And now we are one
stop in and you've already got a neighborhood guide. That's
kind of how Albuquerque works. Behind every door in this
(10:47):
Sky City is another one. All the nooks and crannies
give way to even more irreverent, quirky, and esoteric options
further up and further in. So now let's head to
an actual event. You got through the first stop and
(11:09):
it was exactly what it was meant to be, the easy,
ind the low and slow pitch. But just in case
you've come to Albuquerque with purpose and you want to
dive right in with swiftness, in that case, you'd be
hitting up the historic Chemo Hell maybe even start here,
and then you go grab a pint at tractor Post show.
There are no rules. I don't mind if you invert
(11:32):
this map. Nothing is set in stone. With the best
kind of traveling, hopefully we know that here at the
Chemo Theater. It's one of those places that's so iconic
that editors from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
have been involved with helping preserve the full story. It's
one of the best places to see a show in Albuquerque,
hands down. It's in a historic building, and it's located
(11:57):
on the historic Route sixty six. Cheimo is an incredible
preserved example of a very rare form of architecture. Dubbed
Pueblo Deco, though it was very short lived. This was
an attempt to fuse elements of Native American culture with
the rise of Art Deco, and the results are a
mix of flamboyant and sometimes head spinning mashups like native
(12:20):
motifs and murals threaded throughout the building, soaring ceilings, and
an expansive marquee. Also originally opened as a movie theater
and now the Chemo hosts bands of all stripes, from
R and B and pop to Spanish guitarists and comedians.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Like Mark Merrin.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
A very special Albuquerque session dubbed Bands of Enchantment, which
is a play on the phrase Land of Enchantment, which
is the nickname for the city in the state.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
You'll hear me say it a lot.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It films the theater because of what a stunning, region
specific backdrop it makes. It is a prime listening room,
and I recommend going to bandsof Enchantment dot com to
get a glimpse and get excited before you go. Known
(13:10):
either as just Sister or Sister Bar, pretty much anyone
who lives in Albuquerque will let you know this is
the coolest spot in town. There's pinball while you're waiting
for the show or for food, and the kitchen stays
open to eleven. The cocktails are actually great at a
music venue. That's pretty amazing. This is so rare that
(13:30):
even New Yorkers and Angelino's will prick their ears up
at the sound of it. But these delicious housemade cocktails
which drain from the boozy and over the top see
the vapor with gin sak and leechy boba to the
classic as they come. See the old fashioned with whiskey,
bitters and sugar will arrive into your possession at the
completely reasonable price of nine to eleven dollars. See there
(13:56):
is perks to visiting old landlocked not quite gentrified city.
Affordable excellent cocktails are.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Just one of them.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Once you're settled in with drinks at Sister have maybe
played a few rounds of pinball, head closer to the
stage to get a great vantage point when the music
kicks off.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Listen. Traditionally we do no cover.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
As a well no cover spot, but the truth is
you will likely have to pay five to twenty or
so to get a ticket for a show at Sister Bar,
but that money is going to the band and going
to the bar itself to keep the drink prices as
low as they are, and truly there's no spot that
encapsulates the field.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Is a local music scene here more than.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Sister, so it's worth a few dollars out of your
well tailored out of town or pockets.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
You're gonna catch a vibe here.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
We'll call this no cover spot the no hidden fees spot.
And by the way, you can get a vegan cauliflower
po boy here. It'll blow your mind if you're not
a meat eater and warm your soul if you left
carnivorous ways behind a long time ago. Yes, there is
a lot of excellent meaty food in New Mexico, and
yes there's also any of the plant based cooking happening
(15:01):
here too. Sister also serves up a decade in Kubana
with the area's signature red chili pork. Let's just say, no,
matter what you do, Sister is on your list as
a visitor. Okay, But if you're looking for a more
formal concert venning where a mosh pit might erupt at
any moment and the sound system has its own Instagram account,
not really, but you get what I'm saying. Then there's
(15:24):
a place for that too, and it's called the Chemo Theater.
But while we are on the subject of food, which
keeps working its way in in Albuquerque, let's just do a.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Baseline check in.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Food is a big deal here and a lot of
it has to do with a little green chili. So
let's sidebar. The food in Albuquerque is a renewable resource
(16:00):
fueled by the locally grown hatch green chilies. To know
Albuquerque is to understand the history of hatch green chilies.
Conquisturos from Mexico first brought the chilies to New Mexico
just before sixteen hundred, and native Pueblo people began to
grow and nurtured along with the other plants that were
already part of their agrarian society, which developed further when
(16:22):
the Spanish settlements put down their roots over the next
four hundred years. Plenty of local heroes are credited for
their own part in shaping various varietals and expressions of
the chili, which have plenty of scientific names and heat expressions,
but should be noted are overall about one third the
heat level of a typical jalapino, which makes them much
(16:44):
more palatable. There is no actual Hatch chili, but the
town of Hatch, which is in southern New Mexico closer
to the city of La Cruces, is the central hub
for production. Hatch green chilies are designated only as chili's
grown in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico. Locals
claim that the rich soil climate of the high desert,
(17:05):
which allows for extreme fluctuations between heat and colder air,
and of course the pride that the region's farmers take
in their crop all amount to the best chilies in
the world. Remember those slobsters in Portland, Maine. You see,
it starts to matter the places you are, the art
that's being made, and the food that is being cultivated
(17:26):
by those that have their hands on it and actually
benefit from it being sustainable and rich and authentic. Same
goes for the music being made. Either way, wherever you
go in Albuquerque, you will see Hatch green chilies on
the menu. It's made its way into wine and beer,
onto burghers at local fast food joints like Blakes, and
(17:49):
will absolutely be the star ingredient in the area's Mexican food,
which is some of the best on the content. For
my money, The best place to get into the chili
frame of mind is Frontier. It is an absolute must
visit for anyone who is heading to New Mexico for
the first time and wants to catch the vibe. It
is kind of like a Mexican diner, open almost all
(18:11):
hours of the day and night, seven days a week,
and even still there will be a line out the
door almost any time you go. Don't worry, it disappears
fast and a lot of those ordering will take theirs
to go. It's not like there's a demand for tables
as much as there is a demand for the food.
It's that good. Seriously, now we are versed in the hatch.
(18:33):
Enough of these delightful local peppers for now, it's time
to get back to the music. The Sunshine Theater is
so beloved that locals right tributes to it, going over
(18:55):
the history of the fine toothcomb to make sure nothing
gets missed.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
And still it does.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
That's how versatile this theater is, how long it's been around.
First built in nineteen twenty four and designed by one
of the area's most prominent architects, Henry C. Trost, who
designed hundreds of buildings all over the city, the Sunshine
was originally a movie theater with an orchestra pit and
one of the last hand operated elevators in New Mexico.
(19:22):
It made the transition into a music venue around the
late nineteen eighties, but it also housed a recording studio
into the early nineteen nineties. It's been home to at
least a record shop or two, a ticket box office,
a nightclub in the basement called Hell, and though it
can't quite be proven, there are rumors that David Bowie
film scenes from The Man Who Fell to Earth inside
(19:43):
the theater, So I'm just going to say it's true
and believe it. Currently, Sunshine hosts a venue within a venue,
Moonlight Lounge. It hosts smaller shows in the same vibe
as the mother venue. The Sunshine regularly books everything from
local rock and ear nights to hip hop, metal, and
pop punk. It leans heavier. But if you get a
(20:04):
chance to line up a solid act with this historic stage,
book the tickets without thinking and let the sunshine melt
your face. Fewer and fewer of these classic one hundred
year old spaces exist anymore, and it's best to get
a show at a stage like this one.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
In the books, while you can.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
The best time to visit New Mexico will always be
the fall, because it's not too rainy, snowy, or hot
during those perfect fall months. Another reason why it's wonderful
to visit in autumn because the entire city and a
whole host of visitors from all over the world flood
into Albuquerque in early October for the world famous Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta. If you have any interest in all
(20:53):
in hot air balloons, then you will love the way
the whole city gets taken over for a week. The
sky is filled with hundreds of.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Balloons all day.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
However, it also means hotels, flights, car rentals, and other
fluctuating travel related prices are all at their highest level
during this time, so little maneuvering on either side of
the festival might be in the cards. But watching balloons
all day and making your way to any of the
aforementioned venues this New Mexico bliss. Or if you're more
(21:24):
intrigued by the area's culinary history and chili obsession, consider
heading to the Hatch Chili Festival over Labor Day weekend.
This festival is actually held in Hatch, so it's a
couple hours drive from Albuquerque, but with a parade, beer
and wine gardens, and even a chili eating contest, there's
plenty to do for a day trip before heading back
(21:46):
to town to catch a show. In a small town,
the biggest venue tends to at the Spotlight because some
things are just based on the numbers, and when artists
are guaranteed to be coming through your town strictly based
(22:07):
on its geographical location between big cities in the south
and big cities on the West coast, well, the biggest
stage is going to be graced with some amazing artists.
This one is about math, and it's also about the
draw of seeing a concert under the stars.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
The biggest stage in town is at the isleta amphitheater,
an outdoor venue, and what could be better for the
high desert, hot, windy nights than adding a little live music.
It's not quite Red Rocks, but it's got the kind
of views that never get old, like when the sunset
starts to gloam over the horizon and the mountains turn
purple and pink like they do some nights in the
(22:47):
Land of Enchantment. The venue is only built in two thousands,
so it's really not that old compared to some of
the other arenas around the country, but that also means
it's a bit more spacious and up to date, and
what it lacks in history, it makes up for with
a gorgeous outdoor setting.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
In great acoustics.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Initially open to hold about twelve thousand people, the venue
became so popular over the years that around two thousand
and nine, the lawn area was extended so shows could
accommodate up to fifteen thousand. In that area tends to
be where locals and those who know.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
The area well like to hang out.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
It also lends itself well to the venue setup, which
is more spread out and low instead of stacked in
high tiers like some arenas and stadium sized spots can be.
It's actually surprising that Azleta hasn't climbed the ranks of
best venues in the country yet, and perhaps that's a
little bit just because it's on the younger side, but
it also might be due to the fact that Albuquerque.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Has stayed underrated.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
The biggest claim to fame the town is seen in
its somewhat slanted viewpoint, is as the back dropped a
breaking bad where the creators took liberty with everything from
the Spanish language itself to what kinds of communities thrive
in New Mexico. TV shows don't get everything right, but
it does include a scene from the Isletta's parking lot.
In season two, episode four, Walt teaches Walt Junior how
(24:09):
to drive in the parking lot here, and then in
season four, episode seven, Problem Dog, he destroys a car
Skyler wanted him to restart. We don't really recommend joy
riding around a lot, but the massive lot has become
part of the fabric of the neighborhood enough that it
made it into this globally acclaimed show, which says something.
It also leads us to our next stop, which is
(24:32):
a venue that many locals swear by, a parking lot
across town at a little spot called Long Hair Records.
If you ask a local, the best venue in town
is a parking lot. Isn't that the beauty of living somewhere?
The ability to transform a liminal space into a creative one.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
All the best.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Communities have that kind of magic. That Long Hair Records
is cultivated is no different. In order to get a
real feel for what the store is all about, i'd
love to just read you. The about section from their
Facebook page Glorious grooves and vintage vibes from Needle Drop
to Dead Wax. We also offer a curated selection of
(25:19):
vintage cassettes, vhs and genre of paperbacks paperbacks and vhs
and come on, where are you gonna get that? If
that sounds up your ally, then a show in the
parking lot probably will too. The shop itself is open
from Wednesday to Sunday, twelve pm to six pm.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
Events happen a.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Bit sporadically, but can all be found on their website
and social media if you want to check the dates
for your trip. Worth noting, Long Hair isn't all that
far away from Tractor Brewing and knob Hill, so it
might be the move to fold a visit into the
same day you're hanging out over there.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
If you choose to.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
Do so, then you can really look at yourself and say,
I'm really getting a feel for the five oh five.
If you'd really like to get to know the musical
history of the area, a book published by the University
of New Mexico Press called The Hispanic Folk Music of
(26:19):
New Mexico in the Southwest will blow your mind. And
it requires some work because the massive Tone is close
to one thousand pages long. But this book, originally published
in nineteen eighty, is packed full of years of field
research by composer John Donald Robb. He was, as described
(26:39):
by the publisher, a passionate aficionado of the traditions of
his adopted state. Rob traveled all over the state, both
recording and transcribing new music he encountered from the time
he moved there in nineteen forty one throughout the next
three and a half decades, which is to say it's
more of a show don't tell approach, but there's an
(27:00):
often here to fascinate any music nerd. Even if the
show you're going to see while in town is something
more contemporary. Getting a feel for the area's musical roots
will only enhance your stay in the land of enchantment.
The mysticism of the desert exists in every generation, in
(27:21):
every culture. It doesn't matter which patch of this unforgiving
sandy expanse you land in around the world. The desert
is just more raw than other places. Our instinctual will
to live in the fragility of our ability to do
just that are closer to the surface. Due to the heat,
to lack of water, and the sheer seclusion, and no
(27:43):
place on Earth drives at home more than the high
desert of Albuquerque, long used as a stand in by
American poets and wanderers and yes, Looney Tunes genius bugs.
Bunny himself is a trope that represents the middle of nowhere.
New Mexico sometimes gets lost in the shadow of the
Colorado Mountains, the sunny pool of Arizona, or the notoriety
(28:05):
of Utah, But really this is one of the oldest
places anywhere in North America where humans first tried to
build something beyond just a wandering, nomadic lifestyle. About an
hour southwest from Albuquerque, a Coma Pueblo Akasky City is
recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States,
(28:26):
and countless pueblos just like a Coma exist in and
around New Mexico, plenty of them still inhabited by the
same tribes today, descendants of the first peoples to put
down roots, coke some water out of the ground, and
call the desert home. The road that Neil Young probably
drove on his fateful visit, and that a lot of
people have been up and down. Is the historic Route
(28:49):
sixty six, which runs through the heart of Albuquerque and
was another force that established it as something of a
stopover town in the context of American history. And though
that might be true for some people, there's a whole
other swathe of them that it doesn't entirely ring true for.
You see, there's a joke around town that once people
(29:10):
come to the land of enchantment, a certain strain of
person can't leave it all. They are simply sucked in
by the purple sky, the sweeping desert, the expanse of
all this elevation. Albuquerque is an escape for some, but
for others that escape can quickly turn into the whole story.
This is a peak of what keeps people coming back
(29:32):
to the song of the desert, and don't be surprised
if you get swept up in it. And one more thing,
Sometimes the desert feels like a desperate place, but desperation
gets a bad rap. What if desperation is the impetus
(29:53):
for something positive. After all, it builds endurance and creates stamina.
Desperation is the precur sort of strength and the kind
of decisions that can alter your course forever.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
These days.
Speaker 1 (30:05):
Choosing to live in a desert is more of a
mindset shift than an actual question of survival. But a
little bit of that old, strong, desperate feeling still courses
under the surface here. It's what makes the High Desert special.
It's what makes it the land of enchantment. All that
fighting for survival gives way to a little bit of bliss.
(30:32):
That's Albuquerque, Everybody, Season two, episode seven, Thank you for
your ears. Thank you to everyone who has followed the
show on your favorite platform. In an extra extra special
thanks to those of you who have reviewed it. That's
how we keep this going. I've been told it's the
only thing.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
That matters dm me.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
If you have any questions that for the suggestions or
a city really want covered, let us know how we're doing.
Hit me up on Instagram that will do the official
or just search will daily d A, I L E
Y on your favorite platform. I am on threads too. Finally,
we have a new social media platform. It was getting
kind of quiet out there. Sound of Our Town is
(31:13):
a production of Double Elvis and iHeartRadio. You can also
hit us up on ig at double Elvis and Twitter
at Double Elvis f M. The show is executively produced
by Jake Brennan and Brady Sadler for Double Elvis. Production
assistants by Matt Boden. This show is created, written, and
hosted and scored by me Will Daily.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
This episode was written by Kaylin White.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
If you want to hear my music, if you want
to see where I'm playing, just go to will Daily
dot com.
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Yes, I'm on.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Spotify, on on Apple, Pandora, wherever music happens. We're pretty
much there, but you can always sign me at will
daily dot com. Just w I L L D I
wait w I L L D A I L E
y dot com.
Speaker 2 (31:56):
That's it.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
I'm off to the next town, the next city. I
only have a couple more episodes left in season two.
Speaker 2 (32:03):
Thank you for your ears.
The deserts of America have to be where songs are born,
where isolation gives way to desolation, All things have to
fight for survival, and a glaring beauty and madness glints
off the midnight sun in that white hot sun. This
has to be where songs come from, or maybe just
the best ones. Neil Young knew this, even if Zuma
(00:26):
captured his attention with its waves and moody beaches right afterwards.
It was Albuquerque where he sought comfort, a place of
respite to test his own survival when the glare of
fame was deflected in remote towns and fly over cities,
and he could drive and drive and drive movement for
the purpose of feeling in order to process the tragic
(00:48):
overdoses of two of his closest friends and the grief
that followed. On his underrated yet still classic nineteen seventy
five album Tonight's to Night, Young captured the beauty, wilderness,
and majesty of this particular desert in Albuquerque, track eight
on the record, It's not so much a destination as
(01:08):
an escape from the easy reality of the lowlands, a
place to check back in with yourself and return to
who you really are, or with a version you'd like
to be. It's a sky city, a literal and physical
attempt to climb somewhere higher. But also when you visit
the city, you just might feel what I feel, a
(01:31):
spiritual urge to connect with what it really means to
be part of the long melody of civilization, to sing
your own desert song, or join with the ancient hum
buzzing underneath the wind, dancing along the sand. I've been
flying down the road, and I've been starving to be
alone and independent from the scene that I've known Albuquerque.
(01:57):
So I'll stop when I can find some Friday and
country him. I'll find somewhere where they don't care who
I am.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Oh Albuquerque.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Integral to being an American is to know how much
we ignore within our own country, especially when the cultural
signifiers aren't white. But Albuquerque thrusts all of its rolling
century old history to the surface and demands to be seen.
It is the first real community in America. How can
you ignore that? And yet a lot of us do.
(02:30):
Albuquerque is an underrated but nonetheless essential music town. It's
what has been known in the tourist world as a
stopover city, a place where bands can count on an
audience to show up, even if it's a smaller or
more intimate show, and they'll play Albuquerque because they've got
to stop anyway. On the trek towards bigger hubs on
the West coast, must hit cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles,
(02:50):
San fran and the rest, the ones that pay the
bills and put gas in the van. But that means
there's actually a surprisingly great bevy of artists be seen
at venues in and around the area. So as much
as the higher end wellness and luxury travel types might
tout Santa Fe, Goop and Conde Nast and Vogue and
all them, it's Albuquerque where most things, especially for live music,
(03:13):
are actually taking place. This is the city with grit,
with hole in the wall bars where a stage just
appears in the corner some nights, or where local breweries
frequently host both in town and traveling musicians for some
live tunes to go along with the on tap beer,
because why not, everybody likes it and it's weird to
have beer without music, which, by the way, is another
(03:36):
similarity between Denver and Albuquerque. The local brewery scene here
has taken off in a way that's almost hard to
fathom unless you're on the ground.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
What is it about high altitude cities and brews?
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Maybe your taste buds can get a better sense of
the hops and yeast when you're high up. If that's
not reason to stay at this elevation, I don't know
what is. The science checks out though, because Baker's working
in high altitude have to change their proportions and baked times.
Maybe all this change and attention to detail is making
its way into the songwriting too. The longer history, the
(04:11):
desert sun activated survival mode, the regional pride, and something
as simple as the chili pepper. It's all part of
the Albuquerque Way, a sky city in the land of
enchantment that will win you over after one visit a
city that harbors and has harbored Demi Levado. The Shins
(04:32):
exhibit Beiruths, a Hawk and a hacks, the Rondell's Ryan
bi Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Junior. But what is
the point of highlighting the people no longer there? The
sound of a town is not the music that makes
a big outside of it, but the music happening within
(04:53):
right now. Sound of Our Town is a podcast about
the music that shaped the city you are touching down in.
It is also about finding, hearing, and experiencing the best
music happening right now. What sounds and places of shape
the city's culture, and what new sounds continue to define it.
(05:17):
Sound of our Town is about getting together in a
room to listen, and why that matters so much right now.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
My name is Will Day.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I'm an independent songwriter artist out there somewhere in the
night on one of these stages most likely, so whether
you are quickly dropping in or landing for a long stay,
in each episode, I'll introduce you to the real places
and sonic stories echoing in a particular town so that
your adventure is enriched with music.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Your support of this.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Show, your follows on your favorite platforms for podcasts, and
especially reviews have gotten this show to episode seven, season two,
as we venture into Albuquerque, New Mexico. So what is
(06:06):
the Land of enchantment anyways? What makes a tick? Albuquerque
is a city built on influences from Mexico, Spain, and
indigenous cultures, and there's a baked in celebration of native
music and culture here, as well as the hardy appreciation
for when larger more mainstream acts make their way to
this secluded desert city. Music from the ancestral Pueblonians who
(06:27):
lived in northwest New Mexico, sometimes called the Anazi, essential
to the first traditions of sound.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Here.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
They had the Anazi flute and other wind instruments, chants,
and drum beats as defining elements of their earliest culture.
They were also well known for their rock art and petroglyphs.
The music of this civilization was soon mixed with traditional
Christian liturgical music in the violin from missionaries, as well
as the Spanish guitar and Mexican music like mariachi and ranchera. Finally,
(06:57):
much later in New Mexico's history, when it was made
a state, which strangely didn't happen until nineteen twelve, the
frontier music of western and country, as well as zadko
from Cajun settlers was also thrown in. Which is to say,
the traditions of art and the importance of creative expression
has always been part of the lifeblood of this area,
(07:18):
and it's lived on in Albuquerque. It's made its way
to the contemporary scene. We can draw through line from
that history to say the Shins, one of the more
prominent groups who have actually formed in the city. That
may seem like a stretch, but they are folksy. But
it's really that reverb on Jane Mercer's voice that seems
(07:38):
like it's connected and echoing from a distant time. So
where do you go to see the next band that
will be as influential as the Shins playing around town? Well,
maybe you should start with one of the most historic
places for live music in town, a landmark an institution
designed by a beloved local architect. We'll get there, but first,
(07:59):
let's please you and slowly let your legs and your
lungs get used to the altitude before it's time to
buy a ticket, deal with the bouncer padding you down,
and finding your spot for a seated show. First off,
why not embrace their beer culture, Grab a pint, get
a taste of some super casual tunes. This is what
Albuquerque's local scene is all about, and even better, there's
(08:21):
more than one of them. Get off whatever steel horse
you rode in on and locate the closest tractor brewing
company to your current location in Albuquerque. My favorite is
the one right by the University in knob Hill, but
it's one of four locations across town. I'll hold that
(08:43):
this downtown location is the best introduction to the world
of Albuquerque. Plus is the name hints this is a
place to get a damn fine pint of New Mexico beer,
something you'll encounter all throughout the city. And brewing has
been an institution in this city since eighteen eighty eight,
but that's a story for different podcast. You are sandwich
between the colorful La Monita Food co Op, a great
(09:06):
local spot to get food if you're planning to cook
for yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
The area is also.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Teeming with other beloved kitchens, The Flying Star Cafe for breakfast, burgers,
sandwiches or salads, Frontier for classic New Mexican Mexican fair
more on this later, or Dion's, a casual pizza spot
that does indeed have a local green hatch chili and
pepperoni pizza Dubbed the five oh five after this part
(09:30):
of Albuquerque's signature area code.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
I say that.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Because you're welcome to bring your own food into Tractor
while you're drinking, and food trucks roll up outside to
feed the crowd of locals who stride in and Out
Tractor is one of those places where people love to
come and just hang out. And since there's a ready
and willing crowd, yes, live music does pop up from
time to time.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
It's not all the time, and it's not.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
The main attraction, but the horseshoe bar in the center
of the room is perfectly positioned to leave space in
the corner for a stage to appear.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Every Saturday.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
On Fridays, expect the DJ set, but select Thursdays will
feature live music too, So just ask around once you've
taken a seat to get a feel for the likelihood.
Even if there is no music that night, it's still
a super enjoyable hang The walls are decked out with
tractor gear with the cheeky tagline get Cloud just under
(10:24):
the radar enough to kind of slide by with some people.
And if it's still daylight and you're ready to go
even deeper into the scene, wander a few streets over
to knob Hill Music, an excellent record store for anyone
with a love for vinyl. And now we are one
stop in and you've already got a neighborhood guide. That's
kind of how Albuquerque works. Behind every door in this
(10:47):
Sky City is another one. All the nooks and crannies
give way to even more irreverent, quirky, and esoteric options
further up and further in. So now let's head to
an actual event. You got through the first stop and
(11:09):
it was exactly what it was meant to be, the easy,
ind the low and slow pitch. But just in case
you've come to Albuquerque with purpose and you want to
dive right in with swiftness, in that case, you'd be
hitting up the historic Chemo Hell maybe even start here,
and then you go grab a pint at tractor Post show.
There are no rules. I don't mind if you invert
(11:32):
this map. Nothing is set in stone. With the best
kind of traveling, hopefully we know that here at the
Chemo Theater. It's one of those places that's so iconic
that editors from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
have been involved with helping preserve the full story. It's
one of the best places to see a show in Albuquerque,
hands down. It's in a historic building, and it's located
(11:57):
on the historic Route sixty six. Cheimo is an incredible
preserved example of a very rare form of architecture. Dubbed
Pueblo Deco, though it was very short lived. This was
an attempt to fuse elements of Native American culture with
the rise of Art Deco, and the results are a
mix of flamboyant and sometimes head spinning mashups like native
(12:20):
motifs and murals threaded throughout the building, soaring ceilings, and
an expansive marquee. Also originally opened as a movie theater
and now the Chemo hosts bands of all stripes, from
R and B and pop to Spanish guitarists and comedians.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Like Mark Merrin.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
A very special Albuquerque session dubbed Bands of Enchantment, which
is a play on the phrase Land of Enchantment, which
is the nickname for the city in the state.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
You'll hear me say it a lot.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It films the theater because of what a stunning, region
specific backdrop it makes. It is a prime listening room,
and I recommend going to bandsof Enchantment dot com to
get a glimpse and get excited before you go. Known
(13:10):
either as just Sister or Sister Bar, pretty much anyone
who lives in Albuquerque will let you know this is
the coolest spot in town. There's pinball while you're waiting
for the show or for food, and the kitchen stays
open to eleven. The cocktails are actually great at a
music venue. That's pretty amazing. This is so rare that
(13:30):
even New Yorkers and Angelino's will prick their ears up
at the sound of it. But these delicious housemade cocktails
which drain from the boozy and over the top see
the vapor with gin sak and leechy boba to the
classic as they come. See the old fashioned with whiskey,
bitters and sugar will arrive into your possession at the
completely reasonable price of nine to eleven dollars. See there
(13:56):
is perks to visiting old landlocked not quite gentrified city.
Affordable excellent cocktails are.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Just one of them.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Once you're settled in with drinks at Sister have maybe
played a few rounds of pinball, head closer to the
stage to get a great vantage point when the music
kicks off.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Listen. Traditionally we do no cover.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
As a well no cover spot, but the truth is
you will likely have to pay five to twenty or
so to get a ticket for a show at Sister Bar,
but that money is going to the band and going
to the bar itself to keep the drink prices as
low as they are, and truly there's no spot that
encapsulates the field.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Is a local music scene here more than.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Sister, so it's worth a few dollars out of your
well tailored out of town or pockets.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
You're gonna catch a vibe here.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
We'll call this no cover spot the no hidden fees spot.
And by the way, you can get a vegan cauliflower
po boy here. It'll blow your mind if you're not
a meat eater and warm your soul if you left
carnivorous ways behind a long time ago. Yes, there is
a lot of excellent meaty food in New Mexico, and
yes there's also any of the plant based cooking happening
(15:01):
here too. Sister also serves up a decade in Kubana
with the area's signature red chili pork. Let's just say, no,
matter what you do, Sister is on your list as
a visitor. Okay, But if you're looking for a more
formal concert venning where a mosh pit might erupt at
any moment and the sound system has its own Instagram account,
not really, but you get what I'm saying. Then there's
(15:24):
a place for that too, and it's called the Chemo Theater.
But while we are on the subject of food, which
keeps working its way in in Albuquerque, let's just do a.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Baseline check in.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Food is a big deal here and a lot of
it has to do with a little green chili. So
let's sidebar. The food in Albuquerque is a renewable resource
(16:00):
fueled by the locally grown hatch green chilies. To know
Albuquerque is to understand the history of hatch green chilies.
Conquisturos from Mexico first brought the chilies to New Mexico
just before sixteen hundred, and native Pueblo people began to
grow and nurtured along with the other plants that were
already part of their agrarian society, which developed further when
(16:22):
the Spanish settlements put down their roots over the next
four hundred years. Plenty of local heroes are credited for
their own part in shaping various varietals and expressions of
the chili, which have plenty of scientific names and heat expressions,
but should be noted are overall about one third the
heat level of a typical jalapino, which makes them much
(16:44):
more palatable. There is no actual Hatch chili, but the
town of Hatch, which is in southern New Mexico closer
to the city of La Cruces, is the central hub
for production. Hatch green chilies are designated only as chili's
grown in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico. Locals
claim that the rich soil climate of the high desert,
(17:05):
which allows for extreme fluctuations between heat and colder air,
and of course the pride that the region's farmers take
in their crop all amount to the best chilies in
the world. Remember those slobsters in Portland, Maine. You see,
it starts to matter the places you are, the art
that's being made, and the food that is being cultivated
(17:26):
by those that have their hands on it and actually
benefit from it being sustainable and rich and authentic. Same
goes for the music being made. Either way, wherever you
go in Albuquerque, you will see Hatch green chilies on
the menu. It's made its way into wine and beer,
onto burghers at local fast food joints like Blakes, and
(17:49):
will absolutely be the star ingredient in the area's Mexican food,
which is some of the best on the content. For
my money, The best place to get into the chili
frame of mind is Frontier. It is an absolute must
visit for anyone who is heading to New Mexico for
the first time and wants to catch the vibe. It
is kind of like a Mexican diner, open almost all
(18:11):
hours of the day and night, seven days a week,
and even still there will be a line out the
door almost any time you go. Don't worry, it disappears
fast and a lot of those ordering will take theirs
to go. It's not like there's a demand for tables
as much as there is a demand for the food.
It's that good. Seriously, now we are versed in the hatch.
(18:33):
Enough of these delightful local peppers for now, it's time
to get back to the music. The Sunshine Theater is
so beloved that locals right tributes to it, going over
(18:55):
the history of the fine toothcomb to make sure nothing
gets missed.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
And still it does.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
That's how versatile this theater is, how long it's been around.
First built in nineteen twenty four and designed by one
of the area's most prominent architects, Henry C. Trost, who
designed hundreds of buildings all over the city, the Sunshine
was originally a movie theater with an orchestra pit and
one of the last hand operated elevators in New Mexico.
(19:22):
It made the transition into a music venue around the
late nineteen eighties, but it also housed a recording studio
into the early nineteen nineties. It's been home to at
least a record shop or two, a ticket box office,
a nightclub in the basement called Hell, and though it
can't quite be proven, there are rumors that David Bowie
film scenes from The Man Who Fell to Earth inside
(19:43):
the theater, So I'm just going to say it's true
and believe it. Currently, Sunshine hosts a venue within a venue,
Moonlight Lounge. It hosts smaller shows in the same vibe
as the mother venue. The Sunshine regularly books everything from
local rock and ear nights to hip hop, metal, and
pop punk. It leans heavier. But if you get a
(20:04):
chance to line up a solid act with this historic stage,
book the tickets without thinking and let the sunshine melt
your face. Fewer and fewer of these classic one hundred
year old spaces exist anymore, and it's best to get
a show at a stage like this one.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
In the books, while you can.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
The best time to visit New Mexico will always be
the fall, because it's not too rainy, snowy, or hot
during those perfect fall months. Another reason why it's wonderful
to visit in autumn because the entire city and a
whole host of visitors from all over the world flood
into Albuquerque in early October for the world famous Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta. If you have any interest in all
(20:53):
in hot air balloons, then you will love the way
the whole city gets taken over for a week. The
sky is filled with hundreds of.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Balloons all day.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
However, it also means hotels, flights, car rentals, and other
fluctuating travel related prices are all at their highest level
during this time, so little maneuvering on either side of
the festival might be in the cards. But watching balloons
all day and making your way to any of the
aforementioned venues this New Mexico bliss. Or if you're more
(21:24):
intrigued by the area's culinary history and chili obsession, consider
heading to the Hatch Chili Festival over Labor Day weekend.
This festival is actually held in Hatch, so it's a
couple hours drive from Albuquerque, but with a parade, beer
and wine gardens, and even a chili eating contest, there's
plenty to do for a day trip before heading back
(21:46):
to town to catch a show. In a small town,
the biggest venue tends to at the Spotlight because some
things are just based on the numbers, and when artists
are guaranteed to be coming through your town strictly based
(22:07):
on its geographical location between big cities in the south
and big cities on the West coast, well, the biggest
stage is going to be graced with some amazing artists.
This one is about math, and it's also about the
draw of seeing a concert under the stars.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
The biggest stage in town is at the isleta amphitheater,
an outdoor venue, and what could be better for the
high desert, hot, windy nights than adding a little live music.
It's not quite Red Rocks, but it's got the kind
of views that never get old, like when the sunset
starts to gloam over the horizon and the mountains turn
purple and pink like they do some nights in the
(22:47):
Land of Enchantment. The venue is only built in two thousands,
so it's really not that old compared to some of
the other arenas around the country, but that also means
it's a bit more spacious and up to date, and
what it lacks in history, it makes up for with
a gorgeous outdoor setting.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
In great acoustics.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Initially open to hold about twelve thousand people, the venue
became so popular over the years that around two thousand
and nine, the lawn area was extended so shows could
accommodate up to fifteen thousand. In that area tends to
be where locals and those who know.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
The area well like to hang out.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
It also lends itself well to the venue setup, which
is more spread out and low instead of stacked in
high tiers like some arenas and stadium sized spots can be.
It's actually surprising that Azleta hasn't climbed the ranks of
best venues in the country yet, and perhaps that's a
little bit just because it's on the younger side, but
it also might be due to the fact that Albuquerque.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Has stayed underrated.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
The biggest claim to fame the town is seen in
its somewhat slanted viewpoint, is as the back dropped a
breaking bad where the creators took liberty with everything from
the Spanish language itself to what kinds of communities thrive
in New Mexico. TV shows don't get everything right, but
it does include a scene from the Isletta's parking lot.
In season two, episode four, Walt teaches Walt Junior how
(24:09):
to drive in the parking lot here, and then in
season four, episode seven, Problem Dog, he destroys a car
Skyler wanted him to restart. We don't really recommend joy
riding around a lot, but the massive lot has become
part of the fabric of the neighborhood enough that it
made it into this globally acclaimed show, which says something.
It also leads us to our next stop, which is
(24:32):
a venue that many locals swear by, a parking lot
across town at a little spot called Long Hair Records.
If you ask a local, the best venue in town
is a parking lot. Isn't that the beauty of living somewhere?
The ability to transform a liminal space into a creative one.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
All the best.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Communities have that kind of magic. That Long Hair Records
is cultivated is no different. In order to get a
real feel for what the store is all about, i'd
love to just read you. The about section from their
Facebook page Glorious grooves and vintage vibes from Needle Drop
to Dead Wax. We also offer a curated selection of
(25:19):
vintage cassettes, vhs and genre of paperbacks paperbacks and vhs
and come on, where are you gonna get that? If
that sounds up your ally, then a show in the
parking lot probably will too. The shop itself is open
from Wednesday to Sunday, twelve pm to six pm.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
Events happen a.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Bit sporadically, but can all be found on their website
and social media if you want to check the dates
for your trip. Worth noting, Long Hair isn't all that
far away from Tractor Brewing and knob Hill, so it
might be the move to fold a visit into the
same day you're hanging out over there.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
If you choose to.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
Do so, then you can really look at yourself and say,
I'm really getting a feel for the five oh five.
If you'd really like to get to know the musical
history of the area, a book published by the University
of New Mexico Press called The Hispanic Folk Music of
(26:19):
New Mexico in the Southwest will blow your mind. And
it requires some work because the massive Tone is close
to one thousand pages long. But this book, originally published
in nineteen eighty, is packed full of years of field
research by composer John Donald Robb. He was, as described
(26:39):
by the publisher, a passionate aficionado of the traditions of
his adopted state. Rob traveled all over the state, both
recording and transcribing new music he encountered from the time
he moved there in nineteen forty one throughout the next
three and a half decades, which is to say it's
more of a show don't tell approach, but there's an
(27:00):
often here to fascinate any music nerd. Even if the
show you're going to see while in town is something
more contemporary. Getting a feel for the area's musical roots
will only enhance your stay in the land of enchantment.
The mysticism of the desert exists in every generation, in
(27:21):
every culture. It doesn't matter which patch of this unforgiving
sandy expanse you land in around the world. The desert
is just more raw than other places. Our instinctual will
to live in the fragility of our ability to do
just that are closer to the surface. Due to the heat,
to lack of water, and the sheer seclusion, and no
(27:43):
place on Earth drives at home more than the high
desert of Albuquerque, long used as a stand in by
American poets and wanderers and yes, Looney Tunes genius bugs.
Bunny himself is a trope that represents the middle of nowhere.
New Mexico sometimes gets lost in the shadow of the
Colorado Mountains, the sunny pool of Arizona, or the notoriety
(28:05):
of Utah, But really this is one of the oldest
places anywhere in North America where humans first tried to
build something beyond just a wandering, nomadic lifestyle. About an
hour southwest from Albuquerque, a Coma Pueblo Akasky City is
recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States,
(28:26):
and countless pueblos just like a Coma exist in and
around New Mexico, plenty of them still inhabited by the
same tribes today, descendants of the first peoples to put
down roots, coke some water out of the ground, and
call the desert home. The road that Neil Young probably
drove on his fateful visit, and that a lot of
people have been up and down. Is the historic Route
(28:49):
sixty six, which runs through the heart of Albuquerque and
was another force that established it as something of a
stopover town in the context of American history. And though
that might be true for some people, there's a whole
other swathe of them that it doesn't entirely ring true for.
You see, there's a joke around town that once people
(29:10):
come to the land of enchantment, a certain strain of
person can't leave it all. They are simply sucked in
by the purple sky, the sweeping desert, the expanse of
all this elevation. Albuquerque is an escape for some, but
for others that escape can quickly turn into the whole story.
This is a peak of what keeps people coming back
(29:32):
to the song of the desert, and don't be surprised
if you get swept up in it. And one more thing,
Sometimes the desert feels like a desperate place, but desperation
gets a bad rap. What if desperation is the impetus
(29:53):
for something positive. After all, it builds endurance and creates stamina.
Desperation is the precur sort of strength and the kind
of decisions that can alter your course forever.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
These days.
Speaker 1 (30:05):
Choosing to live in a desert is more of a
mindset shift than an actual question of survival. But a
little bit of that old, strong, desperate feeling still courses
under the surface here. It's what makes the High Desert special.
It's what makes it the land of enchantment. All that
fighting for survival gives way to a little bit of bliss.
(30:32):
That's Albuquerque, Everybody, Season two, episode seven, Thank you for
your ears. Thank you to everyone who has followed the
show on your favorite platform. In an extra extra special
thanks to those of you who have reviewed it. That's
how we keep this going. I've been told it's the
only thing.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
That matters dm me.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
If you have any questions that for the suggestions or
a city really want covered, let us know how we're doing.
Hit me up on Instagram that will do the official
or just search will daily d A, I L E
Y on your favorite platform. I am on threads too. Finally,
we have a new social media platform. It was getting
kind of quiet out there. Sound of Our Town is
(31:13):
a production of Double Elvis and iHeartRadio. You can also
hit us up on ig at double Elvis and Twitter
at Double Elvis f M. The show is executively produced
by Jake Brennan and Brady Sadler for Double Elvis. Production
assistants by Matt Boden. This show is created, written, and
hosted and scored by me Will Daily.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
This episode was written by Kaylin White.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
If you want to hear my music, if you want
to see where I'm playing, just go to will Daily
dot com.
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Yes, I'm on.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Spotify, on on Apple, Pandora, wherever music happens. We're pretty
much there, but you can always sign me at will
daily dot com. Just w I L L D I
wait w I L L D A I L E
y dot com.
Speaker 2 (31:56):
That's it.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
I'm off to the next town, the next city. I
only have a couple more episodes left in season two.
Speaker 2 (32:03):
Thank you for your ears.
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