Fifty States: New Mexico

Rick Danko: New Mexicoe

"You might catch me down in New Mexico,
I got some folks there that I used to know,
I'd be wasting time, you know just what I'd find,
More of the same that made me leave there."

I don't know why Rick Danko and Bobby Charles named their song "New Mexicoe," as opposed to the more traditional "New Mexico," but whatever chemistry was at play obviously worked. This lovely, wistful tune ... which you can find on Danko's self-titled 1977 LP ... blends The Band's country roots with Charles' cajun blues. Garth Hudson's accordion adds a nice southwestern touch and Eric Clapton punches in with some tasteful guitar leads.