Europe loves Americana almost as much as Santa Fe does. Case in point: Boris McCutcheon & the Salt Licks’ new album, Wheel of Life, was, as of press time, in the top 10 on the Euro Americana Chart, which is compiled by music industry types in Europe (apparently those who aren’t too busy listening to Falco).

I’ve known plenty of people who have started indie record labels, and it always sounds so easy: Find some acts, press some discs and watch the money roll in. In reality, a ridiculous amount of effort goes into a startup label.

As apparently the only classical music fan with tattooed hands, I recently freaked everyone out at a Nov. 21 performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. As part of its 27th season, the Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus performed the piece at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.

I predict hurt feelings and an epic backlash, but I’m just going to say it: Eldorado spooks me out. The whole thing smacks of Levittown, NY, is as far as hell and has no trees. I often wonder what the residents do with themselves if they don’t feel like a 20-minute drive to see live music.

Not often does a nearly two-year-old album find its way to my desk. I receive plenty of recordings from various musicians and bands but, usually, in a timely fashion based on the album’s release.

As Clear Channel cuts a swath across Radioland, and the airwaves become more boring and homogenized, it’s good to know there are people out there dedicated to using radio in non-commercial ways. Across the globe, pirate radio stations broadcast interesting and exciting programming that extends beyond a preset playlist of record-industry cash cows. Santa Fe is not left out.

Former Santa Fe musician Raul Ugalde passed away due to undisclosed causes Oct. 22 in Portland, Ore. Ugalde was best- known as co-founder of music venue Halfrack and as front man for Caguama, a rock/punk band steeped in traditional Mexican music. Ugalde’s death has left Santa Feans, near and far, reeling.

Yes! It’s Halloween! That means it’s time to dress as weirdly as you want and take advantage of any excuse to party! But wait…what to wear? Fear not, dear readers. Simply follow any of my music-inspired suggestions for another great year of candy, booze and girls dressed like hos.

Local hip-hop act State of the Mingo doesn’t intend for its lyrics to be taken seriously—but we do so, anyway. SOM’s Zach Maloof, Taylor Osborn and Nick Pfeil are MCs OG Willikers, Professor Cornelius and Nick Jackalson, respectively. This tongue-in-cheek act just released its debut EP Enter The Mingo.

A recent distribution deal with Florida’s Blues Destiny Records didn’t stop Sean Healen from immediately getting back in the studio. For his forthcoming album, tentatively titled When the Wind, Healen brought on the legendary Malcolm Burn for a new take on production.