I like this! I've been to New Mexico, and I know this would definitely work. the only thing I'd add is anything from Tori Amos' second album "Under The Pink" because it was recorded in New Mexico, and it definitely has that desert feel to it. maybe "Past The Mission" or "Space Dog" since this is a more upbeat mix. :) or anything off Under The Pink, really.

"No One Knows" by the Queens of the Stone Age has a nice deserty theme to it. It's metaphorical I guess but it should still work for your mix :)

Grumble..it's ok but its needs Richard Marx..grumble..and maybe a tortoise on the cover instead...grumble.

As somebody who has lived in New Mexico for most of their life, I think it's good =) You're going for extremes, obviously, but it's nice.