Whether you like it or not
Signs of summer in Durango and some kickass record recs

Welp, it’s officially capital “S” Summer. I know this thanks to a handful of personal signifiers all happening within the past few days. First, after catching the regrettably cut short but still fantastic set by The Monkberries at BurroFest this past weekend, I stepped into the El Río Cantina. I noticed the College World Series was on the television. Spending my first 18 years in Omaha – home to the series – the collegiate baseball tournament marked the start to summer. Couldn’t tell you who was playing or who’s expected to win, but I know it’s happening, and that’s enough.

The second and third signs, respectively, are that Wed., June 21, was both the solstice AND “Go Skateboarding Day.” The latter is a relatively new (20 years, give or take) official/unofficial holiday that tends to coincide with the longest day of the year. You don’t need to be a “good” skateboarder to celebrate it. You just go. I’ve spent many summer days and many more summer nights being a terrible skateboarder, having an absolute blast. Not sure where to start? Visit John and his stellar staff at The Boarding Haus (1001 Main Ave.) to get outfitted proper-like, and have a gas.

The fourth sign: town is on the cusp of busy as all get out. Drive times take a little bit longer, regardless of what day it is. Be mindful of meandering families, tourists, visitors, etc., ogling the ridiculous beauty of our unnervingly white bread town. Unless you’re a “NATIVE” Coloradoan (Good for you, by the way. You didn’t choose to be. Remember that.), you likely visited once yourself and decided to move here for whatever reason, so cut them some slack. Be patient. Take a deep breath, and count to 13 for f***s sake. As a guy who contributed to the problem however many years ago, I’m putting this to paper as a reminder to you, but also TO MYSELF. It’s summer. In Colorado. They’ll eventually leave, or they won’t, and either way, it’s out of your control.

Finally: June means we’re six months (that’s halfway!) into the calendar year. Which also means I get to write about a few of my favorite records released to date. College radio stalwarts Yo La Tengo released their 17th long player, “This Stupid World,” back in February, and it’s the best record they’ve made since 2013’s “Fade.” It’s staggering to think that a band 30 years into its career is still creating at a high sonic level.

La Luz front person Shana Cleveland released “Manzanita” in March, and the collection of downtempo, minor chord psych-folk compositions was well worth the wait. Densely layered, meticulous songs about love and motherhood have lived up to expectations and remained in heavy rotation since the album’s release.

Last month, prolific New York-based hip hop artist Billy Woods (stylized as billy woods) teamed up with producer Kenny Segal to release “Maps.” His sixth release features guest appearances from Elucid, Danny Brown, Aesop Rock, Quelle Chris, ShrapKnel, Benjamin Booker and Samuel T. Herring (of the band Future Islands). Wider exposure is on the horizon as this record stands to land on several critics’ year-end lists. Reno-based Spitting Image released “Full Sun” and made a caustic, guitar-forward rock record that pummels the listener for nearly 40 minutes. The record taps into “stranger fringes of the ’80s wave – Wipers, Gun Club, Sonic Youth, Television, early Siouxsie – with basement hardcore and hints of krautrock, psych and industrial.”

For those needing a sunset-hazed Laurel Canyon  cosmic country vibe, I suggest repeated listening to the Gracie Horse album “L.A. Shit.” Gracie has a voice that’s equal parts gravel and sticky saccharine, and rounds out the sound of her first album for the Wharf Cat label with pedal steel and classic country. 

And last but not least, my most recent obsession has been the Matador Records debut from Brooklyn duo Water From Your Eyes. “Everyone’s Crushed” is an experimental pop/art rock album full of chaos and misdirection. Apparently recorded with a “broken $100 interface and a dying computer,” the record is beautiful, tense and builds to a frenzy, and then pulls back from that edge. The moment you think it’s going to devolve into something weirder, it becomes a straightforward, confessional, indie-adjacent record.

What’s soundtracking your summer? Do people even listen to full records anymore, or is it just whatever the algorithm feeds you in fits and bursts? Send any recommendations my way. As the summer gets hotter and you end up a little more peeved and uncomfortable, I’m also game to hear what, exactly, is bothering you. Be sure to send those stray observations along with questions, comments and gripes. Especially the gripes.

Jon E. Lynch is the program director at KDUR. Reach him at kdur_pd@fortlewis.edu