Whether you like it or not

Signs of summer in Durango and some kickass record recs

by Jon E. Lynch

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 ■

Thursday22

Quick & Dirty Downtown Walking Tour, 10 a.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Depot.

The Originals play, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard Ave.

Chris Daniels & The Kings play, 5:30 p.m., Buckley Park.

Thursday Night Sitting Group, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

Matt Rupnow plays, 6 p.m., James Ranch, 33846 Highway 550.

Live music, 6 p.m., Durango Hot Springs.

Bluegrass jam, 6 p.m., weekly, Durango Beer & Ice, 3000 Main Ave. All levels welcome.

Dustin Burley plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Jeff Solon Jazz Duo play, 6-8 p.m., Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1330 Camino del Rio.

Hauntings & History Ghost Tour, 8 p.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

Friday23

San Juan Nature Hike, 9 a.m., Haviland Lake. Hosted by San Juan Mountains Association.

Quick & Dirty Downtown Walking Tour, 10 a.m., Durango & Silverton Railroad Depot.

Open Meditation, 12 noon-1 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

Buckley Bash, 2-7:30 p.m., Buckley Park.

Shadow Trapp plays, 5-8 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Ben Gibson plays, 6-9 p.m., Union Social House, 3026 Main Ave.

Leah Orlikowski plays, 6 p.m., Fox Fire Farms, Ignacio.

Mountain Top Pocket Pickers play, 6-9 p.m., Durango Craft Spirits.

Majik Ham plays, 7 p.m., EsoTerra Ciderworks, 558 Main Ave.

Wild Roses play, 7-10 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Mars FM and specials guests play, 7:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Hauntings & History Ghost Tour, 8 p.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

Saturday24

Durango Farmers Market, 8 a.m., TBK Bank parking lot, 259 W. 9th St.

Durango Adult Education Center Fun Run, 8 a.m., Santa Rita Park. Durangoadulted.org

Gardens on Tour, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., info at durangobotanicgardens.org

Naughty School Girl Run – Veterans Benefit, 8 a.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Quick & Dirty Downtown Walking Tour, 10 a.m., Durango & Silverton Depot.

Nordfest! Local bands celebrating the music of Lawn Chair Kings, Farmington Hill and Erik Nordstrom, 3-8 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Ben Gibson plays, 6-9 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Community Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

Dance Social, 7 p.m., American Legion, 878 E. 2nd

Salamander Collective, 7-10 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Hauntings & History Ghost Tour, 8 p.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

Silent Disco, 10-11:30 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Sunday25

Durango Flea Market, 8 a.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Veterans Raft Trip & Picnic, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., info@durangorafting.com.

Story Time (for kindergarten to 2nd grade), 11:11-12 noon, White Rabbit Garden, 128 W. 14th St.

Randy Crumbaugh plays, 12 noon-3 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Vinyl Sundaze, 12 noon, Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd.

Jason Thies and Jeff Haspel play, 1 p.m., Durango Beer and Ice, 3000 Main Ave.

Riverside Reset (adult coloring/rock painting), 1-3 p.m., White Rabbit Garden, 128 W. 14th St.

Feed the People! free mutual aid meal & gear drive for homeless community members, every Sunday, 2 p.m., Buckley Park.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Sunday Funday, 6 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Cha Wa plays, doors at 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Monday26

Happy Hour Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.