If you pay attention to bike riding outside of the mainstream, you might have heard of the name Yazan Odeh. He did a barspin on the cover of a Challenger Magazine, he closed out that recent Cult/ALYK video and he might be from Ohio. Anyway, seeing as we just got a few copies of his new zine in, we got him to offload some of his favourite videos—and as well as five stone-cold classics he dished out some non-riding selections too. Set yourself a bit of time aside to digest these flavoursome morsels. Photo by Mac Shafer.
Brian Castillo – Primo Made in Taiwan
Powerful. I have been watching a lot of old Castillo parts after my buddy Nick Ferreira recently sent me his BMX Inferno Part (also kicks ass) and they’re all pretty damn perfect. I also watched his day in the life only to find out he eats Taco Bell 7 days a week. That meant a lot to me.
Bob Scerbo – Lotek Mixtape
In this anxiety inducing state of the world this is one that I like to come back to. I don’t know what Xanax feels like but I imagine it’s similar to how this part makes me feel. It brings me back to being 15 in Ohio – riding every day, throwing a shopping cart in the creek behind the strip mall we stole it from, ding-dong ditching, cussing loudly, drinking Dr Pepper late at night, etc. I think I’m ready to settle down and start a family.
Lino Gonzalez – All Day
Sometimes I feel frail and small. Mazzy Star brings on those feelings. Anyway, this part is awesome, and for those who don’t know – Lino’s a Nascar fan and an airplane pilot now… what a crazy ass mofo.
Clarky – Strangeways 4
This is my shit. Classic point A to B riding. The first time I saw 2:39 I said “what the fuck” audibly and had to run it back a few times. The whole Strangeways, Voices, Tomorrow We Work, and NSF cast all hold it down. There’s plenty of times I feel turned off to riding then I’ll put a Strangeways video on and quickly be reminded why I love this shit. Thank you guys for that. Long live Morrissey.
Jack Leonard – TAIF (starts at 6:40)
The manual on the grind stoppers at 8:09 reminds me of going to Cedar Point and frequenting the sketchy wooden roller coasters cause they were the only ones that actually felt like you might bounce out of the seat and die which was a pretty cool feeling. Plenty of personality, the spray painted bikes are always sick, and trick selection is never predictable. My one bone to pick with Canada is that all poutine tastes the same, but other than that it’s a perfect country.
Tom White – Cuts
Couldn’t leave this off the list. Perfect part. Nothing more needs to be said.
BONUS NON-RIDING VIDEOS…
Louis Theroux Killadelphia Snippet
Get a VPN, set your location to the UK, create an account on the BBC iPlayer, and boom you have free access to all the BBC programs (thank you Rick for showing me this). Very heavy watch. Covering the reality people living in North Philly are dealing with, the back and forth with police, and the cycle of struggle that seems like it will never end. I recommend watching all of Louis Theroux’s stuff.
In depth conversations with common Florida folk that will leave you with existential thoughts.
NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell
Documentary covering the New York blackout in 1977 that has birthed so much culture.
One of Peter Sutherlands earlier works. Late 90’s NYC bike messengers with a lot of personality displayed throughout. Shout out “Kid”.
Young Russell Brand takes in a homeless man to live the ‘rockstar’ lifestyle with him for a bit. Somewhat off putting at times, as it can come off as exploitative but quite wholesome as well. Pretty heavy stuff. Make sure to watch part 2 as well.
Honorable Mentions: sunset in PA at one of the most nice rest stops, All the Sprung MTB videos, Daniel Johnston – Glen Hansard & The Swell Season – Life in vain.
CENTRAL LIBRARY 