Music

7 music videos inspired by bicycles

by Jesse Locke

February 21, 2014

Living on Video is a weekly column that unearths forgotten VHS gems, Vimeo obscurities, and YouTube oddities from the musical ether—all obsessively curated by Weird Canada music editor Jesse Locke.

This week’s column goes out St. John’s slack-rockers Coach Longlegs, who definitely know their way around a music vid. They’re currently on tour, with a stop in Toronto on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Smiling Buddha, which provided the perfect excuse to dust off some favourite cycling-inspired clips.

Coach Longlegs – “Give A Shit”

Despite cribbing lyrics from the ultimate slacker anthem, Coach Longlegs add their own undeniable charms. The cheapo synth and call and response vox are a big part of the appeal, but this video brings it home, following the short-shorts-clad crew on a sunny ride that’ll make you long for an escape from the slush. In their own words: Do you know the band “Coach Longlegs” from St John’s, Newfoundland? If so, this video is for you! If not, you should skip watching this video and totally go check out some of your friend’s bands in your Local Town!”

The Smiths – “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”

When I think about music videos featuring bicycles, my brain goes here first. Back in the days of “promotional clips”, Young Moz and a gang of high-faded followers tossed on Smiths tees and custom jean jackets (eBay gold for the truly devoted) before hitting the streets to the Salford Lads Club.

Kraftwerk – “Tour De France”

Ralf, Florian and co. slipped into spandex for this pulse-quickening electro-pop classic. Less motorik than bicyklik, the song builds its beat from the sampled breathing of cyclists. The second life of “Tour de France” as a breakdance battle staple can be traced back to a cover by 10 Speed (from the Breakin’ soundtrack, natch).

Zebra Pulse – “Basaraba”

Boards of Canada and Venetian Snares might have beaten them to the punch, but I’d rather give a S/O to these Edmonton noise-heads. The inadvertently creepy source material comes from the 1963 children’s bike safety PSA One Got Fat, featuring a series of accidents and some nightmare fueling ape masks.

Richard Lermon – “Travelon Gamelon”

In 1982, Richard Lerman produced one of the most playful releases for Folkways Records with his “Travelon Gamelon” project. Inspired by the sounds of Indonesian gamelan orchestras, he brought his own percussive troupe to the streets with amplified bicycles riding in rhythm. No footage of the original recording exists, so this 2011 “promenade” will have to suffice.

Fatlip – “What’s Up Fatlip”

This 2005 video by Spike Jonze for L.A. rapper and ex-Pharcyde member Fatlip flips the typical hip-hop braggadocio on its head. In a series of self-deprecating scenarios, the Loneliest Punk gets kicked in the nuts while wearing a clown costume, chased by a tiny dog, and jacked for his bike even though it has a baby seat. For more bummed out fun, watch the mini-doc.