September Mass, one year behind us

Posted on September 1, 2008 
Filed Under bikes, critical mass, video

This month, Durham Critical Mass turns one. At least, its modern incarnation turns one.*

To get you revved up for Thursday’s September Mass, enjoy these bike-filled scenes shot around Durham –  from August’s Critical Mass ride to beautiful weekends on two wheels.


Durham Velophilia from Phillip Barron on Vimeo.

Durham Velophilia is set to the music of the Seattle-based hip-hop duo Common Market. “Tobacco Road” is the title track on Common Market’s forthcoming album (set to be released September 11th). For many years, Durham was home to John D. Loudermilk, the songwriter who penned the popular 1960s tune by the same name. Like Loudermilk’s Trans-Atlantic hit, Common Market’s “Tobacco Road” is a bittersweet reflection on youth in an impoverished South that was full of promise and low on delivery. Although Common Market’s Ryan Abeo (RA Scion) is originally from Kentucky, the powerful lyrics (see below) will resonate in the city that tobacco built.

Lyrics:

Tobacco Road

I guess it has been a minute
And the south paw aint felt right without the pen in it
Sent for incentive and sittin’ submissive
But nothin’ bringin’ Jimmy back, you know that – prayin’ a waste of wishes
I made a decision – carry on, honor lives in the deed
Though the muse moves in decreased speed
Due to the wait, my dude lose patience with me?
Favor the Blue, you knew what I was trainin’ to be
I came for the takin’ of something they aint seen back in Henry
The proximity to Knox’s Fort’s not given any but
Cause to envy – Lord when have we fought the enemy
With more that afforded, we’re stormin’ the port of entry
In memory of the James Clan, my symphony of the
Flames fan to conquer, when the song come on – pay the band
Send a percentage back, Oldham owed, factor in estate tax
Or waive it if it goes to pave Tobacco Road

Some memories I kept
Others left, others I must have let go to protect
Hold a check for the row I set – ready? No, not yet
Well lemme know and I’ll return to collect
They never found me ‘cause Valerie’s boy had a different rhythm to play to
And he gon’ use his tools to break through
Mindful of the nights in that state, who they say life is what you make it
When really life is what makes you

Payin’ homage, with a big nod to Aubrey
The schools failed me, thank God the farm taught me
The value of a calloused hand, how to work and plow this land
How even a modest crop will make your pop the proudest man
Harvest of a thousand fans, sans a gram of seeds broadcast
Through loud speakers, in the weeds I was born last
Profound effect on my volume, plus the readiness to fill it
In the field you should hear what they call ‘em
Regardless I should have spent another year on the bottom tier
Instead of trynna dodge what it was I thought got ‘em here
89 the number, 84 lumber – another summer
Fightin’ for cash to mash on the likening
Of cycles I’ve seen – those not keen on college
Lost direction or went to be correctional officers
No opportunity was offered us, I had my sights on
Being gone ‘fore they cut the lights on, Ryan’s song
Right or wrong, tie it tighter, I’m tired of buying into
Guidance gone awry, my father fought it with firearms and
Died in the trauma the violence spawned a child of drama
No wonder he’s prone to wander, knowin’ his home is haunted
Prayin’ that over yonder they still know
How much I love ‘em I just had to go, had it with the status quo
They’re askin’ me if I’ll be back when I’m old
In fact, no – these are my last tracks along Tobacco Road

But I’ll forever call it home
And I feel it whenever I call home (X4)

Special thanks to Eric Shanks, Kenny Dalsheimer, and Thomas Nickles for help getting started with Final Cut.

* There were earlier attempts to start Critical Mass in Durham, but none sustained as well as this.

Comments

One Response to “September Mass, one year behind us”

  1. mike on September 2nd, 2008 11:02 am

    Once again Phillip a great video. Well done. My whole family will be at the Sept CM see you there.

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