It's been a long time.....
But the 'boots' saga continues! The Cuki is back!
This time no more riding the congested Piccadilly or Central lines. No more paying exaggerated fees for crap coffee outta Starbucks! No more life at 200 miles per hour!!!! We ride the U4 baby! We drink at Europe's finest Java joints, we walk, talk and live at a pace where we can take in, observe, learn and appreciate! Welcome to Vienna Cukipapa! Spiritual home of the Java juice. And of course, we travel in Kilometres. Get wit it Blighty!
Oh my god, why didn't I move here two years ago when this thing first entered my pea for a brain! Better late then never I guess. Even the tap water tastes better then the bottled water in London. Some love affairs last longer then others, and this ain't no one night stand in middle Europe! I've even found a shop that sells Evisu's! Yep, we still got dem Japanese jeans at half mast!
So it's all good then? No it's better than that, it's the place to be.
So get your bad ass boots over here and visit the Cuki!
I have a whole heap of peeps to thank for making my move to this wonderful city so stress free. To Michael, Erika, Romy, Tom & Pia, Gabor, Reka & Anna.
A whole bunch of folks to thank here for helping me settle in so quickly. Making mucho new friends left, right and centre. Sugar B, Sweet Susie & the Dub Club massive, Ziggy & Soulsugar posse, Nikolas at Vienna Scientists, Marcus & FM4 crew, Roman, the mobs on Gumpendorfer Strasse including Flow & Eva, Amanda & Vincent, the Klein records crew, the very lovely but mysterious and indecisive 'Maybe Blue', Scheibosan, Peter Kruder, The Stereotyp, Rodney, Snenezia the 'Carpirinje kid', Sabina & Katy at U4 fitness, Tanja, Christine at Bank Austria, Melanie real life Lara Croft and a real deal Viennese Cukibaba 'Ouch'(ta 4 the pics, you on my screensaver Mel), Klaus and the Black market crew, Andi & Gwen, Roland, Benji, Niko, Ida & Sofian, Colee & Roses the coolest cats in town, Kitty & Fred, Lily, Claus aka BTO Spider, Mathias, Oscar, Paula, the nice peeps at AMT, and of course Doris. You're gonna be hearing lots more about this fine folks!
Much love to Volker and Vipers massive www.vipers.at for the gigs at the Herbstbar in the wonderful city of Graz. Take a train journey from Vienna to Graz and your nose will be permanently pressed to the window! The views are breathtaking. The Vipers festival runs for a whole month in October and dishes out the very best of alternative medicine to the headz who enjoy this kinda thing! Musically you get to see everyone from the likes of Ursula Rucker to Uncle Tom Wieland mashing it up with little ol' Cuki.
While in Graz, check out a gorgeous little cafe called 'Mocca Supremo' owed by Johann Ziehar. The place where the hippest kids in town preside! www.moccasupremo.at Styrian hospitality is of the highest order. Like I said, big love to Volker and Johann for the guide and education about this wonderful city. Say hello to 'freckles' for me, I miss her boots!
Also in Graz I got to meet Eddy and Alen of the 'Kontrapunkt' club in Zagreb. Get ready for some serious remix pressure from Eddy and if you ever travel to Croatia, check out the Sunday session at 'Kontrapunkt'! Tom Wieland (Les Gammas), Karl Injex (SNC), Lil Tony(Nuspirit Helsinki), The Crate Soul Brothers (Budapest) just to name a few will tell you about the party attitudes there.
Like I said, it's been a long time. Electronic mail untouched for over a six weeks! Over 800 e-mails through three accounts asking 'where da Cuki'. Bundles of quality vinyl to give reactions for! Internet & forum sites missing the circular. No contact, but I promise I hadn't forgot ya.
Take you all for your patience and for the many well wishes for Cuki's big adventure. I've also got some big thank you's too for some crews back in London & Scotland. Chris, Tony & the Hospital records mob. The new Hospital night at Herbal sure to be a regular haunt of all musical magicians and wizards. Sleepmonster & Redhead, The good girls at the bank for the pressies. Nippon Nik (I miss your boots), MK Ultra (I miss yours too), Speedy ( I miss that awful haircut), Forgemaster, the Perthshire massive, the guys who sent me back to Vienna with some top notch vinyl. Love to Andreas (Swell Session) and to 'Little Sista Soul' for the education at 'Granny' that night. Musical education that is.
I'll be back in London to play with Nik at 'Bite your Granny' this Thursday (22nd) and with the Nigel Prankster at the Charterhouse joint on the 24th. Be good to see you all. I'll be checking a long lost 'Crate Soul Brother', hold tight DJ Shuriken! Info that he's being lead astray by Mr Servini! Can this be true?
So here we are, riding the Wiener wind!
Every week I will give you the 'low down' and a 'headz up' on what makes this such a cool place to 'chill your boots'! Look out for articles about DJ's, producers, clubs, club nights, record labels, record shops, radio shows & stations and of course the very best coffee houses on the planet! The digital camera is attached to the hip like a Colt 45! You want pics, you got pics! You only have to ask.
This week I'm gonna tell ya about the 'Soulsugar' night at the 'Porgy & Bess' club in the first district. www.soulsugar.org If I'm in town this is where I will be hanging out on a Sunday night! A place to get yourself an education, to learn about soul music. Expect to hear Aretha, Marvin, Smokey, Donny, Roberta! You know their surnames! Expect also to hear some quality nuggets that you would have never heard before. A loyal, sophisticated & appreciative crowd know the good from the bad. The local soul police or funk enforcers also keeping the DJ on his toes. In the three weeks that I have been going, I've yet to hear a dodgy tune! Last Sunday Soulsugar celebrated their fourth year and I got to battle with the Soulsugar allstars. The cream of Viennese collectors and soul DJ's and the one Cukipapa. A quality line up of resident DJ's such as Levi, Arno, Andi, Marcello, Nikolas, week in, week out rolling out the grit. Summer months they do this thing outside in the Volksgarten. One of the true and most satisfying of soul nights left in Europe.
Anybody wanna see a few pics they mail me and I'll zoom them via the lovely Melanie who supplies me with UPC/Telekabel broadband internet bizniz(and she really is LOVELY).
So that's a Sunday night, next week I'll tell ya about the Monday night 'ting' Get ready to hear about MC/DJ Sugar B's amazing beard, Sweet Susie's very sweet smile and the most amazing sound system on the planet!
To the guys doing their thing at the Roxy this Thursday (22nd). I'm outta town but be in touch. Got your letter but no digits or mailing address. Check my details at the bottom of this page.
Be warned!!!!! The best dance record of the 21st century just got the Viennese treatment! Sore feet in the 15th ;) Respect to the man.
The Cuki chart.......
1. 4 Hero - Creating Patterns (Talkin Loud) 3xLP
Album of the year! I said that about IG's joint! I said that about Nathan's long player! This time I'm sticking. Did I tell ya about the time my promo CD got stuck in the CD player and I jumped for joy. It was the only thing I could play for days! Yeah, like I was real unhappy about this ;) I'm missing Murphs vocal on the vinyl but the three slabs of vinyl are stuck in the box till next great event from 4 Hero. Respect to Dollis Hill
2. Stereotyp - Gazzui Matter (Ecco Chamber) 12"
There's a mad car chase going around the 18th district! Dinner at Puglia's but quickly back in the car! We have to catch the man! We drive with the Scheibosan but follow the protégé in his custom built speedstar! His car has more knobs then ours so we never catch up! We enjoy the chase though! He has no mix tapes in his car either as the mentor informs me! No distractions! The spookiest soundtrack of the year just found it's way onto a slice of vinyl & the best record Kraftwork never made!
3. Fauna Flash - The Viennese mixes (Compost) 12"
Maybe it's Puglia's! Maybe! Dem boys bouncing off each other for sure. The Stereotyp and his mentor ripping up the rule book along the way! Those of the faint heart beware! Those with open minds about producers and genres, take note! And then we still gotta wait for Sugar B's awesome intro for the other crew!
4. Rednosed Stikt - ? (Zephons Mom) 12"
Carpet slippers on the roof! Lost dem in moments of madness! All James's fault too. Peeps in the 12th district complaining about the noise levels coming from the 15th district. What, they never heard broken beats from Holland before! Like I said, blame James.
5. Obe Funke - Buttermilk (Karma Giraffe) 12"
The Philly boy with many pots on the boil! All of them good too. The AWOL track comes back again, this time with interest! Domu spreads the phat for another worthy remix. So who the hell is Obe Funke? Who the hell is Doris? One day it will all make sense.
6. Bazille Noir - S/T (Jubilee) 2xLP
Do I have the Nussschwarzer today or maybe the Einspanner? Maybe I'll stick with the tried & trusted Fiaker! Whatever, I've found the perfect soundtrack to the coffee cosmos that I now find myself in! New outfit, new album, newish label, all deliver the goods with extraordinary ease.
7. Binary Star - Binary Star EP (21st Century) 12"
This though uncle Toms favourite soundtrack of late! Think he got his own copy now! After a hard day of walking the streets of Wien, this the twelve to wiggle your toes to. And there I was thinking Tom was coming round to see the Cuki. Toe wiggling the new 'ting' on Pillergasse.
8. Domu - Up and Down (Archive) 2xLP
So let me tell you about Doris! The owner and proprietor of one of my favourite vinyl emporiums! Situated close to the Cuki so he gets to visit her often. Always a great selection of Hip Hop records playing in the background and a fine selection of music from the leftside in the racks. Funky dresser our Doris! Last week I caught her wearing a Ursula Rucker tee shirt that Nik would have be very proud of. So what has this got to do wit da nu Domu ting! Nothing at all to be honest. Just thought I'd tell ya about Doris.
9. V/A - All our Eggs in one basket (Freerange) CD
Jamie Jimpster and friends gather a fine selection of honest and sincere music from the Freerange stable. Driving through Vienna, this time with the Tomster and 'Deep Down' introducing the CD. Where was the kid from Gothenburg? I was thinking of him, I missed him! Organic music for intellectuals and music lovers alike. It's playing right now.
10. V/A - 12 cuts of the Pie (Humble) CD-R
The filling for this particular pie is, KV5, Kadmon, Rockstone, Yenara, Pael Black, Rio Collective, Brownman Greenman. Ingredients that make this particular dish very very tasty. I'm having this pie for breakfast, lunch and supper! What kinda restaurant would serve this? I have no idea! Where you can buy Humble pie? Again I have no idea! Then again, and as daft as it sounds, you may buy this dish in a record shop very soon. Wouldn't that be cool.
11. Blue Monkeys - The way you make me feel (Rima rub) (Spinning Wheel) 12"
It was over the line by at least a metre! Man, dem Germans don't have a lot of luck with crossbars in World cup games! This team though come from Italy, England and Bavaria. Your standard Chelsea team then! Blazing Detroit biz not from Detroit. I can see Reini practising his over head kicks to this one.
12. Art Konik - Finger (UFO mix)(Comet) 12"
Pitch it up housebabies and you get the perfect Herberty groove! Both original and remix adding mo momentum to the tasty morsels coming outta Paris! As always, the packages from France first to be opened.
13. Bebel Gilberto - Tanto Tempo (remixes)(Ziriguiboom) 3xLP
Uncle Samy comes to town and gives Cuki his fix for the week. Some drugs last longer then others and this is one of them. Of course his DJ partner for the night drops the phattest rub but others give worthy and credible contributions to Bebel's sweetness. How do you say Ziriguiboom? Don't ask Nik.....
14. NuWalker - 2nd of September (Cheap) 12"
If ever Doctor Rocket gets to hear this then he'll be in admiration! Tweaked Knobs, twisted vocals, horns mucho mutated! Off beat bizniz for the straight jackets! Cross the road from Cuki's and I really should go and say hello to PP and the fine folks who plated this up. Then there's Doris, she put it in a bag for me. Doris could be a feature here!
15. Difusion - Khameleon (Solaria) CD-R
Jamie and Venom developing this sound real nice. ruff riders to the ready! Another stormer that should find its way into all the best boxes belonging to all the big dicks! Cuki happy to be truly underground!
16. Koop - Summer Sun (Compost) 12"
If you have ever met Magnus and Oscar then you know that only they could make this music. Respect tradition, think modern! The old and the new in perfect harmony. Yukimi gets to sing and we get to dream about the summer past. Slick remix duty too from Vienna's Mr D and Stockholm's Mr E.
17. V/A - Freezone 7 (SSR) 4xLP
This time uncle Samy compiles the selection. Nik will be pleased to know it's not on Ziriguiboom but SSR! Sonar Lodge & Max 404 steal the show for the best atmospheric beat bizniz prize, though the ambient one goes to the haunting and spiritual Ananda Project feat Terrance Downs. Freezone, long may it continue.
18. Vipersquad - Codename Winter (Arision) 12"
More Venom injected into the Cuki system! Bluey's boy getting in on the Herbert act too we believe. Whatever the guise that he carries, beware of the bite, check the 'Neon Dawn' track on Freezone comp too. Big Bang gets his chance to show his muscularity on the flip. Wassup SS.
19. Alison David - One last look (Domu mixes)(Bitasweet) 12"
Been playing the wrong side! Wouldn't mind, but its been in the box for yonks! Not that the A side isn't any good cause it is. Ta to the man for the reminder at Flex last Monday on how good a flip can be! We riding the Domu spaceship. So how many more times can Mr Stanton appear in this chart?
20. V/A - Future sound of Jazz Vol 8 (Compost) 3xLP
Michael gives us the next instalment of another long standing and worthy compilation. Now into it's eight edition and featuring the modern model classic from Norway, 'Spiritual Rotations' by the Butti 49 crew. As always the nu breed take the most risks and get the greatest rewards, check for Moonstar, Recloose and Soul Patrol leading the way.
This weeks Java Joint.
Duke Pearson
'It could only happen with you'
Blue Note
BN-LA 317-G (1970)
Romance is the word.
You find yourself dreaming of the lithe, honey-brown girls dancing the Latin carnivals and then touching champagne glasses across the table with the black-eyed New York lady who wears a red gown, the ivory tip of her cigarette holder teasing her teeth just once as she smiles.
With the husky and gentle voice stylings of Flora Purim, the flame-blue instrumental solos, the deceptively simple brass arrangements, and the consistently strong seductive South American rhythm section, you have a rich and forceful musical liquor of Latin- heartedness and sensual American jazz that just might make this the very evening the evening for falling in love all over again, just one more time.
Coffee and Candles at Cuki's joint then!
Till the next time.
Luv ya boots
The one sweet daddy
Mail to Alan Brown
Pillergasse 7/20
1150
Vienna
Austria
Mobile/SMS 0043 699 1260 4000
Home/Fax 0043 1971 2439
cukipapa@chello.at
cukipapa@hotmail.com
Those wishing to continue mailing me in London
c/o Reka Fabian
75 Salsbury Road
London NW6 6NH
UK
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