Fri, Dec 2, 2005
The first London episode starts with unusual sightseeing tours in a self-driving four-poster bed or in original Indian cabs that are decorated with mirrors and incense for a relaxing ride to Nirvana. Overnighters are a self-catering hostel situated in the middle of Holland Park and the cheapest Bed and Breakfast accommodation in London. A Soho shopping tour visits Foot Patrol, a special edition trainers store, the Berwick Street record shops recommended by scratch world champion Plus One and exclusive streetwear design store Oki-ni, that accepts orders only via the net. London Theme nights include a meal at the Chinese Elvis restaurant, with an Elvis performance thrown in by the owner, a cinema audience participation event to 'The Sound of Music' and an Eighties school disco party, where everyone dresses up in school uniforms again. Canal boats start off a romantic journey from Little Venice to Camden market, where Coldplay singer Chris Martin recommends the best live music places for a good night out. An unusual sex shop for girls is combined with a hairdresser that makes and implants merkins, or colourful hair toupees, for girls who don't believe in Brazilian waxing anymore. Betting sports can be experienced at the Greyhound racecourse in Walthamstow and York Hall, a boxing hall, which has hosted all British fighters at the start of their career as well as the famous East End criminals the Kray Brothers. Finally, Shoreditch nights are kicked off with a visit to underground Russian spy bar, indie music pub Bricklayers Arms and club Cargo. The regular Haywire parties by DJ and Producer team Andy Weatherall and Andy Townsend end the night before everyone goes to the 24-hour bagel shop in Brick Lane to have a hangover breakfast.
Fri, Dec 9, 2005
Episode two begins with an amphibious tour of the river Thames, sightseeing with yellow WWII vehicles that were used in the Normandy landings. Walé Adeyemi is the UK's hottest streetwear designer, who is worn by everyone from street kids to footballer David Beckham. Unusual city workouts include a skate park in Ladbroke Grove, military fitness classes recommended by Battersea based So Solid Crew and Bollywood dance fitness classes. The best London sound systems are Norman Jay's Notting Hill Carnival 'Good Times' system, Jah Shaka's regular Roots night as well as the loudest 'Valve' sound system run by Drum and Bass stars Dillinja and Lemon D. Irish punk-rockers Ash introduce their favourite hangouts in Islington, featuring music pub Filthy MacNasty's, guitar shop Angel Music and NY Producer Arthur Baker's Elbow Room, which offers live music, food and pool games every Sunday. A day in the open can be spent watching Polo games at Ham Polo Club or following the UK's best human beatbox Killer Kela to Kew Gardens. Jack the Ripper walks in historic costumes take visitors back in time to the horrendous Victorian prostitute murders, which have never been solved. Finally, London has one of the liveliest club cultures in the world. UK rapper Roots Manuva introduces the 'Sounds of the Universe' shop and record label, that runs the 100% Dynamite Soul and Reggae night. Club Bastard is a bootleg night, where DJ's mix up popular tunes into new music styles. DJ John Digweed's Bedrock night is a long-running classic house party.
Fri, Dec 30, 2005
P. Diddy introduces the New York episode. The first b-boy feature shows the original training ground of the 'Rock Steady Crew', its original member Crazy Legs and a breakdance school in Harlem. Overnight recommendations are a budget hotel popular with young artists and models as well as a youth hostel with its own fitness facilities and classes. Rock chic places are the 'Trash and Vaudeville' clothing store run by Iggy Pop's stylist, a rock jewellery designer and famous 'Tattoo Seen'. Claremont Academy offers horse rides in Manhattan. After seeing an aircraft carrier museum and its display of historic military hardware, visitors can check in nearby for Helicopter sightseeing rides. DJ Dara's 'Breakbeat Science' music label runs a record store, a clothing range and New York's best regular D&B party. Underground Hip Hop stars recommend their favourite hangout: Jeru the Damaja visits a Reggae hat shop in Brooklyn, human beatbox Rhazel buys his trainer and sportswear gear in the Bronx, while the Outsidaz introduce their own ice cream parlour in New Jersey. Village Vintage covers the three second-hand clothing stores that provide the trendy East Village look. 'Freakatorium' is a little museum with obscure articles such as a two-headed turtle, conjoined piglets and an owner who holds a record in swallowing twenty swords. The programme ends with two popular open-air parties; one on a boat on the Hudson River, the other on an artificial sand beach in Queens.
Fri, Jan 6, 2006
In the second New York show, House DJ Roger Sanchez recommends romantic chill-out spots in Central Park, which is also the most popular meeting ground for New York's roller and inline skaters. A B-Ball special shows the basketball cage that is known for slams between local kids, NBA players and Hip Hop celebrities, the Heavy Hitters store specialises in custom-made sports shirts, while at a Bronx university, cheerleading teams show off their skills. Jelena Behrend is a jewellery designer popular with Christina Aguilera and Lenny Kravitz. New York Hardcore band Agnostic Front introduce a clothing store and their tattoo shop hangout, while Hardcore colleagues Sick of It All visit a pool hall and go out to the famous punk-rock live venue CBGB. Abracadabra is New York's biggest costume and magician store recommended by Baha Men. Former President Clinton and other celebrities have munched Junior's famous cheesecakes, while Sylvia's Soul Food restaurant does award-winning Southern Style cooking with live music bands. Some of New York's coolest streetwear labels are Ssurplus that uses iconic images of 70's Hollywood cult films, Che Guevara and Reggae musicians, naughty underwear label Undergirl as well as Supreme store, which sells customised hats, skateboards and paintings by Graffiti legend Rammellzee. The nightlife section features Remote Lounge, a surveillance dating bar with cameras and telephone consoles; Nell's singer's night, where everyone can register on the night and Berliniamsburg, New York's trendiest Electro party with DJs, electronic live acts and compere Joie Polaroid.
Fri, Jan 13, 2006
The third New York episode kicks off with Wink 1100, a biker stuntman and member of the Ruff Ryders Hip Hop crew, who introduces Hip Hop biker hangouts in the big apple. Self-contained apartment hire is an inexpensive alternative to expensive hotel stays. Three well-known streetwear labels are Milkcrate, whose name comes from the DJ boxes early Hip Hop DJs used for transporting their records, the skater and Hip Hop fashion from Zoo York and Playboy, whose retro bunny T-shirts are popular again with American girlies. Music star Moby introduces his local vegan grocery store and the vegetarian café he co-owns with his girlfriend. A high sea fishing trip starts from a Manhattan pier, whilst a trip to Coney Island offers beach parties and amusement rides. Gold nameplates and tooth jewellery by Cap Daddy are the favourites of urban Hip Hop kids. The Rumblers restore old Americana cars at their garage and show off their motors at the Union Bar. A bargain-shopping trip leads to Chelsea Flea market and an outlet store in a boutique style. To begin a night out, serious slam poetry nights at the Nuyorican Café are followed by light Karaoke fun. The Serafina DJ restaurant is popular amongst models, while celebrities like Tyson Beckford and Money Harm visit an outdoor Hip Hop party on a Hudson River pier.
Fri, Jan 27, 2006
The first Tokyo episode kicks of with pop musician 'Fantastic Plastic Machine' introducing Tokyo Tower with its viewing platform, a wax museum of pop musicians and trash shops where you can buy Ninja outfits and fighting gear. Snowboard pro Debban tests an indoor snowboarding facility. An extreme shopping tour includes custom sneakers, Manga costumes and retro toys. Family-run Ryokan guesthouses and a trip to a sake brewery on the outskirt of Tokyo give an insight into traditional Japanese culture. Hip Hop icon DJ Honda introduces his streetwear label, while DJ Hasebe recommends the hottest DJ equipment store, which supplies decks to the Beasty Boys. 'Para Para' is a mad dance craze to trashy Euro Pop tunes, where hand movements translate lyrics word by word. The programme finishes with an unusual club compilation. For the 'Drum Club' night, visitors will bring all sorts of percussion instruments for an all-night jam. Ex-Boxer Nagurareya takes on night crawlers in his 'Fight Club' on a public square in Tokyo's nightlife quarter. Finally, X-rated Reggae girl dancers, who are as good as their Jamaican counterparts, compete at a monthly Reggae club event.
Fri, Feb 3, 2006
The second Tokyo episode starts with 'Thunder Dolphin', an amusement ride through high-rise buildings in the middle of Tokyo. A teen fashion section combines the shop of Reiko, Queen of the Kogiaru girlies, the influential 'Smart' magazine and it's extensive photo shoots of the latest street styles, as well as photo sticker clubs that are spread all over the city. The Parasite Museum houses all kind of disgusting creatures as well as the longest worm found in a Japanese stomach. Hot Wheels looks at a Biker hangout recommended by graphic designer 'Tokyo Guns' and the pumping limos of Tokyo's Lowrider crew 'Dirty Joker'. A relaxing train trip to Hakone offers a lake crossing in historical sailing boats and a ski lift ride up to the volcanic mountains around Tokyo. The Manga plastic figure designer for Marilyn Manson's merchandising recommends the best Manga toy shop, while Count Mana of Japan's biggest Goth act 'Malice Mizer' models clothing from his own fashion label. 'Screaming Seagull Kiss Her Kiss Her' front woman Aiha goes indoor fishing to relax from urban stress. 'Tickle Wrestling' is a televised erotic tickle competition where loosely dressed contestant girls are tied together by the feet judged by a nappy wearing referee. Finally, a Tokyo nightlife compilation takes us to the boat restaurants that serve traditional Monjayaki food while travelling past the sights of Tokyo harbour. The Bebop Square club night runs early evening Acid Jazz dance classes that prepare for the dance battles later on. In the early morning hours, partygoers go to Tsukiji fish market for the freshest breakfast sushi in town.
Fri, Feb 10, 2006
The third episode opens with a city sport special on the highest soccer pitch on top of a high-rise shopping centre in the middle of Tokyo, as well as a tour of BMX hangouts by pro rider Shoe-G. Next is a tattoo parlour that specialises in Japanese tribal designs. The Japanese love affair with their pets creates unusual places like a dog bakery, a cat's theme park and an 'Afro Ken' craze around a fluffy toy dog with a massive Afro hairstyle in rainbow colours. A graffiti artist shows the only tagging spot, where Tokyo's tough police have not gained the upper hand. Sputnik is the best summer party on Tsujido beach, one hour away from Tokyo. A designer fashion compilation introduces cult label 'Final Home', leather designs of 'Madzu' and jeans clothing of Levi's designer G Wills. Two of the funniest themed restaurants are a Ninja eatery, where magicians serve and food is set on fire, as well as prison hospital 'Alcatraz E.R.' where inmates are served by nurses and drink from medical tubes in their cells. The Tokyo nightlife section starts with so-called Mini clubs, which are usually based in cheap basement properties. The resident DJ of Club Womb introduces the club and the places DJ's visit before and after their gigs. Finally, Love Hotels are an institution for Tokyo's couples, who can't afford cabs home or haven't got their own place to go to.
Fri, Feb 24, 2006
The first Berlin show opens with an East German retro chic compilation of furniture, food and youth hostels 'Made in GDR'. To reduce urban stress levels a scrap yard offers sledge hammer and protection gear to smash up old cars. Summer activities include a swimming trip to the Wannsee lake, kayak tours on the extensive canal and river system as well as a weekly open-air Reggae jam, Jamaican stylee. In Kreuzberg two Turkish sisters make custom designer fashion from second hand materials. Berlin's Techno queens Ellen Allien and Eva Cazal introduce a 24hour fully automated bar, a record store and the DJ talent night of Europe's most Techno club. Goth Metal band Thanateros shop for their stage outfits in a dark fashion superstore and go out at Berlin's longest running Goth night. Sports enthusiasts can try inner-city cross golf using specially designed soft balls, play conventional golf in the centre of Berlin or travel to a handball league match of Germanys best known 'punk-baller' and MTV presenter Stefan Kretzschmar. The Liquidrom spa invites Ambient and Techno DJ's to play the underwater sound system of their salt-water float pool. Warped Horror fun can be had at the medical pickles collection of the pathological Virchov institute, a dedicated horror mask store and the mechanical monster cabinet of the Dead Chickens art collective. Finally, on the night entertainment front, the Ambient Kitchen nights serves inexpensive communal food, DJs and live entertainment from trapeze artists to sitar players, while DJ and music producer Mitja Prinz explains Berlin's relaxed underground house clubs.
Fri, Mar 3, 2006
The second Berlin show starts with unusual overnighters like the Circus Hostel that offers regular tours to the former Stasi espionage headquarter or an art hotel with individually designed rooms. Alternative shopping includes a store that hires its shelf out to Berlins many designer talents, the small designer fashion shops at Kastanienallee and the Elternhaus label that sells cheeky streetwear inspired by German history. A unique seven-seater bike can be hired hourly for city sightseeing in groups, while even non-bikers buy the popular custom-made courier bags from the Bagjack label. A typical Berlin night starts at a North African restaurant with original hookah water pipes, on to Paul's Metal pub whose special house mix knocks even the hardest metalhead of the stool, the final destination is a typical German 'Schlager' music party, offering a true Euro trash experience. Hot air balloon tours offer unusual sightseeing and an authentic flyer certificate, where every participant gets hair strands burnt off and dowsed in champagne. Berlin is made for street skaters, plus skate and BMX parks as well as tips from King of Dirt world champion Timo Pritzel. Hair emergencies are treated in an Accident and Emergency Unit styled hairdressers with original hospital beds, while at the Pony Club all pony hairstyles are trimmed for free. Russian traditions are a leftover from East-Berlins occupation period, an original Tadjikan teahouse offers vodka-fuelled tea drinking experiences, while a Russian painter organises cockroach races that were invented by Russian exiles in Istanbul. Finally, DJ Metro of the Hard:Edged Drum and Bass label introduces the hottest breakbeat record store and a weekly club night run by his label.
Fri, Mar 17, 2006
The first Paris episode starts with Black Block, a street art shop within the Palais de Tokyo museum, featuring graffiti artist Andre and the Parisian skater scene that hangs out in front of the museum. The 'Hotel du Nord' with its twenty-four individually designed rooms is popular amongst travellers with a tight budget, whereas nature lovers stay on a camping site on the outskirts of Paris. Punk band X Syndicate recommends one of the rare metal, punk and goth bars in Paris, while the Kokon To Zai boutique, which is run by a goth-inspired fashion guru, offers Nouveau Punk designer clothing. Style Arabique includes Moroccan musician Abdy and his favourite belly-dancing restaurant, the popular streetwear label 'Moudjahidin' is inspired by Arabian desert culture and the Tunisian DJ restaurant Twinz is where young Parisians meet for couscous and House music. David Belle demonstrates urban roof-jumping sport 'Le Parkour', that he developed from a mix of North African Bushmen hunter skills and Asian martial arts. Secret catacombes underground tours reveal the extensive historic Parisian tunnel network with its historic graffiti and modern party locations. Anjuna makes handmade Hip Hop silver jewellery for celebrities such as Madonna and Clotaire K. Street Sports shows popular soccer pitches in front of the Louvre, urban basketball cages, a sports bar with b-ball indoor flooring, as well as the new ball juggling sport 'Sky-Ball'. The PVC shop is crammed with thousands of kitsch items and the most innocent lingerie collection in Paris. The programme finishes with two classic Parisian clubs Rex and Pulp and their resident DJ's eclectic Dance DJ Star Ivan Smagghe and DJ Jennifer.