Monday, January 10, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

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SUITABLE FOR FRAMING: HATTER'S POSTERS

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 09:10 PM PST


POSTER ART BY GABE HEISS

Here is my small tribute to Hatter on my living room wall. This frame originally held my autographed Question Mark and the Mysterians poster. Great poster and a lovely gift from Skid n Carrie (Marx). But it didn't move me... now it does.

We can get a new frame for Q's poster asap, but for now Hatter looks at me each day as I make coffee and recline on the couch.

Made a little collage in Photoshop. Nothing particularly skilled just something to let the viewer see a bit of our partnership over the past year and a half.

I have these two posters and plan to framed them for my birthday if I get some $.


POSTER ART BY CARL LUNDGREN

This is the second version (maybe third or fourth) of Chris Taylor's Ann Arbor Rock n Roll Revival show which I promoted last December 18, 2009. Dennis Thompson was originally the subject of this poster but had to drop out so the artist Carl Lundgren recommended using Hatter instead. We did use it and it is a very cool poster...


PHOTO BY RETRO:KIMMER

Here is Hatter with his favorite of Carl Lundgren's posters. The poster is Hatter's favorite from thefamous Cinderella Ballroom gig introducing the J Geils band at their height of popularity . So glad we got this photo in 2009 Flintstock. Hatter gave me this poster I think in 2009. The top hat and outfit are "powder blue". A point Hatter never grew tired of sharing with me.


POSTER ART BY CARL LUNDGREN

Read More on RK
Ann Arbor Rock n Roll Revival 2009!
Kimmer Autographs and Gifts

MEET SCOUT! REDFORD THEATRE: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 08:15 PM PST



Special Appearance By:
Oscar nominee, (Scout) Actress Mary Badham
Tickets: $5
Jan 14 (Fri ) Film Starts at 8pm ....... doors open at 7pm
Saturday Jan 15 Film Starts at 2pm.....doors open at 1pm
Saturday Jan 15 Films Starts at 8pm.....doors open at 7pm

Based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning best-selling novel.
Doors open 1 hour before show time
Evenings show starts at 8pm
Matinee show starts at 2pm
Organists:
evenings - Lance Luce
matinee - Justine LaVoie
Pianists:
evenings - Chris Cavanaugh
matinee - Nancy C. Pennington

Directions and Info

Read More on RK
The Redford Theatre!


MASTERPIECE IN SOUL: NORMAN WHITFIELD

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 07:40 AM PST


Norman Jesse Whitfield 5/12/1940- 09/16/ 2008

This weekend I saw a bit about Norman on VH1 or one of those shows. It got me thinking about just was an influence he has been on my life and also my musical collection. I wrote about "I Know I am Losing You" which The Temptations and The Faces both had hits with. Also take a look at "Heard it Through the Grapevine" which was a hit for Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye and Creedance Clearwater Revival.

What is most interesting to me is that Norman's music was cool to young audiences period. The Motown fans loved it, soul music fans loved it, white rock n rollers loved it, blues cats dug it... See what I mean? Even country music fans dug Norman Whitfield!

Norman Whitfield was an American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Motown during the 1960s/1970s. He is credited as being one of the ultimate creators of the Motown Sound, as well as a major figure in the late-60s sub-genre of psychedelic soul. Blending soul music with white rock n roll changed the face of music and the climate of racial equality is this country forever. His career was the envy of the music business for 20 years and beyond.



From 1966 to 1974, Whitfield produced most all of material, experimenting with sound effects and other production techniques. He found a songwriting collaborator in lyricist Barrett Strong the performer on Motown's first hit record, "Money."

Norman wrote material for The Temptations and many other Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips, both of whom recorded Whitfield's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". The Gladys Knight & the Pips version was the best version in my opinion I loved the drums and that raw opening with Gladys's emotional voice., but Marvin's version outsold it by a long shot.



After Temptations lead singer David Ruffin was fired and Dennis Edwards stepped into the lead role in 1968, Whitfield moved the group into a harder, darker sound that featured a blend of psychedelic rock and funk heavily inspired by the work of Sly & the Family Stone and Funkadelic and also began changing the subject matter of the songs, moving away from love songs to the social issues of the time, such as war, poverty and politics.

The first Temptations single to feature this new "psychedelic soul" style was "Cloud Nine" in late 1968, which earned Motown its first Grammy award (for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group). A second Best R&B Group Performance Grammy for Whitfield and the Temptations came in 1973 with "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone". The single's instrumental B-side earned Whitfield a Grammy with arranger Paul Riser for Best R&B Instrumental Performance, and Whitfield and Strong shared the songwriters' award for Best R&B Song

Take a look at this man's discography... Definitely was the soundtrack to my life.

Production and Songwriting at Motown

* 1963: "Pride & Joy" - Marvin Gaye
* 1964: "Too Many Fish in the Sea" - The Marvelettes
* 1964: "Needle in a Haystack" - The Velvelettes
* 1964: "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" - The Temptations
* 1966: "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" - The Temptations
* 1966: "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" - The Temptations
* 1966: "(I Know) I'm Losing You" - The Temptations
* 1967: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" - Gladys Knight & the Pips,
* 1967: "You're My Everything" - The Temptations
* 1967: "I Wish It Would Rain" - The Temptations
* 1968: "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" - The Temptations
* 1968: "The End of Our Road" - Gladys Knight & The Pips
* 1968: "Cloud Nine" - The Temptations
* 1969: "Friendship Train" - Gladys Knight & the Pips
* 1969: "Runaway Child, Running Wild" - The Temptations
* 1969: "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" - Marvin Gaye
* 1969: "I Can't Get Next to You" - The Temptations
* 1970: "Ball of Confusion" - The Temptations
* 1970: "War" - Edwin Starr
* 1971: "Smiling Faces Sometimes" - The Undisputed Truth,
* 1971: "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" - The Temptations
* 1972: "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" - The Temptations
* 1973: "Masterpiece" - The Temptations


Norman Jesse Whitfield

I have met some people recently that have worked with Norman and they all tell me the same thing. He was difficult to work for... but oh what a genius behind the boards. He was a bit of a recluse and did not suffer fools.

Seems that most of our truly amazing musicians and producers were a bit odd. Phil Specter, Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Fred Sonic Smith. All gifted with genius but somewhat lacking in social skills... I know that is a huge understatement...

Magical Norman Whitfield...what an accomplished career. So proud to have had him in Detroit for many years...

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Coulson Macleod Decades Prints

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 02:57 PM PST

Sixties1 
Artist Coulson Macleod has produced a series of Decades prints, which feature his signature typographic work.

There are three design in the series, representing the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Each one features the decade name with quotations, film titles, car models, key figures, fashion and music trends and inventions arranged around it. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Sixties print is my favourite, with psychedelia, peace, love and Mary Quant mini skirts topping the Seventies mixture of disco, funk and punk references. The Eighties print contains too many things that I'm not ready to feel nostalgic for (Thatcher, yuppies, Eddie Murphy and shoulder pads to name a few), but if you remember that decade more fondly then it might appeal. 

The Decades prints cost £35 unframed or £65 for the print in a white wood frame. Buy online from the Coulson Macleod website.

Billie Leather Shoulder Bag by Chloé

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 10:30 AM PST

Billiebag

Satchels are undeniably mainstream bag designers' latest love affair, leaning heavily on vintage inspiration in most cases. Pieces like this Billie Shoulder Bag by ChloƩ offer a chic reinterpretation of 20th century ideas, without losing that key retro appeal.

Made from panels of tan leather and heritage-look linen fabric, the sharp structure of this bag is accented by black trim. The resulting lines and shape are reminiscent of a classic sixties satchel, while the unconventional use of fabrics adds an interesting new dimension.

It's available now in the UK for £875 from Net-a-Porter.

Find out more from the website

 

60s Ponte Dress from Oasis

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 10:25 AM PST

Oasis60s

Now that the madness of January sales is almost over, interest can turn to what the high street's new lines have to offer in vintage inspiration. While there's no sign of much that's new just yet, some classic pieces like this 60s Ponte Dress from Oasis are worthy of attention.

In a striking and rich red shade, the colour carries a basic sixties look dress that's appealingly simple. The empire cut a-line skirt creates a great retro silhouette, while buttons and a peter pan collar give some cute details to balance the daringly short hemline. In a short sleeve, this dress is an ideal choice to transition out of your winter wardrobe.

Get it now from Oasis for £45.

Find out more from the website

Candy Box lingerie collection by Kiss Me Deadly

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 08:00 AM PST

Candy box
The vintage-style lingerie boom shows no signs of slowing and dedicated label Kiss Me Deadly have once again achieved pitch-perfect retro elegance with the Candy Box collection.

The collection, which includes a longline bra & girdle, 6 strap suspender belts and reversible knickers, are black and accented with a ladylike print of lingerie, jewellery, perfume & powder puffs in pretty pastels. Superb foundation garments for pulling off an authentic vintage look or for simply lounging in your boudoir.

The range starts from £15 and is available from the Kiss Me Deadly website.

eBay watch: 1960s Superonda seating system by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 05:17 AM PST

Polt

A real rarity on eBay right now that's certain to appeal to fans of 1960s space age design - this Superonda seating system by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova.

As you might have guessed, Archizoom Associati was a radical design group, operating out of Italy and designing this particular 'system' in 1966, produced at the time by Poltronova. Specifically the units are 'vinyl covered polyurethane blocks' that are cut into a large rectangle that's bisected by a wave'. The blocks can then be used as a chaise longue, sofa or divan.

Apparently in 'good condition', it's got some surface marks to the vinyl, but nothing more. Not cheap, with a current price of £449, but just you try finding another.

Find out more at the eBay website

Vintage Jewellery by Caroline Cox

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 05:16 AM PST

Vintage jewellery

If you liked the books Vintage ShoesVintage HandbagsVintage Knitwear, chances are that Vintage Jewellery by Caroline Cox will also appeal. 

Like those titles, Vintage Jewellery is published by Carlton and shows you how to collect and wear classic designs. The book is full of bracelets, necklaces, rings and brooches from the likes of Lalique, Cartier and Christian Dior, names that are sure to get jewellery fans drooling. 

The book is priced at £25, but available for £15.55 on Amazon

C60 Mug by Rod Clark

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 05:06 AM PST

C60 mug
Nostalgic for the days of cassette tapes? Even if your choice of musical format has moved on, you can share your love with this C60 mug, designed by Rod Clark.

The design is based on the label from a 1970s BASF cassette tape which has been simply wrapped around the mug. Perfect for using alongside this cassette coaster

The mug costs £6.99

Buy it from Brighton Pod

James Brown "Viking" print

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 03:00 AM PST

Viking

The Shipping Forecast is a beloved British institution and the cryptic names that make up the sea regions celebrate their 62nd anniversary this year. The James Brown "Viking" print will help you put a place to a name when you're listening to the radio long past your bedtime.

Listing all 30 of the sea regions, from Viking to Southeast Iceland, the single colour print is in a seaworthy shade of navy to bring a touch of the nautical to your home. 

The "Viking" print is £31 from James Brown's website.

The Prisoner limited edition poster by Piper Gates Design

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 02:57 AM PST

Prisoner

You might well remember Piper Gates Design from the Syd Barrett colouring book as well as the earlier Joy Division colouring book. Well, the company has now moved into limited edition artwork, kicking off with this limited edition poster of The Prisoner.

It's a smart item too. Obviously inspired by 1960s cult classic TV series The Prisoner (see McGoohan and that 'bubble' on the front cover), it also uses the format of 1960s Penguin paperback reference books, complete with an old 3'6 price tag on the top.

25 copies only are being made, all sized at 500mm x 700mm, printed on 194 gram paper and signed by the artist. £19.99 secures you one online.

Find out more at the eBay website

1960s Revolving Coat Stand

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 02:12 AM PST

Albe-revo-coat-1-copy-62315 
Not content with selling shirts, the Paul Smith website now carries a selection of vintage furniture to tempt us with, including this 1960s Revolving Coat Stand.

The design is typical 1960s space-age style, made of white plastic and pod-like in its design. It provides a neat storage solution for tidying away coats and umbrellas on one side, whilst the other houses a mirror, making it a useful hallway addition.

It costs £1,100. Visit the Paul Smith website to enquiry further.

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