Retro: Kimmer

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GUITARIST JAMES WILLIAMSON ON "THE CHOSEN FEW" Posted: 15 Feb 2011 01:21 AM PST Kimmer photo: Lesley Maki "The Universe is completely and utterly in love with you. No matter how many mistakes you make, no matter where you are in your life, no matter what you think of you, the Universe loves you for all eternity." This above quote is from Rhonda Byrne of "The Secret" book. I feel just like this right now like a giant wall of love coming at me like a tsunami. Here is the latest wave.... Scott Richardson Collection It has been more than an interesting time for me with tons of new connections and opportunities coming my way. One of the best things to happen of recent is I began working with Scott Richardson (thanks Patti Quatro!) fabulous and handsome lead singer of SRC fame. Scott has provides me with all kinds of historical puzzle pieces to the story of Michigan Rock History. (understatement of the western world...) Photo from Scott Richardson Collection THE CHOSEN FEW LINEUP Various Members of TCF *Scott Richardson (V) *James Williamson (G) *Ron Asheton (B) The Prime Movers *Kip Phillips (B) *Richard Simmons (G) *Stan Salusky (?) D (Late 1965 - December, 1966) Scott R sent me this photo of "The Chosen Few". (Photos of TCF are really hard to find) This band was on the line up of the very first Grande Ballroom gig in October 1966 with the MC5 as headliner and the Wha? opening. Artist Gary Grimshaw Photo: Kurt Ingham Heather Harris and James Williamson See Heather's Gallery on James' website gallery HERE Met James via Rock Photographer Heather Harris and Facebook and a lot of mutual friends. James is such a wonderful guy and so sweet to me. He sent me photos of his Raw Power Gold Record and made my whole day happy! Read the story about his gold record and see the photos HERE NICE! While James was recently on tour with Iggy and the Stooges in Australia. I wrote and asked him if he would give me a short story on his involvement with TCF and he happily sent it over today... I loved this story and am sure my readers and James' fans will dig it too. thank you JW xxooK White Fender Jaguar (not James') waiting for pic James Williamson's Story on "The Chosen Few" Hi Kim, I was only in the Chosen Few for a short time. I co-founded the band with Scott Richardson, who I met at a Birmingham coffee shop is I recall correctly. He was from near the Pontiac area and we hit it off since both (of us) were into Beatles, Stones, etc. So we jammed a little and ended up recruiting the other guys in the band...Richard Simmons (2nd guitar), Kip Phillips (bass), Stan Salusky (sp?...on drums)...I was the lead guitar and Scott was on vocals... I think we only played a couple of live shows while I was in the band. The first was at a high school dance and the 2nd might have been at a frat party in Ann Arbor. After that I was sent away to Juvie for being "incorrigible" meaning that I wouldn't cut my hair and do what I was told to do. Of course the first day in Juvie (juvenile detention) they buzz cut my hair, so I might have done things differently in hind sight, but anyway, that was the way it was. From there I was sent to boarding school in upstate NY...and thus the Coba Seas subsequent recent release. I played a While Jaguar (probably 1964-66) that I had conned my mom into buying me once I could play ok. Loved that guitar and could play all the surf songs on it perfectly...(just got another one recently ...sunburst)... I had the White Jag until I traded it along with my SG for my Cherryburst Les Paul Custom (1969) which I later recorded Raw Power (and Kill City ) with. Iggy knew the music store owner so he brokered the deal (so naturally I got screwed royally)...really wish I hadn't traded those guitars, but what else could I do...the Les Paul was the perfect guitar for the Stooges. Anyway, it was during one of my vacation returns from boarding school that I got together with my old band mates from the Chosen Few and went up to their gig at a Frat Party in Ann Arbor... Kip Phillips was going off to college and so a new bass player named Ron Asheton was in the band. I was impressed at how long Ron's hair was and that he barely looked at the audience...just played into his amp with his back to the audience. That night was the first night I met Ronnie. Young Ron Asheton Iggy was there too that night and it was also the first time I met him as well. I had brought my White Fender Jaguar with me and during a break I played some of my original songs for him. He said he liked them, but it was hard to tell. Surely, he's told me how frenetic he remembers them being and that that impression was a lasting one for him and something he remembered when he finally asked me to join the Stooges in late 1970/early 71'...the rest is well documented.... James Thank you so much James! Here is the most fabulous photo of James that Heather shot last year and I love it so much! Photo: Heather Harris (Awesome shot!) Iggy and Scott R (Leni Sinclair) From Scott Richardson!! Kim, Thanks so much to you and James for your info regarding 'THE CHOSEN FEW'. I did meet James in Birmingham though I thought it was at a record store where we were both checking out disks and the amazing beatnik blonde clerk, 'Fran'.. In any case James & I connected and began a whirlwind drive to form our band. Kip, Richard and Stan came from a group called 'THE FIVE GRAND' who I saw at The Michigan State Fair in a battle of the bands. All three of them plus James and I had an instant chemistry that just felt right. My recollection is that there was one gig at a Catholic School in Pontiac before James left that had Ron Asheton on bass. Reason that came about was we were scouted by two managers, Ron Richardson, (no relation) and Jeep Holland, both based in Ann Arbor. I hitch hiked to meet Jeep at Discount Records. He managed the store but wasn't there when I arrived. Instead I met a dude named Jim Osterberg who was stocking records, and told me to hang out till Jeep returned. Jim also was the drummer for the Prime Movers blues band at this time. I an eternally grateful to him for picking up the phone and calling his friend bassist Ron Asheton. Twenty minutes later, Ron, Scott Asheton and Dave Alexander showed up. Jeep however, did not. The four of us walked across the quadrangle to Ron Richardson's apartment and there THE CHOSEN FEW PT. 2 was born. Richard moved to lead guitar after James left. Al Wilson became our rhythm guitarist and Ron Asheton played bass. I feel so proud and grateful that both future hall of famers James and Ronnie came into my life. In the brief time of that band a lot of cool connections happened & a bit of history was made. Scott Richardson P.S. Kim, please also add that Ron Richardson took THE CHOSEN FEW to New York City and later became manager of THE STOOGES. Jeep Holland became manager and producer of the SCOT RICHARD CASE.

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iPhone Pinball Magic - turn your smartphone into an old school pinball machine Posted: 15 Feb 2011 12:45 PM PST Yes, that's right, with the iPhone Pinball Magic you can convert your cutting edge gadget into a gadget from the past. That gadget being a pinball machine. Just slip your iPhone into the pinball machine casing, download the free app and use the integrated ball-launching plunger, flippers and credit/select buttons to play. The light-up backbox and rotating beacon light reward your skills and high scores unlock new levels. Yes, real pinball - in miniature. £29.99 is the price. Find out more at the Firebox website

Swifty 40th anniversary of Decimalisation limited edition prints Posted: 15 Feb 2011 12:29 PM PST The 15th February 1971 saw the United Kingdom's currency change from the centuries old tradition of shillings and sixpence, to the new decimal currency of one hundred pence to one pound. 40 years on and the event is celebrated by these 40th anniversary of Decimalisation limited edition prints by Swifty. Most of the coins have survived in some way or other, with the exception of the 'half penny', which was withdrawn in 1984 and is paid tribute to in the series of prints. Take your pick from four striking colours, original bronze, orange, peacock blue and magenta, all hand pulled silk screen prints, signed and numbered by the artist, sized at 50 x 50cm and in an edition of only 40 per colourway. The price is £40 - or 8,000 half pennies! Find out more at the Swifty website

Silk Polka Dot Dress by Tucker Posted: 15 Feb 2011 10:06 AM PST Much of the original style of the fifties and early sixties was based on a fresh-faced femininity, especially in the US mainstream. For a true vintage inspired look, there's little more effective than a well chosen dress like this Silka Pot Dot number by Tucker. The designer's piece has plenty of luxury thanks to silk fabrics and expertly executed cut, while the look itself is subtle and stylish. The wrapped neckline with a tea dress style skirt creates a girly, yet conservative silhouette, while a red polka dot print adds some extra retro appeal. It's available online from Matches Fashion for £435. FInd out more from the website

Floral Jumpsuit from Dorothy Perkins Posted: 15 Feb 2011 10:01 AM PST There's no denying that jumpsuits have made a huge comeback in mainstream fashion of late, with eighties revivalism as the driving force behind the return of the one-piece. There's plenty of inspiration left to plunder though, with seventies versions of the look. This Floral Jumpsuit from Dorothy Perkins takes an unmistakeably seventies glance at jumpsuits with a unique silhouette. The culotte style wide-leg trousers, coupled with a halter neck bodice, create a chic disco-era silhouette. Using flowing fabric and a loosely fitting cut, this piece has a definite air of Halston inspiration. It's available from Dorothy Perkins for £55. Find out more from the website

Recycled Vinyl Butterfly Necklace Posted: 15 Feb 2011 08:20 AM PST Bowls, coasters and clocks have all become fairly run of the mill ways to recycle a once precious vinyl collection. For a more creative approach, check out this Vinyl Butterfly Necklace from Vling. Cut and layered from black and coloured vinyl, it comes in two different designs and each piece is one of a kind thanks to the random nature of the grooves.  Costing $27.99 and available in black/orange or black/blue on either silver or gold chains. Click here to go Vling's online store.

eBay watch: 1980s Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition in white Posted: 15 Feb 2011 08:00 AM PST Yes, we have featured these before, but every example we have previously seen has been in black. This is a limited edition Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition in white. Around 1,000 were made in white back in 1988, but it's debatable how many actually survived, although a growing number are creeping onto eBay right now in varying condition, not so many in white though. Maybe time has been less kind to the lighter shade. This particular example has done just short of 70,000 miles in its time, with eight previous owners. All of the 'designer' features look to be there, but you might want to note that its had a 'full body refurb and brand new paint job', so not necessarily original. There's also new carpets, Cooper 'S' Minilite 12" alloys and new tyres as part of the deal. Another shot over the page or check out the listing for many more. £1,030 is the current bid price. Find out more at the eBay website

Ten Great Years print by Max Dalton Posted: 15 Feb 2011 05:51 AM PST You may remember Max Dalton's name from his great Cocktail party cut-out set we featured a while back. His new design Ten Great Years turns his attention to The Beatles.  It's a very simple concept - he's illustrated the Fab Four through all their musical and style evolution, giving an at a glance snapshot of the sixties. All the iconic looks of the band are on there, such as the Sgt. Pepper's military jackets, their Yellow Submarine characters or Paul barefoot in his Tommy Nutter Abbey Road suit. Yoko Ono even sneaks into the bottom row.  The print is available in a variety of formats and prices, starting at $56.99 for a small print on paper. Buy it online

MARK Arris armchair from John Lewis Posted: 15 Feb 2011 05:01 AM PST This MARK Arris armchair, available from John Lewis, is contemporary design but one with a distinctly mid-century feel. This chair was designed by Gala Wright, one of the team at MARK, a Cornwall based furniture company, who also make their products within the county. That neat and angular frame is made from solid oak frame and the chair is upholstered in a striking lime fabric which enhances its retro feel. Like the look of this? There's also a two seater sofa available in a similar style.  The chair is available for £999 while the sofa costs £1500.  Buy it online

Trace Suspension Light Posted: 15 Feb 2011 03:02 AM PST   Although designed in 2008, the Trace Suspension Light by Andrea Garuti, could be easily be mistaken for a design from the last century. Where is differs from many true vintage designs and their imitators, is that rather than being made from plastic, this is made from a combination of white ceramic and white lacquered metal. It costs just over £1,200 from Modenza.

Chrome Retro Alarm Clock Posted: 15 Feb 2011 02:25 AM PST   Rather than being influenced by just one decade, this Chrome Retro Alarm Clock combines styles from various periods. Its shape and chrome finish suggest 1950s design, whilst the glow-in-the-dark clock hands and the square typeface of the numbers looks more 1980s. It is available to buy from Graham and Green, priced £40.

Conran Shop Marilyn Trunk Posted: 15 Feb 2011 01:48 AM PST   Truly the stuff of fantasy, the Conran Shop's Marilyn Trunk is the perfect piece of luggage for travelling by ocean liner from London to New York. Crafted from walnut wood and veneers in a 1920's style, the trunk is inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel. Realistically most of us are not really in need of such a fantastic piece of luggage but it does make a stylish and relatively compact dressing table measuring W55 x D63 x H113 cms. It has plenty of storage for make-up, toiletries and accessories and best of all,  a secret drawer to keep your jewellery in. Living the Gatsby life doesn't come cheap - the trunk costs £2,395 and you can find it here.

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