retro-the-best....: Apr 20, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

RETRO:KIMMER HANGING IN ANN ARBOR WITH MY PALS!

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 02:12 PM PDT

Rikki St James (Motorcity Bad Boys Kimmer and Rick Ruiner (Ruiners)

Ron Perry of The Detroit Rocks Project was in Ann Arbor this past Monday interviewing many famed rock stars with huge Detroit connections and history. I brought out two new great musicians whose roots lie in the Motor City. Rikki St James of the Motor City Bad Boys/Rikki St James Project and my friend Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman, The Golden Breed, and the Deniz Tek Group.

Both gave really great interviews. Rikki songwriter/arranger (bass and guitar) is a native Detroiter and is the real deal when it comes to being part of Detroit Rock history and it's legacy.
Deniz loves Detroit's music and was heavily influenced by Detroit's music while growing up in Ann Arbor. Deniz lived in Detroit while doing his residency from medical school.

Ron interviewed me as well... He asked me questions about how my blog began and who my heroes are in Detroit. We talked for about 45 minutes. Can't wait to see the finished film in it's entirety. Ron does so a great job and is so totally organized. Thanks Ron we all had fun!

Rick Ruiner came out to visit the set and hang with us. It was a really cool day to be in Ann Arbor.

Photographer Heather Harris Rikki St James Kimmer

My friend Heather Harris the Rock Photographer from Los Angeles flew in early Monday for the Iggy and the Stooges show at the Michigan Theater. I picked her up at the airport and she stayed at a hotel near my house in Ann Arbor.

Heather had a photo pass for the gig and I took her around Ann Arbor and showed her a few Stooges landmarks like Ron Asheton's house and Coachville Trailer Park where Iggy once lived.

Hiawatha Bailey Kimmer Deniz Tek Chris Box Taylor

After the day's shooting we went out to lunch and Heather and I lounged in the hotel jacuzzi and pool. We were gearing up for the Iggy show the next day. Got a call from Deniz who invited us down to the 8 Ball/Blind Pig and party a bit.

Scott Morgan Deniz Tek and Deniz's photographer friend Anne

We all arrived right at the same time. It was alot of fun seeing Deniz and meeting his new girl Anne. Hiawatha, one of my favorites and Scott Morgan were there too. Heather had fun shooting pictures of everybody. We stayed for 2 hours and split to go get some rest for the Tuesday events.

Chris Box Taylor and Kimmer

Theresa and Chris Taylor welcomed their first baby boy... named Asheton after Ron Asheton Chris' friend and hero. What appropriate timing! Congrats you two!

[New post] Bat-Dance for a new generation

Bat-Dance for a new generation

dailypop | April 20, 2011 at 11:46 am | Tags: batman live, batman warner bros, spider-man turn off the dark, suprerhero musical stage | Categories: Batman | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2wH

I cannot pretend to understand the drive to develop comic book creations into musical stage shows, but apparently there is a strong need to do so. Despite the negative reviews and infamy surrounding Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, an even grander extravaganza is under way starring Warner Bros. premier creation, the Dark Knight Batman.

The Batman Live show will transport the audience into Gotham City by building the fictional structures into the actual seating area. A massive holographic screen in the shape of the familiar bat signal will present 3-D renditions of iconic comic book moments as actors dressed as the heroes and villains of the printed page do battle in extraordinary stunt sequences.

... I still don't get it, though.

Press video
watch?v=wnbS49eLhXc

Images via BigShinyRobot:

Via The National:

Batman poised to make his stage debut
Emily Shardlow
Last Updated: Apr 17, 2011

Peter Parker's alter ego certainly encountered some problems in his time. Almost as many, you could say, as Broadway's Spider Man, Turn Off the Dark. The now notoriously problem-plagued production has become the most expensive theatre show ever, opening night has been delayed several times and there have been a number of cast injuries. All of this has been very well documented in the media.

So it perhaps comes as a surprise that another comic book superhero is winging his way on to the stage. Oh yes, Batman is going on a world arena tour, with the Batmobile (created by Formula One car designer Gordon Murray), Robin and the Joker in tow.

Although production costs of £12million (Dh72m) are far less than Spider Man's £40m, Batman Live has been billed as a high-octane tour de force, with daring stunts, circus acrobatics and a dystopian Gotham City to boot. The action will, according to the creative director Anthony Van Laast, have something of a rock and roll edge, designed to enthral audiences. It isn't, he has said, with a not so subtle nod towards the problems faced by the Spider Man show, a musical, but an action-filled stage extravaganza charting Dick Grayson's transformation from orphaned circus performer to Batman's trusty sidekick, Robin.

Batman Live will premiere in the UK in July, an event which will mark the theatre debut of the Caped Crusader, who first appeared in an issue of Detective Comics in 1939.

Via The Sheffield Telegraph:

Batman is the rock star of this show and he dropped in looking every inch the 21st century Dark Knight, in a battle-ready suit of shining armour, wearing his traditional cowl mask, bat-winged cape and with trusty Robin by his side.

Preparing a night of mayhem for the world's best-loved crime fighting duo are all the top Arkham Asylum breakout villains, including the Penguin, Riddler, Poison Ivy, Harlequin, Catwoman and the leader of the pack - the Joker.

The new look character costumes are based on the comic books drawn by legendary Batman artist Jim Lee.

A hot new Batmobile, by Formula One car designer Gordon Murray, is still under wraps.

The Arena will be turned into a mini Manhattan, complete with scattered skyscrapers and looming apartment blocks, covering most of the floor - with space for Gotham City seats, putting some lucky fans right next to the action.

"The stage thrusts out 100ft into the arena and we've filled the air space with helicopters, smoke, noise and bat signals," said Es Devlin, set and props designer, who has worked for Lady Gaga.

A bat-shaped 130ft wide HD video wall will provide backdrops for Arkham Asylum, Wayne Manor and the Batcave, with special effects to blend comic book images with real actors, combining stunts, illusions and pyrotechnics.

Fans were warned to get there early, at least 15-minutes before show time when the set will come to life with dazzling images and a comic book city soundscape.

Anthony Van Laast, the creative director who choreographed the movie Mamma Mia! and is working on Broadway's Sister Act, said a strong storyline was as important as the special effects.

"When Batman starts from 30ft up in the air and flies down across the arena, and we've done the flying test and I've seen what it looks like, it is absolutely amazing."

Tickets are £20 to £45 subject to a booking fee, with eight shows in Sheffield from August 10 to 14. Buy in person, call 0114 256 5656, or book online at www.motorpointarena.co.uk or www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

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[New post] A new Spider-Man swings into the Ultimate Universe

A new Spider-Man swings into the Ultimate Universe

dailypop | April 20, 2011 at 6:30 am | Tags: spider-man parker marvel, ulti9mate marvel | Categories: Spider-Man | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2wD

Finally, the Ultimate Marvel comic book line has its own Spider-Man. When the Ultimate Marvel line was started in 2000, there was a line of thinking that suggested a bold new approach was necessary to reach new readers and retain the remaining audience. Once the flagship of Marvel Comics, Spider-Man had fallen in favor, barely clinging to life in an industry that limped along month to month.

On the verge of bankruptcy, a new line of comics retooling the Marvel Universe to a new readership was launched. The X-Men by Mark Millar and the Kubert brothers and Spider-Man by newcomer to Marvel Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley marked the beginning of what could have been a replacement Marvel Universe. As the industry turned a corner and the comic book mania took hold on popular culture, a separate but similar line of comics appeared on a monthly basis, leading to inevitable confusion when discussing specific characters or storylines. Granted, this confusion had little negative impact on the Ultimate Spider-Man series that proved to be immensely successful.

After several brushes with cancellation and revisions, the Ultimate Marvel line has made what could be its bravest maneuver. Following the Death of Spider-Man story, a new Ultimate Spider-Man has emerged in a startling new costume.

Will this change stick? To find out, you'll have to read on...

Marvel Reveals New Spider-Man- Peter Parker No Longer Spider-Man After "Death of Spider-Man" Story

Posted Apr 18, 2011 8:05 am

Marvel has announced that after the shocking events of "Death of Spider-Man", the sold out storyline currently running through ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN and ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS VS. ULTIMATES, there will be a new Spider-Man and a new character under the mask. Something's happened to Peter Parker and here comes an all-new Spider-Man…in an all-new costume!
"We called this story 'Death of Spider-Man' for a reason," said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor In Chief. "This is a huge story that'll have fans around the world talking for a long time as we set the stage for the debut of our new Spider-Man."

The Ultimate Universe is irrevocably changed with the conclusion to "Death of Spider-Man" in June's polybagged ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #160, but right now you can get in on the red-hot story that leads to the birth of an all-new Spider-Man, including new printings of the sold out issues: And to make sure you don't miss a single chapter, pick up all the acclaimed issues below:

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #153 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC108349)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by SARA PICHELLI & DAVID LAFUENTE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC 4/18/11, ON SALE 5/11/11

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #154 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (FEB118263)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by SARA PICHELLI & DAVID LAFUENTE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC 4/18/11, ON SALE 5/11/11

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #155 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (FEB118264)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by CHRIS SAMNEE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC 4/18/11, ON SALE 5/11/11

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #156 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (FEB118265)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by MARK BAGLEY
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC 4/18/11, ON SALE 5/11/11

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #157 (FEB110524)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
Rated T+ …$3.99
ON SALE NOW

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #158 (MAR110641)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC 4/25/11, ON SALE 5/18/11

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS VS. NEW ULTIMATES #1 (of 6) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC108350)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC 4/25/11, ON SALE 5/18/11

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS VS. NEW ULTIMATES #2 (of 6) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAR118134)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC 4/25/11, ON SALE 5/18/11

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS VS. NEW ULTIMATES #3 (of 6) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAR118135)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC 4/25/11, ON SALE 5/18/11

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS VS. NEW ULTIMATES #4 (of 6) (MAR110639)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC 4/25/11, ON SALE 5/18/11

More on Marvel.com

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Ercol for John Lewis 1950s-style Chiltern open display cabinet
eBay watch: 1970s Fiat 124 Spider
Retro Onepiece Swimsuit by Seafolly
Coral Spot Cami from Dorothy Perkins
For sale: 1930 grade II-listed Bauhaus property in The Common, Chipperfield, Herts by E. Maxwell Fry
Revamped 1950s Nursery School Chairs
Pac-Man Ghosts T-Shirt
Beyond Fabric Sewing Room Event
Cox & Cox Stripey Double Deck Chair
Towards a New Britain by Blue Print
Vintage Craft Workshop by Cathy Callahan
2012 Volkswagen Beetle gets an official launch

Ercol for John Lewis 1950s-style Chiltern open display cabinet

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 01:20 PM PDT

Based on an original 1950s design is this Ercol for John Lewis Chiltern open display cabinet.

Exclusive to John Lewis, the Chiltern cabinet has a certain midcentury cool. Made from solid white oak, with a matt lacquer, it features rounded, angled edges, slim legs and criss-cross strutwork. The cabinet also features three glass shelves and a bottom drawer.

Standing around 180cm high, it sells for £999.

Find out more at the John Lewis website

eBay watch: 1970s Fiat 124 Spider

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 12:13 PM PDT

The sun is out, the sky is blue and our minds drift to thoughts of a convertible. There's no denying that this Fiat 124 Spider is a tasty number.

It dates to 1979, but was imported to the UK in 1991, racking up 91,775 miles over that time, but only 1,800 by the current owner since 1995. Some modern additions (like a CD player), but most is original, with the body work described as 'near concourse condition' and although some work could do with being carried out, it sounds like it's good to go now.

Indeed, £2,000 of work has been carried out by the current owner, so it must be in some kind of decent shape. Another image over the page or check out the site for many more. £4,500 is the current price - or grab it on 'buy it now' for £5,000.

Find out more at the eBay website

Retro Onepiece Swimsuit by Seafolly

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 10:59 AM PDT

When it comes to swimwear, it only makes sense to put your trust in those nations who really get to wear their choices as much as possible. Australian swimwear brand Seafolly have it down to a fine art, especially with retro items like this Retro Spot Onepiece.

The swimsuit is all about the cut, with low cut legs to counteract the revealing bustline, creating the killer fifties silhouette that the pin-up scene made so popular. The inclusion of subtle panels and ruching means this swimsuit promises to pull you in at all the right points too, meaning just about anyone can pull off this polka dot with ease.

It's available in the UK from Urban Outfitters for £87.

Find out more from the website

Coral Spot Cami from Dorothy Perkins

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 10:58 AM PDT

With all the super sexy retro looks inspiring designers lately, it's easy to forget that in women's fashion cute was once king. Every so often, however, an unashamedly girly item hits the shelves, like this Coral Spot Cami from Dorothy Perkins.

The top's shape is just fitted enough at the bustline to remain subtle, while the flowing fabric from the waist keeps it light. With a polka dot print and coral shade, this is an item you can easily pair with fifties or sixties looks to create a daytime look that's simply darling.

It's available now from Dorothy Perkins for £28.

Find out more from the website

For sale: 1930 grade II-listed Bauhaus property in The Common, Chipperfield, Herts by E. Maxwell Fry

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 09:36 AM PDT

A Bauhaus property in the heart of England? Yes, that's what you get with this 1930s grade II-listed house in The Common, Chipperfield, Herts.

It was designed by E. Maxwell Fry, whose partner was Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus, back in 1935, situated in the heart of Chipperfield village. I suspect, back in the day, it was quite an oddity. In truth, it still is.

The accommodation comprises of an entrance hallway, cloakroom, reception room overlooking the gardens, open plan kitchen/diner and utility room on the ground floor, with a master bedroom (with access to a terrace area, vaulted ceiling and en-suite), three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There's also the addition to the house of a separate studio with kitchenette and shower room, plus a detached garage with additional garden room/study to the rear and a plot covering 2.5 acres.

For better or worse (take your pick), the house has been 'comprehensively renovated', so it's more of a modern home than a period piece inside. Saying that, the house maintains the same 'stark' structure as the original, so you can put the period back in if you wish.

That's probably the least of your worries though. First, you'll need to find the asking price, which is £1,600,000. 1930s modernism sadly doesn't come cheap.

Find out more at the Rightmove website

Revamped 1950s Nursery School Chairs

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:36 AM PDT

We've seen 1950s school chairs reproduced, but Folly and Glee has a selection of revamped originals in stock.

Their 1950s Nursery School Chairs have been hand-painted and reupholstered with 1970s vintage wallpaper to give them a new lease of life. There is a choice of three designs on their website now to choose from (yellow floral, pink graphic or blue soldier), or you can contact them and they will finish a chair to suit your decor. Unlike many revamped pieces of furniture, these chairs are very reasonably priced at just £15.

Visit the Folly and Glee website for more information.

Pac-Man Ghosts T-Shirt

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:26 AM PDT

Layer Eight create t-shirts inspired by things they enjoy, which judging by this Pac-Man Ghosts T-Shirt includes retro arcade games.

The t-shirt features Pac-Man's enemies, Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde on the front with a '10p – 1 play' coin slot graphic printed on the sleeve. The t-shirt is available in men's sizes Small up to XX Large and in either navy or charcoal grey. There is also a similar design featuring the Space Invader aliens should that be your game of choice.

The t-shirts cost £23 from Layer Eight.

Beyond Fabric Sewing Room Event

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:13 AM PDT

Beyond Fabric stock a huge range of fantastic retro-look material and not only that, they can also teach you what to do with it. They have a range of classes including "Sewing Machines for Terrified People" and "1950's Apron Workshop."

To celebrate the launch of their new Sewing Room they are holding a special event this Saturday, April 23rd, at their Columbia Rd studio in London. Join owners Silvana and Eduardo for tea, coffee and cakes and find out more about their range of upcoming sewing workshops. You can also buy fabrics from their extensive range and try a taster class. For more info and to check availability of the taster classes, e-mail info@beyond-fabrics.com.

Check out the Beyond Fabrics site here.

Cox & Cox Stripey Double Deck Chair

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:20 AM PDT

If there's one thing that represents the quintessential British summer above all others, it has to be the deck chair. Despite seeming somewhat old fashioned these days, the deck chair's simplicity and comfort mean that it's still seen on beaches and in parks and gardens up and down the country.

This Stripey Double Deck Chair from Cox & Cox is twice the usual width, making it a comfortable seat for two. The frame is wood and the seat acrylic, so durable and weatherproof, which means this chair will be with you for many summers to come.

It costs £145 from Cox & Cox here.

Towards a New Britain by Blue Print

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 05:59 AM PDT

With the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain happening this year, here's another piece of art linked to the festival. This Towards a New Britain print by Blue Print uses the Abram Games designed emblem of the Festival and sets it behind the outlines of a hopeful looking couple - perhaps studying the future promised by the festival.

It's just one of several prints produced by the artist Donald Short which relate to the Festival (you may remember his work from the Metroland print we featured a little while back). The distinctive colouring is made by using the cyanotype process - the blue print of architectural designs.

Produced as a limited edition of 100 copies, the print costs £35.

Buy it from Culturelabel

Vintage Craft Workshop by Cathy Callahan

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 05:49 AM PDT

With crafting currently enjoying a fashionable moment, what better time to dip into Cathy Callahan's Vintage Craft Workshop? Specialising in popular retro craft, its subtitle promises to give fresh takes on classic crafts from the '60s and the '70s.

Various contributors help with the books 24 projects, reviving favourite crafts such as macrame, crochet and papier mache. The book aims to produce results that are stylish, not kitsch - I think this possibly has to be seen to be believed.

If you'd like to try the projects out for yourself, the book is currently on sale for £9.09 from Amazon

2012 Volkswagen Beetle gets an official launch

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 12:56 AM PDT

Apparently the 'new' Volkswagen Beetle has been around since 1998, so VW thought it was time to go back to drawing board. The result is the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, which is officially launched today.

If you want to just see the pretty pictures, check out over the page for those. But if you want detail, read on. Launching at car shows in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, it's likely to appear at dealers from late 2011, offered in various guises - a 170 horsepower 2.5-litre version, a turbo-charged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine or the latest TDI turbo diesel unit. This is no Fiat 500 competitor, that's for sure.

Options include either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, satellite navigation and a panoramic sunroof. All will be packed with hefty safety features (standard ESP, six airbags and a seriously rigid chassis), while the shape is consistent across the range - a new, lower roofline, more pronounced arches, smaller windscreen is smaller and a less pronounced back than the previous Beetle. Much improved inside though, no huge dashboard, but more guages and toys to play with, coupled with a lower seating position.

As ever, it's a car to love or hate. Purists will hate it because it's not an original bug, current owners might well hate its more 'manly' features, but others might appreciate it for that very reason. I don't think VW will care too much, the Beetle will always be their niche car, one that's unlikely to ever leave the range. The new one is likely to be in the UK nearer 2012 than 2011 and is unlikely to be cheap, looking at that specification.

Volkswagen website