Friday, May 13, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

RETROKIMMER'S FAVORITE BOB SEGER TUNES

Posted: 13 May 2011 07:00 PM PDT





THE SEATBELTS LIVE IN ANN ARBOR JUNE 11

Posted: 12 May 2011 12:00 PM PDT



Come on out and catch this show! June 11th @ LIVE 201 N. First St. (734)623-1443 Only $5 8 p.m.-11p.m. Seat Belts perform around 10p.m. Special Guest to be announced

Video produced by Alex Upshur

RETROKIMMER: MORE SCOTT RICHARDSON FUN IN MY MAILBOX....

Posted: 12 May 2011 04:48 AM PDT


Scott Richardson

This is where I was camped out in 1969... I was in front of the stage watching SRC...


Scott R and Richard Michaels

Just discovered The Fallen Angels thanks to KJ Knight and Scott. You can listen to them HERE


Scott R

I just love these photos that Scott sent me.


Scott R

My favorite SRC tune is "Checkmate" written by Scott....

MOTOR CITY MUSIC LABEL ANNIVERSARY

Posted: 11 May 2011 03:36 PM PDT



After an aggressive 12 month plan we now have a 1 year anniversary bash over at PJs Lager House on Sat 5/21 called MCSV

Having launched the MCS record label in May 2010 we will have recorded 25 detroit bands at 5 venues releasing the recordings on 5 very limited vinyl LPs pressed at Archer Records.

After MCSV we plan to take a slightly slower approach taking a break over the summer 2011.

This show / recording will be the last in this particular series of Motorcity Special releases.

As a celebration of success (and appreciation to all who have supported MCS helping us to achieve our goals) we will be giving away a copy of MCS4 Detroit Ladies Live on red 12" vinyl to the first 100 through the door for MCSV.
This was recorded live at Smalls Hamtramck on Feb 12th 2011.

Each of these MCS vinyl records is produced because of the support of the people who have attended our shows and we want to thank them all.

Help us spread the word and support local detroit music scene.
Your help pushing this is appreciated and we hope to see you at Lager on Sat 5/21

Kirk
MCB

[New post] Quick review: The Mighty Thor #1 and Journey Into Mystery #622

Quick review: The Mighty Thor #1 and Journey Into Mystery #622

dailypop | May 13, 2011 at 11:20 am | Tags: avengers thor, journey into mystery loki, marvel comics thor | Categories: Thor | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2Bm

The Mighty Thor #1


By Matt Fraction and Oliver Coipel
After the wrap up of the previous Thor series comes a new one, however it is essentially a continuation of the previous run, continuing the story lines and themes explored by Matt Fraction and Pascal Ferry. I'm certainly sad to see Ferry go as he brought a certain science fiction space opera/fantasy element to the comic, but Coipel is a welcome addition to the legacy of great Thor artists (such as Walt Simonson featured on the variant cover to this first issue).

When we last saw Thor he was battling a new enemy that threatened all of the denizens of the nine realms. The situation proved so dire that the hammer-swinging Avenger thought it wise to revive his father, bringing Odin back from Valhalla and into the world of the living. The Allfather was hardly happy with the action, yet his garrulous attitude proved necessary to not only unite the Asgardians with the refugees of the other realms but also to face the World Eaters, daring to use ancient magics not seen in generations. Even this failed to stop the World Eaters, however, and in the end Thor was forced to cut the Yggdrasil at its root, this severing the Great Ash Tree and removing the danger that the carnivorous creatures posed.

The new series picks up directly after the events of the World Eaters story as Thor and Lady Sif travel into the pool of light spilling forth from the severed roots of Yggdrasil. Dressed in space-age diving suits, the gods are met with bizarre bug-like creatures that seek to defend the seed once planted at the dawn of time. Loki descends just in time to lend a hand as the warriors are overcome by opposition. Yet when Thor reclaims the seed and returns it to Odin, he knows that all is not well. His wounds glow with an otherworldly quality that unsettles him and moreso, he feels unease by his father's side.

While Odin gives Thor an almighty strike across the face and departs for realms unknown (in the pages of this comic in any case), the Silver Surfer awakens his master Galactus to feed on a new source of life, the open stream of energy coming from the wounded Yggdrasil.

As far as first issues go, this is a bit of a hard read. I'm interested to see where the events go from here, but the comic is so steeped in backstory and plot threads from the 'Fear Itself' event that it feels like the middle bit of a larger tale. As this issue was the major Thor comic on the shelves the same week that the thunder god's feature film debut was on the screens, I thought it made for an inferior introduction to the character that would fail to retain any new readers who may have gotten caught up in the excitement over this Avenger.

The story by Matt Fraction continues to be a blend of sci-fi and fantasy and I approve of this approach as it makes the 'Thorverse' an interesting and unique place to visit. Not as slick and dynamic as Pascal Ferry, Coipel's art is nonetheless distinctive and sharp, adding character and depth to his faces and figures. I especially enjoyed his depictions of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, who both looked especially cosmic on the page.

Journey Into Mystery #622


By Kieron Gillan and Doug Braithwaite
Released the same week as the new Mighty Thor series is an accompanying series, Journey Into Mystery. Taking its name from the comic that spawned the thunder god, JiM centers instead on the god of mischief Loki. Written by Kieron Gillan (who I had praised for his work on Thor that preceded the Matt Fraction run) and drawn by Doug Braithwaite (of Universe X and Brave and the Bold fame), the comic is very unusual as it focuses on a character that is basically the most evil man alive (except for maybe Doctor Doom).

Like Mighty Thor, Journey into Mystery relies heavily on back story. Unlike the Mighty Thor, JiM easily uses this reliance on past material as a strength rather than a detriment. When we had last seen in the pages of Siege, Loki stunned everyone by sacrificing himself in battle against the Sentry. As his actions had largely led to the destruction of Asgard, one would think that this was a minor feat until one considered that Loki only ever acts in his own interest. Readers of the ongoing Thor series and the Siege tie-in would have noticed that the god of mischief had laid a careful plan involving his demise, ensuring that he would not meet the end that many had expected.

When Thor found himself in the shattered remains of Asgard, he strangely longed for the company of his brother, thinking back to their childhood days when they were both innocent (or as innocent as gods can be). Resurrecting Loki into the form of a young boy, Thor accompanied his brother back to Asgard much to the disapproval of the assembled pantheon. Hardly the mischievous and deadly manipulator he was remembered for being, Loki as a youngster was almost cute and appealing. The new series sees a further development of that character into what promises to be a very important part of both Thor's world and the Marvel Universe as a whole.

Gillan's writing is both lofty and sentimental all at once, with a deft hand that touches upon the grandness and rich history of mythology while providing an intimate look at a very believable character in Loki. His writing reminds me of the glory days of Mike Carey when he was working on Lucifer. Braithwaite remains one of the most wonderful talents in comics. His line work is so refined and powerful that the first time you encounter his work you are left wondering why you hadn't heard of him before (he also penciled the Thor Secret Invasion mini-series in case you are interested). The combined talents of these two men make the new 'sister series' for Thor a marvel to behold (if you excuse the term).

Journey into Mystery provides the first chapter in the new story of Loki and it looks like it will be an interesting one indeed that will no doubt be full of surprises. Regardless of your opinion of Thor or superhero comics in general, I highly recommend giving this comic a look. It's a real winner.

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[New post] Doctor Who Big Finish- The Mutant Phase (Dalek Empire III)

Doctor Who Big Finish- The Mutant Phase (Dalek Empire III)

The Mutant Phase

"Fate? Never heard of it."
Story 15
Written by Nicholas Briggs

Released December 2000

The second installment of the Dalek Empire 'crossover' is an oddity. It's very well crafted and features some sterling work from Peter Davison and Sharon Sutton. The plot is a run around of the weirdest kind. A science expedition Thal craft is caught in the middle of a galactic disaster as bizarre creatures cause uncanny amounts of damage. The path leads to Skaro. In the time vortex, the TARDIS is caught in a time tunnel leading to the Earth during a Dalek assault during the 22nd Century. Desperate to escape an army of robomen and Daleks along with a vicious strain of deadly wasps, the Doctor manages to dematerialize but due to the time tunnel arrives at another point in the time line, but the same location.

Confronted by a trio of survivors, the Doctor finds that he has jumped past the Dalek Invasion only to find that history has taken a turn for the worse. The planet Earth is nearly completely uninhabited, wiped out by a menace that the Doctor assumes to be the Daleks, if only anyone knew what a Dalek was. Thal scientists eventually catch up with the Doctor and recruit him for an unlikely mission, to save the Daleks from extinction.

The Thal scientists explain that a mutant strain is passing through the Dalek race, causing them to become monstrous creatures resembling massive insects. The mutation must be stopped because the new creatures are unstoppable and pose a threat to all life. Of course the Doctor is difficult to convince that he must save his deadliest foes, but in the end concedes, though his brain is obviously turning over some clever ideas as to how and why he will help.

Amazing fan animation based on The Mutant Phase
watch?v=pTdH6SCfbHU

The narrative structure, like the plot, is a bit of a mess. Parts of the story take place in different time zones and involve situations that are caused by events that occur later in another time zone on Earth of the distant future, or during the Dalek Invasion. It asks a lot of the listener to keep up with all of this and as it is a Dalek audio adventure, much of the experience is full of screeching and explosions, along with the new sound of the roaring bug-like monsters dubbed the Mutant Phase.

Even with these limitations, The Mutant Phase is quite good if only due to Davison's performance. A restrained actor, he humbly tip-toes through many parts of the story only to emerge as a genius at the end when he reveals what he was doing all along. Of course, the resolution is part of the time paradox that caused the Mutant Phase and the alternate time line which is a bit annoying, but Davison's quip at the end makes it rather charming.

Art by Lee Sullivan from DWM Issue 299

Doctor Who - The Mutant Phase can be purchased at local retailers such as Mike's Comics and online from Big Finish.

Read other Big Finish reviews at the Daily P.O.P. here.

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Adidas Kegler Super trainers back in college blue

Posted: 12 May 2011 01:19 PM PDT

Kegler

Last seen over the winter, the Adidas Kegler Super trainers are reissued once more, this time in what's described as a college blue colourway.

First seen back in the 1980s, the Kegler Super is one of Adidas' more recognisable designs, not least for the 'peg' system on the sole. They're here, along with a suede and leather upper, dark blue detailing plus orange heel and stripes.

£64.99 is the asking price.

Find out more at the Size? website

Areaware Alarm Dock by Jonas Damon - turn your iPhone into a flip-style clock

Posted: 12 May 2011 09:27 AM PDT

Areaware

Interesting idea that mixes the past with the present - the Areaware Alarm Dock.

It looks like a vintage-style flip (or early digital) clock, but it's actually a beech wood dock for an iPhone. Slide your phone into the front and it becomes a clock, charging overnight too. That clock display comes from a flip clock app.

Available to pre-order directly, $39.99 is the price.

Find out more at the Areaware website

Copeland Easy Chair

Posted: 12 May 2011 06:56 AM PDT

Copelandchair 
The Copeland Easy Chair is an interesting take on the classic club chair.

The seat and chair back are upholstered in distressed leather, in a colour described as "vintage cigar", whilst the frame is made from steel, which provides a striking contrast. There is also a black leather version available.

The chair costs £1,1450 from Barker and Stonehouse.

Crowel App from the Design Museum

Posted: 12 May 2011 06:34 AM PDT

App_newsletter-1 
As part of the Wim Crouwel exhibition (which we've mentioned before), the Design Museum commissioned the Crouwelclock App.

The App is a graphic alarm clock that also features three personal messages from the designer. So you can wake up to the sound of Crouwel wishing you 'a nice and well designed day', reminding you to 'keep your grid straight today' or that 'a grid today keeps the doctor away'.

It costs 59p from the i-tunes store.

eBay watch: 1960s Fiat 500 van

Posted: 12 May 2011 06:07 AM PDT

Fiat_van

Here is a real gem and we suspect, something of a rarity - a 1960s Fiat 500 van.

It dates back to 1968 and according to the seller's description, has just 6,893 on the clock. You might want to confirm that. Aside from that, it has a slightly longer profile (it is a van, after all), but still has a soft top and a 499cc engine.

It's said to be 'in superb condition for its age' (with some improvements cosmetically for sure), has an MOT and of course, is tax-free. The bottom line price on the eBay site is £6,995, but you can make an offer if that is a little rich.

Find out more at the eBay website

Star Trek Bathrobes at Firebox

Posted: 12 May 2011 04:17 AM PDT

Trek

Possibly appealing to your inner geek are these Star Trek Bathrobes, which are on pre-order now at Firebox.

This is old school Star Trek, so you get to choose between Kirk and Spock for the colour schemes of these officially licensed robes, both of which are of a terrycloth construction, with embroidered rank and department insignia plus back trim and 'belt'.

Want one? £52.99 gets you one.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Pop Art cushions from Dwell

Posted: 12 May 2011 04:10 AM PDT

Pop cushions

These Pop Art cushions from Dwell are a simple way to get some of the art movement's impact for your home.

There are three different styles available, all clearly influenced by the comic style of Roy Lichtenstein. One illustrates the Lichtenstein style distressed heroine, another cushion shows the classic hero and finally the last cushion features the typical action moment. Each design is printed onto a cotton fabric cover. However, if you really like the look of these pieces, each design is also available printed on canvas ready for display. 

The cushions cost £24.95 each, while the canvases cost £59. 

Buy them online

Klippan fish tray

Posted: 12 May 2011 04:10 AM PDT

Fish tray

There seem to have been a lot of fish on this site recently, from Marianne Westman's My Garden tray to the Jonathan Adler plate. Here's another slice of retro fish style, the Klippan fish tray

The tray is designed by Bengt & Lotta, who frequently pop up on this site, and is typical of their fun and graphic style, which frequently references traditional Scandinavian folk art. The tray is covered in fish of all sizes and shapes, decorated in different patterns and colours. 

The tray costs £18.95.

Buy it from Illustrated Living

 

Don't Be So Quick to Overlook the Maserati Grecale Folgore

If the GranTurismo Folgore is a guide, this Grecale Folgore could be surprisingly competitive. The EV GT was one of the year's best surp...