retro-the-best....: May 22, 2011

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

DETROIT'S FLAMING EMBER: MIND BODY AND SOUL
IKE AND TURNER: A FOOL IN LOVE
SUNDAY SOUL WITH SCOTT MORGAN 4
RETROKIMMER'S 3 FAVORITE 4 TOPS TUNES
RETROKIMMER: LESLEY GORE SUNSHINE LOLLIPOPS
RETROKIMMER'S SUNDAY PICKS: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

DETROIT'S FLAMING EMBER: MIND BODY AND SOUL

Posted: 22 May 2011 11:02 PM PDT

Hot Wax Records promo photo

Check this song... just love "Mind Body and Soul". You'll never believe where I met these guys. It was at the DAIRY QUEEN in Ypsilanti, MI. The guys were on their way to Kalamazoo for a gig. My friend and I rode with the band and all their equipment to Ann Arbor where we jumped out. As I recall these guys were really nice.

FLAMING EMBER – This group recorded several singles for Detroit labels, including the Fortune Records, but found their greatest success with Eddie Holland's Hot Wax label. Their hit single "Mind, Body & Soul" was a top ten record on both the r&b and pop charts.

The drummer Jerry Plunk was the lead singer and drummer! Other members included Joe Sladich (lead guitar), Jim Bugnel (bass) and Bill Ellis (keyboards). Mike Jackson eventually replaced Bugnel on bass.
Hot Wax Records promo photo.

The Flaming Embers can be traced back to 1965 when they recorded for the Fortune label on Third Street. They were a white group desperately trying to emulate the black sound, and consisted of Joe Sladich (guitar), Bill Ellis (piano), Jim Bugnel (bass) and Jerry Plunk (drums).

Their debut for Ric-Tic came in July 1967 when they released "Let's have a love-in". Another five discs followed but the persistence failed to pay off and nothing charted. When Motown bought the Ric-Tic label in 1968, Flaming Embers were released from their contract.

The following year they joined Holland/Dozier/Holland's Hot Wax label as the Flaming Ember. Three top 40 hits ensued before they broke up in 1973.

IKE AND TURNER: A FOOL IN LOVE

Posted: 22 May 2011 09:51 PM PDT

Miss Tina Turner

"A Fool in Love" was Tina Turner's first hit record. I just love this tune so much. I also really love Ike Turner's "Rocket 88" but here is the kicker... I like Lawrence Fishburne's cover of it from the film What's Love Got to do with it better than Ike's version. I have them both on this post so you tell me which is your favorite?

Ike Turner Tina Turner

Ike became a talent scout and producer for Modern Records, ostensibly "discovering" B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf. Around 1954, he moved to East St. Louis, Missouri where he became a rhythm and blues star with The Rhythm Kings.

In 1959 in East St. Louis, he met Anna Mae Bullock. Anna was just eighteen and still in high school when she joined the group as a singer. Later she changed her name to Tina Turner.

Tina Turner

Ike added Tina to their group's horn section and also added some backup singers in 1957. They recorded a demo of "A Fool in Love" in late 1959; by the autumn of 1960 the record was a number two R&B hit on Sue Records. Tina was the star and the group was renamed The Ike and Tina Turner Revue History of Rock

After Tina's divorce, the only thing Tina had of value was the stage name Ike had given her and the hard work she had put into that name to make it famous. Tina's career was in a downward spiral and she released albums to try and turn it around. First was 1978's "Rough (album)" but it failed to make a real impression on the charts. Tina remained a strong stage draw and Rod Stewart brought her along to perform a rendition of his top 40 single "Hot Legs" on Saturday Night Live in 1978. Wiki Tina Turner

Tina eventually found solo stardom following the release of 1984's Private Dancer album which sold 11 million copies worldwide, and included the biggest hit of her career, "What's Love Got to Do With It", her only US number-one hit, a position Ike & Tina Turner never reached while recording together.

Tina would go on to release several more albums that were certified multi-platinum or gold in the US. She would ultimately win eight Grammy Awards throughout her career, and embark on several successful world tours.

Here is Ike Turner doing "Rocket 88"

Dan Aykroyd Rocket 88

Fantasia

When I was on American Idol," she says, "people fell in love with the young lady who took her shoes off to come onstage, who spoke her mind and didn't hold anything back. They could relate because whatever I was feeling at the time, I put that in my music. Fantasia Barrino

SUNDAY SOUL WITH SCOTT MORGAN 4

Posted: 22 May 2011 05:47 PM PDT

well here it is. a week before he died they asked him about the rationals version. he said uh huh. then they asked him about artetha's and he said that little girl stole my song. well she did. the franklin singers aretha, carolyn, and erma just nailed it.

Ok we're off to Chi town. Our manager Jeep Holland gave the Rationals an album called sing a song of soul. We chose this one off it. I think it paid off.

Mabel John

I only knew this song from Lou Rawls but when I heard this version I knew I had hit the gold mine.

Even though Beyonce did a fair job she could never touch Etta. Probably no one could.

i heard this song on the radio and it just jumped out at me. i finally got meet steve cropper, duck dunn, and booker t. i told steve about the first time i heard it and how i thought it was the greatest. he just said me too.

when i first heard this song i knew i wanted to cover it. i already knew about the staples so i went to the black barber shop where they had all the best soul singles. the rest is history.

RETROKIMMER'S 3 FAVORITE 4 TOPS TUNES

Posted: 22 May 2011 02:57 PM PDT

I loved the Temptations but I really had a mad crush on Levi Stubbs. Luckily I got to meet him at the Rotunda Night Club at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn around 1977. He was so sweet to me and all his fans that night. Wish I had thought to ask for his autograph.

The Four Tops are an American vocal quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes. Founded in Detroit, Michigan as The Four Aims, lead singer Levi Stubbs (born Levi Stubbles, a cousin of Jackie Wilson and brother of The Falcons' Joe Stubbs), and groupmates Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton remained together for over four decades, having gone from 1953 until 1997 without a single change in personnel.

Read More About the 4 Tops

Evan's Favorites

RETROKIMMER: LESLEY GORE SUNSHINE LOLLIPOPS

Posted: 22 May 2011 10:07 AM PDT

Lesley Gore

One of my very very favorite girl singers of the 1960's was Lesley Gore. I even spelled my daughter's name the same. My favorite Lesley Gore tunes are:

Maybe I Know 1964
She's Fool 1963
Sunshine Lollipops 1965
It's My Party 1963

Lesley doesn't have a lot of video but I have two that are pretty good. I loved watching her in Teen movies back in the day and on American Bandstand too.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Lesley Gore (born Lesley Sue Goldstein; May 2, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter of the "girl group era". She is perhaps best known for her 1963 pop hit "It's My Party", which she recorded at the age of 16. Following the hit, she became one of the most recognized teen pop singers of the 1960s.

More on Lesley Gore

RETROKIMMER'S SUNDAY PICKS: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

Posted: 22 May 2011 09:31 AM PDT

Bob Marley

Woke up today feeling great and got into a Jamaican groove. I spent a bit of time down there and saw many reggae concerts in Negril.. Loved it there the island is so smooth and you can't help but slow down and chill.

Never like Reggae until I went to Jamaica and heard their music in context of the island ways. Now everytime I heard Reggae I go into an instant mellow groove.

Hope to get back down there this Christmas. My friends and I are planning another excursion in time for New Year's Eve.

The song "I Can See Clearly Now" is a particular song that pops my mood instantly in an upward motion. You can't help but sing along and dance to it too.

My favorite version is Bob Marley's. Love Johnny Nash's cover too and also Jimmy Cliff's. Bob's has more depth and emotion to me. But really I love them all.

Bob Marley - I Can See Clearly Now

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Oh yes I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Jimmy Cliff

I was lucky to be able to see Jimmy perform here in Detroit awhile back with my best bud Robin. Jimmy played the Majestic Theater on Woodward in Detroit. Jimmy had a kick butt band and I was so close to the stage. The music was unforgettable. And the percussion was to die for.

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

Persecution you must bear
Win or lose you've got to get your share
Got your mind set on a dream
You can get it, though harder them seem now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last
I know it, listen

Rome was not built in a day
Opposition will come your way
But the hotter the battle you see
It\'s the sweeter the victory, now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

Is this love is my all time favorite Bob Marley song.

I wanna love you and treat you right;
I wanna love you every day and every night:
We'll be together with a roof right over our heads;
We'll share the shelter of my single bed;
We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread.
Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
I wanna know - wanna know - wanna know now!
I got to know - got to know - got to know now!

I'm willing and able,
So I throw my cards on your table!
I wanna love you - I wanna love and treat - love and treat you right;
I wanna love you every day and every night:
We'll be together, yeah! - with a roof right over our heads;
We'll share the shelter, yeah, oh now! - of my single bed;
We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread.

Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
Wo-o-o-oah! Oh yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!
Yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!

I'm willing and able,
So I throw my cards on your table!
See: I wanna love ya, I wanna love and treat ya -
love and treat ya right.
I wanna love you every day and every night:
We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads!
We'll share the shelter of my single bed;
We'll share the same room, yeah! Jah provide the bread.
We'll share the shelter of my single bed

[New post] Quick reviews: FF#2, The Flash #11

Quick reviews: FF#2, The Flash #11

dailypop | May 22, 2011 at 11:02 pm | Tags: fantastic four hickman, the flash geoff johns | Categories: comic books | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2F5

FF#2

By Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting and Rick Magyar

An established writer before he took on the Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman is now regarded as the man who made the book the success that it should always be. The blending of the family dynamic with hard science fiction and fantasy may sound easy, but there is a list longer than Galactus' thumb of creators who attempted that approach and failed. FF is not just a reboot of the Fantastic Four, it is proof positive that Marvel trusts Hickman's direction with the title. As the last issue of the previous series broke records, made the press and got people talking about comic book's first family again, FF is the next step forward and comes heavily hyped. I am familiar Steve Epting from his work on Captain America and he excels here once again. A cast of sixteen characters would be insurmountable
with any other creative team, but Hickman and Epting make it look cozy... or as cozy as sharing your home with Doctor Doom can be.

Following the death of Johnny Storm, the FF take heed to their former teammate's wishes by recruiting Spider-Man as his 'replacement.' This is superb as Parker has a great brain that is seldom utilized in his own book. A gifted scientist as well as a formidable fighter, Parker is also an unofficial member of their family. It just feels right and you wonder why it didn't happen sooner. In the second issue, another teammate joins the crew, Doctor Doom. The most dreaded foe of the FF ever, Doom comes recommended by Reed's daughter Valeria, who insists that something will happen in the future that demands Doom's help.Valeria has been getting progressively more brilliant lately and her knowledge of the future, no doubt gleaned from Reed's time-tossed father Nathaniel, is another notch in her precocious genius belt.

Due to the events of his abduction by the Intelligencia in the pages of the Hulk, Doom has lost his brilliance. Luckily, he created a back-up copy in his adopted son, Kristoff. By deleting and over-righting Doom's imprinted brain scan from his son to the original, Valeria and Nathaniel Richards believe that they can fix him.

Ben and Sue are outraged by this turn of events and depart for the nearest bar to drown their rage. The massive android Dragon Man tags along (New York of the Marvel Universe is an odd place). The scene in the bar is very interesting as it establishes the family dynamic of the FF in another way. The team functions as a finely tuned machine, but they know each other's weaknesses and strengths. Sue loves her husband but she has already seen him side with the wrong decision before in Civil War. Both Ben and Sue are still reeling from the loss of Johnny and no sooner do they begin to rebuild their sense of reality than it goes pear-shaped. Both agree that they need to more firmly decide their place in this new reality they found themselves in and it is unclear what that will be.

The think tank portion of the FF, however, are more than eager to take on the challenge of rebuilding Doom's mind if only because it is nearly impossible. Yet when the parts are put in place and the operation underway, Reed realizes that he has an opportunity to remove Doom from his life entirely. He falters, but comes to his senses and transfers the saved data from Kristoff to Doom... and the bad guy of all bad guys is back. The final panel is a thrilling image of Doctor Doom surging with power, both of the technological and mystical kind... and who knows what is next.

I have been a big fan of the Fantastic Four since I read my first John Byrne issue as a kid (the one printed sideways when they visited the Negative Zone). Through the many years since I have yearned for the book to reclaim the level of greatness it deserves and with the arrival of Jonathan Hickman I believe that wait is over.

If you aren't buying this book... start.

The Flash #11

By Geoff Johns and Scott Kollins
The Flash has been gearing up for his place as the centerpiece of DC Comics' next big event for some time now. Flashpoint will be a crossover featuring more tie-ins than you can shake a foil-covered issue of Shadowhawk at. So can he bear up to the immense responsibility? In short... yes.

Johns is an old pro at rebuilding comic book characters that seem far too broken to function. He has proven this with his work on Hawkman (a hero whose convoluted history is a jaw-dropping mess) and Green Lantern (who had been messed with so much by editorial that it was unclear what the intention was). Along with those successes, he produced an impressive body of work with the Flash with Scott Kollins. The character of the Flash was once the coolest ever, yet he had wavered in recent days. Johns brought some edge and vitality to the book, Kollins introduced a unique art style that hinted at the maestro Carmine Infantino. But that was the 'modern age' Flash, Wally West.

The new series sees a return of the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen. Allen is a police scientist, something that was very different in the 60's and has become fashionable in the 21st Century. Allen is currently working on a case in which the victims are found dead of premature old age. While investigating the mystery, he runs into a different version of himself from another Earth who is also investigating his own case. Bart Allen, Kid Flash, confuses the alternate Allen as he is a temporal anomaly, a being from a probable future who should be dead. Bart also makes Barry uneasy as he is a reminder of the family that he is attempting to avoid by engrossing himself in his work.

The latest issue sees many of these elements come together. Allen's wife Iris arranges for an intervention for Barry as he is distancing himself from the people who love him. Of course her timing couldn't be worse as Barry is working on a very important case that has terrible implications. Both Wally West, Barry Allen's protege, and Jay Garrick, the first Flash from the 40's are present to provide some mythology for new readers and remind die-hard fans how multi-layered the history of the Flash comic book is. When it comes time for Bart to speak, he bolts and Barry has to run after him... super speed style.

Another development in this issue is the return of an old associate of Barry's, Patty Spivot. Patty used to work alongside Barry and is reluctant to become involved in the police department or the case for fear of rekindling old flames with her old 'friend.' Of course Barry is oblivious to this, but demands that Patty help out wherever possible, especially when a witness to one of the murders is found. A young boy who hid in a container while an unknown assailant attacked the victim, he has refused to connect to anyone but Patty. Seeing that she has little choice but to become involved, she takes responsibility of the witness.

The conclusion of the issue is a two-way shocker as the alternate Barry Allen decides that Bart is the rogue element he has been searching for and the young boy with Patty turns out to be the Flash's chief nemesis, Professor Zoom. Both are big shocks and hold a lot of suspense for the next issue, but I couldn't help but feel that this installment was mainly filling up time before the mega-event showed. I'm still a devoted reader and will try and keep up (despite the fact that I have no plans to buy the Flashpoint tie-ins), but the tile becoming part of a larger story threatens the stability of my interest.

The writing and art are still solid and it is nice to see Scott Kollins back on the Flash, even with a distinctly different art style. If yo are an old fan of the Flash, this may not be the best jumping on point, but I can recommend the recently released Flash Omnibus.

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