Friday, July 1, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

JACK ASHTON LIVE ON UDETROIT WITH BOB BAUER

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 01:40 PM PDT


Promoter Jack Ashton

My new friend Jack Ashton was interviewed today on the Bob Bauer show on UDetroit.com this new website is kicking it big time. I love that Retrokimmer is featured under the Scene Tab at the top of the UDetroit.com page.

Jack Ashton is a music industry phenomenon... A Detroit success story for sure... Jack started out in Detroit as a lead singer in a young band but made his way to Hollywood doing what he loves promoting rock music. Jack went on tour with Def Leppard and many other bands as well. He is a great guy and so generous with his time and information...

Jack gave some tips for new bands on this show today... I thought I'd share some of them with my readers...

Jack suggests that new bands have the following:

Must be on the cutting edge
Possess a sound of your own
Be unique and you can't sound dated
Creating songs that used to be... are out dated...
You can't be compared to somebody else.. be your own band
Must be able to create your own style
Bands need to be tenacious and not stop until you're a star..
You need to be what you believe in...

Jack says that Sticking with it is what really counts in this business...

Listen to the show here:




Read my interview with Jack

[New post] Rumors of a Twelfth Doctor Who and The Crash of the Elysium

Rumors of a Twelfth Doctor Who and The Crash of the Elysium

Strange times are upon Whovians who watched the Doctor die at the beginning of the 6th series and have been told by show-runner Steven Moffat that the death is indeed real. After dodging an army of baddies, jump-starting the universe and defeating a Cyber armada with a flashlight, I think that a ropy bit of writing will allow the fan favorite tweed enthusiast to once again escape death's clammy paws, but most recently Alex Kingston raised an interesting point involving when her character River Song first met the Doctor and in what incarnation.

With the 50th anniversary just around the corner, maybe fans are in for another regeneration in 2013. If so, who should play the part?

More via TV Overmind:

Here's an interesting bit of news for you Doctor Who fans out there. Actress Alex Kingston, who plays the mysterious River Song on the hit BBC sci-fi series, appeared on BBC Breakfast earlier this week and shared a few interesting bits about her character's relationship with the Doctor, hinting that her relationship with the time traveller might not be restricted to just his tenth and eleventh incarnations.

"[River] met a Doctor in the future - which is my past - and that Doctor is a person [she] had a very strong relationship with. But it may not necessarily be this Doctor."

Granted, Kingston was speaking with uncertainty ("I don't know," she admitted) due to the high secrecy that showrunner Steven Moffat shrouds the series in. But if Kingston has reason to believe that her time on the show might extend past Matt Smith's tenure on the series, maybe we should consider that as well.

It was recently revealed on the show that the character of River Song is the daughter of the Doctor's current companions, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill).

Doctor Who's sixth series will return in September with "Let's Kill Hitler," the conclusion to the two-part story begun with the show's midseason finale, "A Good Man Goes to War."

This is not the first time that Doctor Who has sought to stretch its boundaries and encourage viewers to accept that the program is capable of breaking its own rules. For example Philip Hinchcliff had tried back in 1976's Brain of Morbius when viewers were presented with eight additional faces of the Doctor preceding the William Hartnell incarnation. Sure, this was made moot by 1973's Three Doctors when the Time Lords refer to the Hartnell Doctor as the character's earliest incarnation, however they had interfered with his timeline by bringing them all together, perhaps that changed everything we knew?

It was certainly Hinchcliff's intention: "We tried to get famous actors for the faces of the Doctor. But because no one would volunteer, we had to use backroom boys. And it is true to say that I attempted to imply that William Hartnell was not the first Doctor." (lots more info on this here)

We know that the Doctor will somehow escape the death that he experiences in The Impossible Astronaut, but how? What if the resolution is held over for the introduction of a Twelfth Doctor? Would that be a better or worse resolution than the Doctor once again traipsing pasty the Grim Reaper?

In other news the live Doctor Who show, The Crash of the Elysium is gaining lots of praise as reported via the Guardian.UK:

There are startled looks, anxious screams and by the end of the new, nerve-jangling Doctor Who theatre experience there will doubtless be a few sweating wrecks.

The kids, however, appear to be fine. Exhilarated, smiling and fine.

The theatre company Punchdrunk has opened an event that fits perfectly within the cliched bracket of "highly anticipated" and "hot ticket"; indeed demand for The Crash of the Elysium has been so high extra performances for over-13s have already been scheduled during its run at the Manchester International Festival.

But this is an experience primarily aimed at the Doctor's younger fans. Grown-ups are allowed into this performance only if accompanied by a six to 12-year-old. And thanks to an excitable party from Bridgewater primary in Little Hulton, Salford, the Guardian managed to smuggle itself into one of the previews.

Punchdrunk has already established a reputation for immersive theatre with shows such as The Masque of the Red death and this Doctor Who production, a collaboration with the BBC, continues in a similar vein.

Groups of 25 start their journey in a museum gallery where a kindly, beige-jacketed man called Mr Willard, the sort who always has boiled sweets in his pocket, tells us the history of the Elysium, a ship that sank mysteriously in 1888. Within minutes soldiers storm in. There's a crisis – only we can help.

Everyone is made to run outside as fast as they can, which is the moment you discover just how breathtakingly fast year six children can move.

From there it's a quick change into biohazard suits and full pelt to an exhilarating adventure that sends us back in time to save the Doctor.

As in previous Punchdrunk productions, the attention to detail is impressive. The kids here are really living the experience. They are empowered: solving puzzles, guarding doors and taking decisions. One of the scariest scenes sees us trapped in a darkened corridor as a weeping angel appears to be getting ever closer.

Afterwards 11-year-olds Jack, Naomi and Zoe and Luke, 10, gave their unanimous verdict – they loved it. "It was a little bit scary but cool, a good adventure," said Jack. "I would definitely go back," said Luke. "It was fantastic."

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[New post] New Avengers 1959 - Superia (issues 7-13)

New Avengers 1959 - Superia (issues 7-13)

(issues 7-13)
By Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Deodato and Howard Chaykin

The New Avengers series has had its ups and downs since it came back in 2005. Brian Michael Bendis had already made a name for himself with his work on Daredevil and Ultimate Spider-Man, but writing straight-out superhero books seemed something entirely alien to him. A former comic book fan and comic shop employee, he took what he wanted from a superhero team book and felt that readers needed to create what became a runaway hit for Marvel Comics. Stylish, slick, explosive and full of cover-to-cover action, the book also comprised the most unusual of rosters, including Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman and Wolverine into their ranks.

After the series spawned two spin-offs and led the way through several crossovers, the franchise rebooted into two books, Avengers and New Avengers (they really need better titles). They are very similar in many ways, while Avengers maintains a more traditional roster and tone the New Avengers book keeps that unique style of action and humor that made the book a hit. Even so, it has been hit and miss. Series artist Mike Deodato shines as the regular artist, despite the fact that Stuart Immonen had such a strong opening arc with the Eye of Agamatto story line. While Immonen is a super artist who fills the page with expressive yet restrained characters, Deodato has a certain mercurial sexiness to his linework that lends itself to the dark humor/over the top action vibe that Bendis prefers.

The second arc of the New Avengers was split into two plots that eventually intertwined. Reading it on a monthly basis was frustrating, I must admit, but in one sitting it works so well. The first part of the story involves a heretofore never spoken of group of Avengers formed by order of the US President in 1959. Led by Nick Fury who had been happily hunting down rogue Nazis, the team is an oddball grouping of Kraven the Hunter, Silver Sable (the original), Namora, Sabretooth, Dominic Fortune and Dum Dum Dugan. Much of their sequences are simply depictions of getting the gang together while the other half of the story concerns a sting operation by the modern day Avengers.

The 1959 Avengers

In the present day, the Avengers have been staking out an installation in Rhode Island that is suspected to be the start of a new HAMMER cell. It could be the beginning of a new terrorist operation on the level of Hydra and all of the evidence points to it being bad news for the good guys. The information came via Victoria Hand, the new liaison between Cage's Avengers and Steve Rogers. As it happens, Hand is also a former close associate of Norman Osborn (alias the Green Goblin). As much as the Avengers want to give her a clean slate, tension is high on trusting someone who had not long ago sided with a megalomaniac. Even so, it seems that only Spider-Man openly suspects her of double dealing and is greatly suspicious that all the team has to go on in this operation is Hand's word.

The new HAMMER base is headed by a hot number in high heels and a mini skirt named Superia. Cage wastes no time in goggling over her (in front of his wife) and it is clear even from a distance that the woman means business. Refusing to wait for the suspected terrorists to play their hand, the Thing leaps into battle and the rest of the team follow suit. When Ms. Marvel fails to make a dent in her jaw, things start to look bad. When team member Mockingbird gets shot in the stomach, it goes from bad to worse.

Back at Avengers HQ, Hand pleads with Steve Rogers to help her escape the inevitable backlash from her teammates who must suspect that she set them up. Rogers seems to mull this over and, being the man that he is, desperately wants to give her a second chance. Unfortunately, when Hand is alone in the Tower she contacts Superia and reveals that the pair do have an understanding and a mission to return Osborn's regime to its former glory. It's a chilling turn of events.

Ms. Marvel vs. Superia

Destroying the HAMMER facility before it was even off and running, the modern day Avengers are nevertheless up against a wall as they have suppressed an enemy, but have little to no knowledge about who the enemy really is. With Mockingbird in critical condition, they make a desperate play against Superia as she attempts to leave the country. Again operating on intel obtained by Victoria Hand, the team strikes back and causes lots of damage. It's a spectacular fight with plenty of action from Mr. Deodato. Honestly, you wonder why no one had thought of an Avengers team led by Luke Cage featuring Spider-Man and Iron Fist before.

Iron Fist smash!

The 1959 story develops along with the modern day tale as Fury's team follows leads to the location of the Red Skull. Inexplicably, this brings them face to face with a Nazi Captain America. Bullet-proof and insanely violent, the clone Nazi Cap attacks one half of the team with full force while Sabretooth directly assaults the Red Skull with Kraven on sniper duty.

The humor of the situation is top notch as Kraven, a hunter who had been hunting Sabretooth in the wild before the pair agreed to work together misses the Red Skull... twice. Once he misses and strikes an unnamed
Nazi just beside the Skull. The second time he fires, he hits Sabretooth directly in the gut. It's absolutely hilarious. Bendis has never shied away from his love of slapstick in his Avengers work or in any other piece but to be honest it has always been hit and miss. Here it works perfectly. The 1959 Avengers are just a shambles. Despite their impressive skill set, they barely get the job done and in the end Sabretooth decapitates the Red Skull anyway (after Fury establishes that this is in no way the real Skull).

Red Skull needs a new towel guy

The conclusion ties the two tales together as Mockingbird hovers at death's door and Fury arrives with the secret package that he had obtained during the raid of the Red Skull's lair back in '59. A cocktail of the super soldier serum that granted Captain America his enhanced abilities and the Infinity Formula that prolongs Fury's life. After much deliberation it is agreed to inject Mockingbird with the mixture and just hope for the best. The future is of course unclear on what the effects will be.

I have had an off again/on again affair with the Avengers comics and only dipped back in after finding this set of issues cheaply online. But I am so glad that I did. It's a fun and exciting series that is not always perfect but definitely full of energy.

Recommended:

New Avengers, Vol. 1

New Avengers, Vol. 2

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


1960s-style Brutus Trimfit shirts - four new designs

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 12:31 PM PDT

Brutus1

If you want something with a '60s twist this summer, there are four new Brutus Trimfit shirts fresh to the company's online store.

Two long-sleeved, two short-sleeved, with all the vintage details you would expect - button-down collar, generous collar roll, box pleat and a slim fit. The short sleeves are pictured above, a heritage black and blue tartan along with a large gingham in red, while the long sleeves are pictured over the page, in a choice of black or white.

You can pick up the short sleeves for £50 each or the long-sleeved shorts for £55 each.

Find out more at the Brutus Trimfit website

Via Modculture

Brutus2

Day Of The Dead earrings from Fred Flare

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 10:58 AM PDT

Dayofthedead

The use of kitschy logos and prints in 50s revivalist fashion can be hard to pull off as the focus of any outfit, but including these designs can be easy with the use of the right accessories. These Day Of The Dead Earrings from Fred Flare are an ideal choice for lovers of psychobilly styles.

Using designs inspired by the Mexican Dia De Los Muertos, the skull and floral designs create a small piece that edgy kitsch that really makes the psychobilly and more extreme rockabilly aesthetics come to life. The studs come in a pack of three pairs to mix and match.

They're available now from Fred Flare for $16.

Find out more from the website

Soft Khaki Jumpsuit from Next

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 10:52 AM PDT

Softkhakijumpsuit

For a versatile alternative to dresses, the recent resurgence of the jumpsuit is ideal. With the added influence of vintage originals on modern versions, there's a great range of options for retro lovers on the high street.

This Soft Khaki Jumpsuit from Next has a great seventies feel that leans on the relaxed yet luxurious aesthetic of disco-era fashion. Suitable for day or nightwear, the deep khaki shade has a cool 70s edge, while the combination of loose draping and the feminine wrap waist creates a laid-back chic.

It's available from Next now for £40.

Find out more from the website

eBay watch: 1970s Philips 22 GF 623 portable stereo record player

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Philips

Once again, a portable turntable catches our eye, this time the Philips 22 GF 623 portable stereo record player.

Dating back to the 1970s (you might have guessed that), this is a three-speed player that's both portable and stylish, not least when the whole thing packs away into a cool orange 'briefcase'. See the listings for lots of pictures of that.

But once unpacked, this battery/mains player will play your 7 and 12-inch vinyl in glorious stereo. Well, stereo - not sure about glorious from an old portable player! Seller does sat 'very good sound though. Condition is 'very good', with just a few age scratches and of course, it's in working order. £24 is the current bid price.

Find out more at the eBay website

Blaue Blume Tea Service from Undergrowth Designs

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Eat me

In terms of crockery for afternoon tea, our favourite meal of the day, we thought we'd seen everything. Oh how wrong we were.

In no way whatsoever is this Blaue Blume Tea Service from Undergrowth Designs just another collection of twee patterned cups & saucers. The plates are adorned with an intricate 1920s lace pattern with a simplistic 'Eat me!' slogan in your choice of black or gold, whilst the cups, teapot and other pieces are finished with a pair of ladies legs. Some of the more eccentric pieces include the sugar bowl, which is designed as an old fashioned rolltop bath, and the petit four stand, which is propped up at the bottom by an antique doll's head. Every piece has been lovingly made and glazed by hand in London. Although it will not be to everyone's taste, this is a truly unique collection that will no doubt cause a stir at your next tea party.

Pieces in the collection start from £12.26. You can see the full range on the Undergrowth Designs website.

Michelle Mason Forest Picnic tea towel

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 03:33 AM PDT

Forest tea towel

Michelle Mason's colourful retro designs are always favourites on this site, so it's good to see some new products from the designer, including this Forest Picnic tea towel.

Like most of her designs, it's mid-century inspired, though the colours, the depiction of the vintage ceramics and the flora give it something of a Scandinavian feel too. The effect is further enhanced by its striking turquoise, pale blue and black colour scheme. 

The tea towel costs £10. 

Buy it online

Tiger umbrella

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 03:28 AM PDT

Umbrella
Although strictly for children this tiger umbrella is the perfect antidote to the rain.

It's quite tiny so unless you're also a very small person this might be best left to the children. It's a great present for someone small and when we first saw this it immediately bought back memories of stamping around in puddles and playing in the rain.

Get one for a young person you know (or just buy one yourself) from the V&A website for £15.

Loop halterneck jersey dress

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 03:19 AM PDT

Dress Get into festival mood with this loop halterneck jersey dress.

It's perfect for lazy summer days, bbqs and picnics in the park when all you want to do is enjoy the great outdoors and the rare moments of sunshine we get in good old Blighty. This dress has echoes of 1970s styles and wearing it you can almost feel yourself stepping into a time machine and being back at a festival at the time.

It's also a massive bargain for this time of year when maxi dresses are flooding out of every high street shop. Get yours from New Look for only £24.99 in a range of colours.

Sara cushion from John Lewis

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 02:45 AM PDT

Sara cushion

You'd be forgiven for thinking this cushion was a design from the like of Jane Foster. In fact this Sara cushion is available from John Lewis.

The cushion is decorated with a very sweet 60s-style floral patterns. The flowers are depicted in simple shapes with chunky outlines and filled with block covers. 

It's a design that will add a touch of retro flavour to your couch, without breaking the bank - it costs just £12. 

Buy it online

Tiki sandals from Miss L Fire

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 02:00 AM PDT

TikiThose who are lucky enough to be packing their bags right now in anticipation of jetting off to sunnier climes should hopefully have their vintage holiday wardrobe ready by now. We do hope you have enough room to squeeze these in.

The Tiki sandals from Miss L Fire are the quintessential retro summertime shoe. With the painted floral pattern on the heel, embroidered flowers on the front and accent bow finished with a large flower, they are ultra feminine, yet are saved from being too OTT with the muted natural rafia upper. Perfect for daytime poolside glamour or dressed up for the evening with an exotic Hawaiian-print frock.

£104.99 from Miss L Fire. See the website for more details.

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