Thursday, August 11, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

DENIZ TEK AND HIS ART....

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 02:34 PM PDT


"Bushfire" acrylic 15x30in

Kimmer... Here are two new paintings, so you can see what I have been doing:

"Bushfire" acrylic 15x30in

"Birds" mixed media 18x36"

-Deniz

ps - also working on a big painting of Sydney Harbour at the moment ... impressionist/realistic, not abstract. I think I am better at the abstract stuff but feel like I need to do other stuff too, to improve.

Deniz Tek became interested in art and music during his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his mother was a painter and piano player. He attended the University of Michigan and the University of New South Wales, where he graduated with a medical degree. His interests and pursuits have ranged from an active touring and recording career, with induction into the Australian Music Hall of Fame, to aviation Flight Surgeon, through specialty work in emergency medicine.
Deniz Tek's Representational Gallery


"Birds" mixed media 18x36"





http://handoflaw.com.au/


DICK WAGNER AND STEVE HUNTER! AMAZING GUITARISTS!!

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 12:34 PM PDT

Guitar Legends Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner

Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter have had amazing rock careers forever and continue on to this day. Dick as I wrote last week is coming to Detroit for 2 gigs in September and I am so geeked to finally meet him in person.... Check out the video Kimmer created for him last Saturday

Steve Hunter is currently on tour. Steve's lovely wife Karen Ann will be sending me photos and backstage stories for my readers.. Can't wait for those images to come in to RK.

Steve and Dick began playing together as a team with Lou Reed... They are just incredible as Alice Cooper descibes in this part 1 series... Visit You Tube for the other parts of the series.





Read More on RK

Dick Wagner is Coming to Detroit!

Dick Wagner's Top 10 Influences

Steve Hunter's Custom Gretsch Guitars


Karen Ann Hunter's New CD!

BRIAN VANDER ARK: ANTHEM FOR DETROIT!!

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 12:01 PM PDT


Brian Vander Ark

Tomorrow the fabulous Brian Vander Ark lead singer for The Verve Pipe and a solo artist as well will be on the air with Bob Bauer of UDetroit.com. Brian will be on between 4:00 /4:30 PM tomorrow.

Pumping Up the Volume on the positive side of Detroit...From the Detroiters who live here to the Red Wings, Tigers,and Lions we have a new anthem that shares our energy with the world.. Yes we are PROUD to be from Detroit!



Read More on RK

Brian Vander Ark's New Solo Cd Magazine

JACK ASHTON/STEVE KOSTAN: W4 ROCKED FM DETROIT RADIO!

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 05:11 AM PDT



This is so cool... Jack Ashton sent me these photos and gave me a lot of behind the scenes info of Detroit Rocks radio station WWWW FM... W4 was my personal favorite of all the Detroit Radio Stations of the 70's.. Here is a bit of history of W4 FM...


Steve Kostan on UDetroit.com

Steve Kostan was a DJ at W4 and just recently he was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame for broadcasting. Steve has been a fixture in Detroit radio forever and has been one of my personal favorites from the beginning..


Kimmer and Steve Kostan at UDetroit Cafe opening

We are very happy for Steve... Kostan and Detroit Rock will be tied together in the history books...


W4 staff and DJ's

What a great shot that captures the Detroit Rock back in the early 70's. Not sure who the guy on the far left is but we have a very young Mark McKuen from the CBS Early Show. Then we have Lynn Woodison, Steve Kostan, Doug Podell and not sure who the guy sitting on the floor is just yet.. I'll ask Steve and Doug they'll know.



Some of the staff from WWWW FM are from left to right... Jim Jefferson MD Jim McKean Karen Savelly Michael Benner and Jerry Lubin who I met at Flintstock last summer with the Madhatter...



The Hello People ABC Records Party from left to right....Michael Benner, Jim Jefferson, PD Paul Sullivan, Dick Williams Regional Rep for ABC records, Steve Resnick National Promotion/LA ABC Records Jack Ashton Local (Detroit) Promotion/ABC records, other three guys are from the band Hello People.. Promotion party on a lake near Birmingham, Michigan

The Hello People Band were famous for recording Todd Rundgren's song "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference". Todd also produced the HP band. They wore stage makeup long before KISS.


L-R: N.D. Smart, Larry Tassi, Bobby Sedita, Greg Geddes




Steve Kostan today...


Steve Kostan with James Brown!


Steve Kostan and my friend Jack Ashton


Howard Stern

Howard Stern was on the air in Hartford Connecticut then came to WWWW in Detroit. I actually met him back in the day and I was surprised at how nice he was and not at all pushy like his on air personality. He was not a happy camper in Detroit and then left for Washington DC and then on to NYC.





JOHNNY BEE: THE UNFILTERED ART SHOW

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 04:11 AM PDT



Hi Kim, here's the card the announces The Unfiltered Art Show. A show of Outsider Art at The Funhouse Gallery which is at The Russell Industrial Center. The opening is on Saturday night August 20th 6:00PM till 9:00PM.






[New post] Quick reviews- Iron Man, X-Men and Thor

Quick reviews- Iron Man, X-Men and Thor

Invincible Iron Man #506

By Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca

The world is under siege from an ancient Asgardian deity called the Serpent. Seven avatars of the Serpent are acting simultaneously, striking fear into the general population and thus adding to their master's power. The Red Skull's daughter and heir Sin has unearthed a Nazi mechanized assault force and unleashed it on the nation's capitol. Odin has ordered the Asgardian pantheon to depart Midgard with plans to destroy it utterly in a mad attempt to cut off his enemy's power base.

In a last ditch effort to appease Odin, Tony Stark downs a bottle of imported wine. After years of refusing a drop of alcohol, Tony Stark is off the wagon and drunk as a skunk. Odin relents and offers Stark a place with his dwarf smiths who are toiling away in the bowels of Asgard, creating weaponry for the coming battle. All Tony Stark asks is a place among them and a chance to build better weapons for the fight. Sacrificing his dignity, pride and sobriety, he must think that this move is necessary... or maybe he was just tired of being sober?

The new Iron Man series is built on the story of Stark rebuilding himself from the ground up. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word (he lost Daddy's millions ages ago), but he is also egocentric, brash and willing to risk everything if he believes that the end result is worth it. The recently published Point One issue of Invincible Iron Man focused directly on his struggle with his alcoholism and how it has informed him to be a better man. This makes the fact of his falling off the wagon all the more tragic. Since Demon in a Bottle made newspaper headlines back in 1979, Tony's addiction has been a large part of the character. To have him fall so far is more striking to me than the death of Bucky Barnes, to be honest. It's not the loss of a hero, it's the loss of his dignity that worries me. Where will Iron Man go from here?

To off-set the drama of the issue, Fraction introduces the Asgarian dwarves who are downright hilarious. Swearing in untranslated Norse figures, they are abusive to Tony at first but in the end accept him so long as they can just get on with their jobs. The conclusion of the issue sees Tony being ushered into the mead hall to celebrate their progress and at first he resists, but not only do these men know nothing of his alcoholism, he's already drunk. So he picks up a mug and gladly swills it down. This cannot go well.

For an issue nearly devoid of action, this is one of the most important Iron Man comics I have read in ages. Certainly, it's part of a larger story, but the cinematic feel and dramatic impact is very impressive.

Uncanny X-Men #541

By Kieron Gillen and Greg Land
I am many things and a fan of many comics, but the X-Men has almost always been pretty high on my personal favorites list. Due mainly to the early Claremont and Byrne issues, I have continued to come back to the title several times. I have been collecting this series nearly non-stop since the 2001 revamp. Uncanny X-Men has had a rough road. Some eras have been brilliant, others not so much, but the X-family of comics has been lacking an identity for some time. Morrison attempted to graft one on, but this was discarded almost as soon as his last issue saw print. The brain-trust of several writers under editor Axel Alonso (now EIC) gave the comics its first really solid shot at a unified feel in some time and it has been touch and go ever since.

New series writer Kieron Gillen is a beloved comic author and he has enjoyed a relatively successful run so far, but the inclusion of Greg Land, an artist so reviled that bloggers are constantly updating their files of his sins, tests Gillen's skills. The new issue is also a tie-in to Fear Itself. Many comics have printed tie-ins to the seven part epic, including hammer-wielding avatars as plot points, but I half expected X-Men to go the same route as Spider-Man and just skirt the issue entirely, leaving it to another author in a three-part spin-off. I give Gillen full marks for including Fear Itself in his monthly schedule as it reminds readers that the mutant family are part of a larger Marvel Universe (something that needs to happen more often and not just with Wolverine).

One-time friend and one-time foe Juggernaut has been chosen as a hammer wielder for the Serpent and is marching toward San Francisco with a brainless army on his wake. The Mayor of San Fran is attempting to contact the X-Men who are living off the coast of the city on a floating asteroid-turned-island with no success. Cyclops finally gathers the Mayor in a three-way telepathic conference call via Emma Frost who is wearing chaps and a cowboy hat and little else. Cyclops is attempting to combat Juggernaut's threat with as little loss of life as possible and using several strategies all at once.

As any reader of this blog knows, I am a big fan of Cyclops. An orphan who has squandered his chances as a family man, his role as leader of the X-Men is all the more vital to him. It is great to see Summers shine as a gifted tactician in this issue, using the members of his team in surgical strikes. It is also just nice to see many members of the X-Men actually doing something. Part of the problem with the current state of affairs with the X-Men is that there is such a large roster that many characters are left loafing around the island while Kitty fights an entire alien invasion by herself. I hope that the Schism story line will amend that.

The issue is essentially a game of 'knock his hat off' as the X-Men struggle to remove the Juggernaut's helmet, exposing him to Emma Frost's psychic attack. It also features some of the ugliest photo referenced art I have ever seen, courtesy of the aforementioned Greg Land. Even so, Gillen manages to make the issue enjoyable. I am actually looking forward to the next one with rapt anticipation, even though Land will be returning for the final act.

The Mighty Thor #4

By Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel

Like Iron Man, the mighty Thor is enjoying something of a Renaissance thanks to a complete do-over and rebirth... along with the success of a certain feature film. The Thor comic has undergone several shifts in creative teams from J Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel to Kieron Gillen with Billy Tan and Doug Braithwaite to Matt Fraction and Pasqual Ferry. The most dramatic shift came when Fraction and Ferry took a sword and sorcery comic and transformed it into as mad science fantasy epic out of Jack Kirby's maddest dreams.

The new Thor is one of the most visually engaging comics on the stands. Full of cosmic battles and dynamic power struggles between space-born deities, the comic boggles the will. What makes it an even more impressive monthly book is that it is damned funny.

In the previous run, Asgard was besieged by World Eaters who threatened the Great Ashe Tree. In an effort to save all of the nine realms, Thor struck down Yggdrasil at its base and the creatures plummeted into a fiery oblivion. Odin sent Thor and Sif on a mission to retrieve the Great Seed that had been planted to create Yggdrasil in the first place and that's where the trouble starts. The herald of Galactus, the Silver Surfer has scented out the Seed's energy signature and determined that if his master consumed it, he would never know hunger again. The great scourge of the galaxy would be sated. Unfortunately Odin has no plans to part with the Great Seed and conflict is declared.

The latest issue continues the battle in space between the Asgardians and the Silver Surfer and Galactus, a battle that readers have never seen the likes of which. Odin and Galactis are locked in a struggle in a higher realm, rewriting each other's memories and dreams, while Thor takes the battle directly to the Surfer and knocks him into Mars.

It's... awesome.

Meanwhile Volstagg has been renounced by a minister in the town of Broxton Oklahoma who has decalred war on the alien gods that threaten their faith and livelihood. The scene where the minister attempts to tell Volstagg 'the good news' that Christ is risen only to receive a 'how nice for him' from the Norse god is outstanding. Determined to stand his ground alone, Volstagg swears that he will battle the people of Broxton to the death. It's amazing.

Honestly, if you aren't reading this book, you need to start. Along with its sister title Journey Into Mystery, the Mighty Thor is an incredibly well produced book that is worth every penny.

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Funnel Neck Top from New Look

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:25 AM PDT

Colourblockfunnel

For an instant shot of sixties style, the subtle line between femininity and androgyny is the perfect aesthetic to follow. This Colour Block Funnel Neck Top from New Look manages to effortlessly combine the two with an unmistakeable nod to British sixties style.

The sleeveless cut shows just enough skin to balance a bust-minimising cut in the bodice, with a funnel neck adding that extra retro edge to the silhouette. It's the structural lines of the colour blocking, however, than truly make this top, finished in a striking combination of orange-red and black.

It's now available from New Look for £16.99.

Find out more from the website

Fairisle Jumper by Pins & Needles

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:21 AM PDT

Fairislejumper

Festival season may be drawing to a close for another year, but the influence it has on fashion lines can be worthy of year-round wear. Especially when it comes with a stylish vintage influence, like this Fairisle Jumper by Pins & Needles.

The skinny knit sweatshirt has an easygoing air of seventies folk style, taking the Fairisle knit pattern and adding a chic femininity. A crew neck and short cut combines with a zip-fastening at the back to create a figure-hugging fit that flatters, while instantly creating a relaxed seventies silhouette.

It's available from Urban Outfitters UK for £42.

Find out more from the website

eBay watch: Pair of 1970s wicker Peacock chairs

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 06:13 AM PDT

Pea

Watch any TV drama of the late '60s or 1970s and some hipster's flat will almost certainly have one of these in the corner. Unfortunately, wicker hasn't exactly has a good time of it since, although you can see this pair of 1970s wicker Peacock chairs looking good in the right place.

Very distinctive with their high back, they'll probably look good in a 70s-styled flat or some sort of conservatory or summer house. Note that there is some minor wear (see the site listing for full detail and imaging), but nothing major and nothing that takes too much away from the design.

If you fancy them, the two chairs are ours for £30.

Find out more at the eBay website

People will always need plates notebooks

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 03:36 AM PDT

Barbican

People will always need plates are long time favourites of this site, and now two of our long time favourite designs are available as notebooks.

Published by Anova ahead of the release of their book on 18 August, the notebooks feature either the Barbican or the Trellick Tower design printed on the cover. Each notebook contains 144 pages for your scribbles and own architectural inspirations and are 16.2cm. The books are finished off with an elasticated band. 

The notebooks are priced at £6.98, but are currently available on a reduced price (the Barbican is currently the cheaper of the two) on Amazon,

Mid-Century Style Bärbar Tray from Ikea

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 03:30 AM PDT

Barbar-tray__0097583_PE238293_S4 For all their ubiquitous furniture, Ikea continuously come up with new home accessories which have a stylish quality that belies their Swedish-superstore origins. One such item is this Bärbar Tray.

Square and white, it's adorned with a colourful bird pattern which has a definite mid-century flavour. It's practical yet quirky and best of all it's a bit of a bargain at just £5.29.

The tray measures 33cm x 33cm. You'll need to visit a store to pick one up but you can check for stock online here.

50s-style Sidde armchair from Heal's

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 03:12 AM PDT

Sidde

This Sidde armchair is another treat from Heal's new Scandinavian season. 

Like the other designs in the collection, this design looks to the 1950s for its influence, evident in its sloping shape and taped wooden legs. Even the colourways - pick from lavender or jade - are mid-century inspired. The chair has been designed by John Jenkins, the man behind the Archiv Storage unit we featured a few weeks back. There's also a (non-sloping) footstool available to match. 

The chair £1150, while the footstool will set you back an additional £595. 

Order them online

 

Lucie Sheridan Traditional London Characters Screenprints

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 01:47 AM PDT

Onguard  

Lucie Sheridan has produced a small collection of Traditional London Characters Screenprints.

 

There are three designs to choose from; On Guard featuring a guard in traditional dress, Pearly Shirley, a Pearly Queen and Pearly Stanley, her male counter-part. They are limited edition, with the Guard having run of 40 prints, and the other two designs just 30 each.

They cost £195 each from The Old Sweet Shop.

Lov Li Journals

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 01:46 AM PDT

Zoom_P1110123 
Lov Li works with a range of illustrators and designers to create their stationery products, which include a collection of retro-themed journals.

Each journal has a suggested use (travel, music, poetry, recipes, fashion, car boot sales) with a whimsical illustration to match. Whilst you may no longer need a place to write your poems or list the records you want to buy, I'm sure most people can find a use for notebook.

They cost £4 each and are available to buy from the Lov Li store on Not on the High Street.

Uncle Tommy Handkerchief by Simon Cook and Lucy Jay

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 01:46 AM PDT


  69_uncle-tommy-web
A collaboration between graphic designer Simon Cook and silk scarf designer Lucy Jay has resulted in this fantastic range of six silk handkerchiefs including "Uncle Tommy" featured above.

The two designers have mixed black and white images with bold graphics to elevate the mundane into something extraordinary, combining colours and shapes to kaleidoscopic effect. One of these would certainly liven up your top pocket but would look equally good in a frame.

The handkerchiefs measure 22cm x 22cm and are made of silk crepe de chine.

They cost £24 each and all six are available on the Stone and Spear website here.

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...