Retrovival is the appreciation, recycling and renewal of all things retro.

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I’m currently listening to The Who Sell Out - The Who, 1967
This record continues to be among my favorites and most played, for the music and cover design.

I’m currently listening to The Who Sell Out - The Who, 1967

This record continues to be among my favorites and most played, for the music and cover design.

Oct 17th, 2010

"Fire" by Etta James.

Album: Tell Mama The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions. Played 20 times.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Retro Tune of the Day - Fire by Etta James from Tell Mama, 1968

“You make my liver quiver babe…”

Oct 1st, 2010
Vinyl Sunday (Birthday Edition) - Buddy Holly Record Set
I still can’t contain my excitement over this 6-record set! My awesome sister and brother-n-law gave me the Complete Buddy Holly collection for my birthday. Its seems so appropriate seeing as Buddy was a Virgo too (September 7, 1936). His “hiccup” (glottal stop) singing style, trademark frames, and sweet lyrics on love make me weak in the knees…
Between the ages of 17 and 22, Buddy Holly made music that would live on to influence some of the biggest artists in contemporary music. On February 3, 1959, a small plane carrying him, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper went down in Clear Lake, Iowa. That date would later become known as “The Day the Music Died”. 

Vinyl Sunday (Birthday Edition) - Buddy Holly Record Set

I still can’t contain my excitement over this 6-record set! My awesome sister and brother-n-law gave me the Complete Buddy Holly collection for my birthday. Its seems so appropriate seeing as Buddy was a Virgo too (September 7, 1936). His “hiccup” (glottal stop) singing style, trademark frames, and sweet lyrics on love make me weak in the knees…

Between the ages of 17 and 22, Buddy Holly made music that would live on to influence some of the biggest artists in contemporary music. On February 3, 1959, a small plane carrying him, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper went down in Clear Lake, Iowa. That date would later become known as “The Day the Music Died”. 

Sep 12th, 2010
You don’t have to spend $425 to get one of these!
Check your local flea market or used furniture stores first. I bought this chair for $20 at the Raleigh flea market. It was one of those days when the planets aligned. I went in search of a retro-style chair similar to one I had previously purchased (also a flea market find - $40). Well, this chair was the first item I stumbled upon. It was old, stained and you could tell the foam inside was a bit stiff, but the bones of the chair were absolutely perfect. 
Re-upholstery was inevitable with this particular chair, but that won’t always be the case with used furniture. If you find a cool piece, try removing any stains with a gentle fabric cleaner like Woolite. For tougher areas (oil, rust, blood), spot clean with Shout or Resolve, but USE IT SPARINGLY as you don’t want to damage the foam. You’ll be pleased to find that you can breathe life back into an old piece of furniture with a little love, warm water and soap.
I did like the original upholstery of this chair, but unfortunately, most of the stains were quite stubborn and hardened. So plan B was to search out a local upholsterer and some cool fabric. Now, re-upholstery can be expensive, so if you choose to go that route, its important to do your research and ask around. I also recommend paying close attention to the quality of the work. My chosen upholsterer came highly recommended by the nice ladies at a local fabric shop. And sure enough I was pleased when upon entering their studio, the upholsterers were reworking some amazing antique barbershop chairs with red vinyl, a task that requires ridiculous amounts of precision fabric work.
It took a couple weeks, some fresh foam, choice fabric and newly covered buttons, but now I have a gorgeous chair to complete my living room.

You don’t have to spend $425 to get one of these!

Check your local flea market or used furniture stores first. I bought this chair for $20 at the Raleigh flea market. It was one of those days when the planets aligned. I went in search of a retro-style chair similar to one I had previously purchased (also a flea market find - $40). Well, this chair was the first item I stumbled upon. It was old, stained and you could tell the foam inside was a bit stiff, but the bones of the chair were absolutely perfect. 

Re-upholstery was inevitable with this particular chair, but that won’t always be the case with used furniture. If you find a cool piece, try removing any stains with a gentle fabric cleaner like Woolite. For tougher areas (oil, rust, blood), spot clean with Shout or Resolve, but USE IT SPARINGLY as you don’t want to damage the foam. You’ll be pleased to find that you can breathe life back into an old piece of furniture with a little love, warm water and soap.

I did like the original upholstery of this chair, but unfortunately, most of the stains were quite stubborn and hardened. So plan B was to search out a local upholsterer and some cool fabric. Now, re-upholstery can be expensive, so if you choose to go that route, its important to do your research and ask around. I also recommend paying close attention to the quality of the work. My chosen upholsterer came highly recommended by the nice ladies at a local fabric shop. And sure enough I was pleased when upon entering their studio, the upholsterers were reworking some amazing antique barbershop chairs with red vinyl, a task that requires ridiculous amounts of precision fabric work.

It took a couple weeks, some fresh foam, choice fabric and newly covered buttons, but now I have a gorgeous chair to complete my living room.

Sep 12th, 2010
Yes, that’s right. My water says “Suitable for vegetarians.” THANK YOU JEBUS! My search for meatless water is OVER….GPOYW

Yes, that’s right. My water says “Suitable for vegetarians.” THANK YOU JEBUS! My search for meatless water is OVER….GPOYW

Aug 19th, 2009