On the show this week, Koop Kooper replay a 1994 interview with Etta James, swank advice on Bow Ties, news on a lost Ed Wood film that has been rediscovered and new music from Sydney vocalist Angie Hubbard from her brand new album Some Kind Of Daydream.
By Chris
January 29th, 2012
On the show this week, Koop Kooper checks out the Ohana Luau at the lake, reviews OSS 117 and play some music from the film. Takes a look at the world of swank with some great gigs and parties to attend plus the usual swank advice. Back on the radio for another week as we broadcast from the centre of Sydney in the Hi Fi stereophonically gadgeted up Penthouse.
By Chris
January 22nd, 2012
Ultra Swank – Your one stop blog for retro living, style and design
Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality of that era – but also on the music and movies that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris, a Swede born in the wrong decade that currently resides in Barcelona. Read more
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On the show this week, Koop Kooper introduce you to a man who is going to join us once a month by the name of Kramer to talk about lounging movies. News from author Bill Raetz, swank advice on what to bring to a dinner party, a look at the world of swank with some great gigs to check out and info on a book about When The Mob Ran Vegas.
By Chris
January 15th, 2012
We are starting the year off with a bang at Ultra Swank! Coming this weekend – famed and swingin’ radio show and podcast “The Cocktail Nation” will find a permanent home here at Ultra Swank.
The Cocktail Nation is hosted by the silken-voiced Koop Kooper from Sydney, Australia. Each week Koop talks to the movers and shakers of the lounge and Exotica scene while mixing it up with the very best in swingin’ tunes from the 50s and 60s. The show is broadcasted via various radio stations around the world and recently celebrated its 200:th episode.
The show is available as a free weekly podcast and you can either stream it directly from our Podcast page here at Ultra Swank or subscribe to it via iTunes or similar applications. So head on over to our new Podcast section, which also features a archive of the 20 latest shows – and be sure to subscribe not to miss out on the best swingin’ tunes, interviews and swank advice from Mr. Kooper!
By Chris
January 6th, 2012
Tired of spinning the same old Esquivel and Les Baxter on the hi-fi? First, make sure you’ve given a listen to the fabulous Ultra Swank compilations curated by our own Chris. Then feast your ears on Luxuriamusic.com. And what a feast it is! Luxuria is an audible smorgasbord of tiki, exotica, and lounge music of our favourite era.
Since its humble beginnings in 2000, Luxuria has been, according to their site, a “meticulously curated mixture of musical genres.” This internet radio station streams an eclectic mix of obscure gems and unexpected twists on beloved standards. In the span of an hour, you can hear Astrud Gilberto’s “The Girl From Ipanema,” the Wally Gator theme song, a little Count Basie, a little Baja Marimba Band, and Mongo Santamaria’s spicy rendition of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Wowza!
October 6th, 2011
Karminsky Experience Inc. is best known for creating middle eastern influenced Electronica music. But his more recent album, Snapshot (2007), has a radical retro lounge theme. While listening to Snapshot, a mixture of library, beach, and jazz music transforms into wonderful melodies. The album begins with Summer Song, which is happy and inviting – it creates images of beach summer fun! Into The Blue has a slow intriguing tune, creating a sense of spy-like secrecy. Yet it has a calm and soothing feeling great for Sunday rainy days. A couple other songs to sample include Rossetta Drive and Camera On. Snapshot is the perfect album for your next ultra-swank cocktail party.
By Steven Padal
October 21st, 2010
Taking its inspiration from the original Playboy Club, located in downtown Chicago, this DIY built music wall is not only a homage to the electronic entertainment wall that was installed at the Chicago club in 1964 but also takes it one step further by enhancing it with modern technology. The designer was determined to have a room to call his own and used his carpentry skills to create something that would look like going back in time, but keeping all modern conveniences and high fidelity.
The original Playboy club featured bunnies serving cocktails and live performances by legendary names such as Sid Ceasar, Ray Charles, Count Basie, Bob Hope and Mel Tormé. This modern version sadly does not come with any bunnies or with crooners. (Via)
By Chris
June 28th, 2010
