The glorious rabbit hole that is Postmodern Jukebox
Okay, so let's stop shouting at each other about trans issues and Dawkins, gun rights and cops. This is unrelated to anything and apropos of nothing. I'm just sharing with you some obsessions. I have, for a few years, been obsessed with a YouTub musical phenomenon known as Postmodern Jukebox. They take classic rock and pop tunes and rearrange them - stunningly - into 20s, 3os, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s genre songs, using phenomenal musicians and singers. I love them, Too much. I was due to see them in concert by Covid. There are almost hundreds of songs I could choose to add here.
Scott Bradlee is a genius.
My second obsession is far more recent: 2 days. And thank you to the goblins operating the YouTube algorithms. They are in some sense very similar: I give you Pomplamoose. The infectiously awesomely happy keyboardist - fun fact - is the CEO of Patreon, I believe. So no wonder he's so happy.
First up, PMJ. Where do I start? All About That Bass, perhaps (there's a running joke in many videos about hiding the drummer):
No, no, no - The White Stripes ("Caution: this video will unvirgin your olive oil!"):
And some Pomplamoose doing such a sweeeet mashup, featuring the same song:
This is nothing short of absolute genius. If you do nothing else this week, watch these next two, starting with The Final Countdown:
Is there nothing Gunhild Carling can't play? In the same song? Hilariously delightful - and three trumpets at once:
Pomplamoose featuring the delightful Dodie, doing George Ezra:
PMJ featuring Puddles Pity Party - what a voice. I LOVE this rendition of All the Small Things. I can't get enough of it:
Pomplamoose do REM in an apt Covid Zoom call:
MMMbop vocally slayed in this delight:
Pomplamoose do Jimmy Eat World:
For that matter, PMJ do their own version of The Middle, and it's fab. Here's Hey Ya!
Pomplamoose take on 80s iconic songs:
For those Billy Idol fans:
Pomplamoose doing ELO, really nicely:
PMJ's superb rendition of Umbrella. Everything about this:
(See more PMJ & Casey Abram's in the slick video of Toto's Africa, featuring Snuffy Walden - such fun!).
I love this song - an original. Monster, featuring Dodie:
Beyonce's Halo PMJ-style:
Some more PMJ with an operatic version of Sia's Chandelier:
Pomplamoose do Portugal. The Man:
I hate to leave you on a sad note, so there will be plenty of links to lose yourself in, but I had to include this stunning version of The Cranberries' Zombie (RIP Dolores). It's a meaningful song about war - the conflict in Northern Ireland, and bombings killing children in England. The beauty of the song and its sadness hits you:
Okay, let's leave it upbeat:
Some of the many other highlights are Video Killed the Radio Star, Check out the superbly produced one-take narrative video for Don't Stop Believin' ("How many people are going to be in this video?" "Yes."), and another narrative video - Toto's Africa. Pearl Jam's Black (If you know the original - wow). Weezer's Say It Ain't So. The Cure's Just Like Heaven. Fountains of Wayne's Stacy's Mom. Sia's Titanium. The Darkness' I Believe in a Thing Called Love. Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise. Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag. The Killers' Mr Brightside. Radiohead's No Surprises. Ed Sheeran & Beyonce's Perfect. Blondie's Call Me.
So many more.
Some Pomplamoose highlights: The Weeknd's Blinding Lights. Chili Peppers meet All Star. I will Survive meets Maroon 5. Sheryl Crow, Sugar Ray & OMC. Katy Perry, Gorillaz & Manu Chao. New Radicals' You Get What You Give. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. Cecilia.
Enjoy the rabbit hole.
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