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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