Imagine a nightclub somewhere on the outskirts of time. A classic jukebox in the corner plays songs with strangely familiar modern lyrics, by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Radiohead or a forgotten Kansas City jazzman.
If such a place really exists, its soundtrack would undoubtedly be Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Founded by pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee in 2009, the ensemble plays contemporary pop, rock hits and R&B in the styles of various eras, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown, or, as Bradlee himself puts it, “pop in a time machine.” The band released a series of hugely successful YouTube videos filmed in Bradlee’s living room, amassing more than 450 million views and over 2 million subscribers, as well as an appearance on the morning show “Good Morning America” and performances around the world.
The Essentials brings together 18 songs and styles spanning decades. Bradlee’s selection ranges from the 1980s rock of Guns N ‘Roses to the recent beats of Justin Bieber.
Postmodern Jukebox is certainly a rebuttal to those who claim “they don’t make them like they used to.” The Essentials is an engaging album that unites generations in a single spin.