You know, songs from one era that pretends to be from another.
This excellent example, from Blade Runner, is a bit PoMo; it’s from a film set in the future but sounds like a 1930s ballad. I just found out that apparently the lyrics are by Peter Skellern, a name I haven’t heard for years. Any other good examples?
Kaisfatdad says
The Flight of the Conchords is one long series of glorious pastiches.
How about the Djangoesque theme tune of Les Triplettes de Belleville?
I suspect that the soundtracks of period TV shows and movies would offer rich pickings in your search BJB.
BigJimBob says
nice…bit like this cover of an Al Bowlly song in Amelie
hubert rawlinson says
Is this what you want?
BigJimBob says
yeah any era. This whole album is a prime example
Gary says
I only found out recently that 18 With A Bullet is a pastiche. Released in 1975 by English keyboard player Pete Wingfield, I always mistakenly assumed it was genuine 50’s doo-wop. Whatever, it sounds great. (See also 10cc’s Donna).
hubert rawlinson says
Then there’s this then.
Kaisfatdad says
Neil Innes of the Bonzos is a real dab hand at this. I was thinking of Hello Mabel but he can do a whole range of different eras. I think he was largely responsible for the music in The Rutles.
On the subject of pastiche doo wop, Zappa’s your man. The story went that mainstream doowop stations were playing songs from the Cruising with Reuben and the Jets in the belief that it was the real thing. It’s rather a good album. Frank had a genuine love for this music.
Milkybarnick says
It’s the Age of Revolution!
BigJimBob says
I love that song
Kaisfatdad says
Two rather different 60s pastiches.
She and Him – This is not a test.
Whatever M Ward does, he seems to sound retro. The backing vocals, the production, Zooey D’s rather Carpenteresque vocals: this could pass off as the real thing. And it’s a fine song too.
Wonderwall by Mike Powers Pops is a modern song masquerading as a 60s hit. But the eye and ear for detail is hilariously accurate.
newpathstohelicolin says
Plus the She & Him song has an excellent fake trumpet solo…
eastcoast says
McCartney has many but this one might be my favorite.
Spotcheck Billy says
Roy Wood’s ability to reference his influences (Spector, Beach Boys, Brill Building) is in full flow here
Beany says
Stackridge (of course) on The Old Grey Whistle Test. This video has never been featured on any compilation of the show. I understand the footage was “obtained” by a fellow fan from within the BBC. The song itself has only ever been released as a Mutter Slater solo single.