Imagine wandering into a nightclub somewhere on the outskirts of time. A classic jukebox in the corner plays timeless music with oddly familiar modern lyrics, incongruously marrying the 21st-century party vibe of Miley Cyrus or the minimalist angst of Radiohead with the crackly warmth of a vintage 78 or the plunger-muted barrelhouse howl of a forgotten Kansas City jazzman. The dance floor is full of revelers twerking in poodle skirts, while at the bar, well-heeled hipsters balance a martini in one hand with a smartphone in the other. If such a place actually exists, no doubt the soundtrack is Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox. Founded by pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee in 2009, the ensemble reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various yesteryears, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown – or, as Bradlee himself puts it, "pop music in a time machine." Essentials II follows-up 2016's first installment and features reinterpretations of songs by Soundgarden, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Jackson and Metallica among others with such guest artists as Haley Reinhart, Nicole Atkins, Casey Abrams, Morgan James, Wayne Brady and Mario Jose to name a few.
- Black Hole Sun feat. Haley Reinhart
- Heroes feat. Nicole Atkins
- Closer feat. Kenton Chen
- What Is Love feat. Casey Abrams
- Perfect feat. Mario Jose, India Carney & Dave Koz
- Timber feat. Robyn Adele Anderson & The Tee Tones
- Crazy Train feat. Jennie Lena
- Dream On feat. Morgan James
- Juicy feat. Maiya Sykes
- Love Yourself feat. Sara Niemietz
- All About That Bass feat. Haley Reinhart, Morgan James & Ariana Savalas
- Thriller feat. Wayne Brady
- Chandelier feat. Puddles Pity Party
- Crazy feat. Casey Abrams & Hannah Gill
- The Final Countdown feat. Gunhild Carling
- Toxic feat. Melinda Doolittle
- MMMBop feat. Kenton Chen, Mario Jose, Luke Edgemon & Matt Bloyd
- Nothing Else Matters feat. Caroline Baran