Radio S

Postmodern Jukebox has hit upon a winning formula: take modern pop songs and turn them into vintage standards through arrangements that slip through musical genres.

Quentin Taratino brought the surf stylings of the 5.6.7.8's to maindstream audiences in "Kill Bill,Vol. 1." The band formed in Tokyo in 1978, and their music has appeared in both movies and commercials.

Would there be a Southern Culture on the Skids were it not for the B52s? We'd argue no. They formed in 1983 in Chapel Hill, NC. Mary Huff's hair and clothing choices? TO. DIE. FOR..

If you've been following our blog, you know we're huge fans of the style of Janelle Monáe. She's a little bit retro, a little bit modern–singer, actress, style icon. Is there anything she can't do?

We fell in love with the South Korean girl group the Barberettes after hearing their version of the Beach Boy's classic Barbara Ann. And their originals? To die for.

Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson turned their distinct sense of style into an immediately identifiable brand with the B-52s. The band formed in 1976 in Athens,. GA. The clothes? Thrift stores, of course.

Live It, Breathe It

These musicians don't just dress in vintage style for a music video,.

It's a part of their entire personna both on and off the stage.

It's not just a look. It's a lifestyle.

Imelda May has been the first lady of rockabilly since 2008, when her album "Love Tattoo" caught the attention of Jules Holland.

Jessie J's another pop star who owes a debt to Winehouse. And while her clothing style may not seem terribly retro, that eyeliner screams pin up.

Nikki Yanofsky is a Canadian jazz-pop singer who went über retro for her 2014 Quincy Jones-produced release "Something New."

Pop soul chanteuse Alicia Keys isn't typically thought of as a traditional pin up, but her "Girl on Fire" video was certainly working a retro vibe.

What makes Katy Perry a modern pin up for us is the idea of performance she brings to the different music videos and appearances. Her performance of a character is totally pin up, even if all her clothes aren't.

Just Visiting

These musicians and singers are aware of pin up, and use it when it works for their songs and performances. But they're just as willing to slip into other characters and styles as the song warrants.

My, oh, my,! Camila Cabello is rocking

a "Concrete Jungle" look in her 2020 video.

Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You." is giving us all the feels.

And the vintage look? Perfection.

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is channelling Nancy Sinata in her video for "Problem" (featuring Igg Azealea.

Janet Jackson is channelling Dorothy Dandridge

in the video foe "Twenty Foreplay"

Star Power

Music superstars who are fashion forward and keep returning

to the aesthetics of vintage in videos and on the red carpet.

These ladies aren't just dabbling.

Queen B is certainly known for her fashion forward identity –– be it the African diety-inspired costume at the 2017 Grammys or the Southern Gothic classicism found in "Lemonade." But it was in her 2008 video for "Why Don't You Love Me" that she went full pin up, in a series of styles that called out to Rosie the Riveter, Bettie Page, Sophie Loren and Dorothy Dandridge.

Rolling Stone named "Material Girl" as one of Madonna's 20 greatest music videos in 2015. The video (a reworking of Monroe's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" film performance) was a collaboration with director Mary Lambert, and the costume was created by Marlene Stewart.

This list wouldn't be complete without Amy Winehouse, whose life was tragically cut short in 2011. Drug and alcohol addiction was complicated by a difficult family life and the proverbial personal demons. Her music was gorgegous and her style perfection.

Talk about another pin up fan. From her days with No Doubt to channeling Monroe in "Make Me Like You" in 2016, Gwen's got the pin up look down. Retro-styled hair? Check. Cat eye makeup? Check. Red lips? Check.

Bombshell? Check. Check. Check.

Ah, Christina Aguilera. She is definately a pin up fan–burlesque, jazz age, '30s? She's done it. But it's the trio of 1940s-style Xtinas in "Candyman" that really take the pin up (cheese)cake.

Lana Del Rey's music certainly sounds old school, but her personal style tends to be more contemporary -- except in this lush video for "Blue Velvet." Scrumptious.

Unlike the exaggerated bad girl 1950s pin up look of Winehouse, Adele goes for a much more subdued '60s vibe. More Jean Shrimpton, less Blackboard Jungle.