Shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond as a modern re-imagining of early silent film, LOUIS is an homage to Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, beautiful women and the birth of American music. The grand Storyville bordellos, alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of lust, blood and magic for 6 year old Louis (Anthony Coleman) as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city. Young Louis's dreams of playing the trumpet are interrupted by a chance meeting with a beautiful and vulnerable girl named Grace (Lowry) and her baby, Jasmine. Haley, in a performance reminiscent of the great comic stars of the silent screen, plays the evil Judge Perry who is determined not to let Jasmine's true heritage derail his candidacy for governor.

I love seeing modern music videos that carry a retro twist. The artists always seem to have so much fun and introducing new audiences to retro fashion and culture is never a bad thing.Those of us interested in dressing up in retro fashions might find it too expensive or too difficult to locate the items to do so, but we can always live vicariously through the magic of the music video.

My first entry is thanks to UK girl group The Saturdays. These lovely ladies covered Depeche Mode's 80's hit "Just Can't Get Enough" making this a Retro-Retro tribute video. Watch the girls prance around in pinup-style clothing as the infectious song plays in the background--it's sure to become your earworm for the day.

All of the great pinup styles are represented in this video; from the boudoir babe to the armed forces cutie, making sure the male readers of Ultra Swank will enjoy the fashion post as much as the female readers will…but for different reasons of course. One thing though; as an 80's baby should I be concerned the 80's are now considered retro as well? Hmm. Enjoy the video, Ultra Swank readers! If you want more of The Saturdays, here they are covering the 60's hit "Please Mr. Postman."

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Lalo Schifrin is by far one of the most talented and sophisticated musical artists of our time. Not only is Schifrin well known for composing the theme to "Mission Impossible," he is also a pianist, conductor and performer of jazz, bossa nova, and classical music. Schifrin began his musical journey in Argentina, his native country, while training and studying piano and classical music at an early age. While spending time in Europe as a professional jazz pianist, Schifrin returned to Buenos Aires and ran into the great Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie enjoyed his performances so much that he asked Schifrin to join his group. How could you refuse Dizzy Gillespie?!

Lalo Schrifrin would be considered a renaissance man in the field of composing music because of his flexibility and creativity. Schrifrin has composed and performed with artists such as Cal Tjader, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Jimmy Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. He has written over 100 television and film scores which has won him four Grammys® and six Academy Nominations®.

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Need a compilation of some catchy tunes? Well, you've come to the right diner! I was hungry for more lounge music and found "Music for TV Dinners: The Sixties." For those that don't know many lounge artists, this is a great compilation with a tasty mix of library music. The album includes artists such as Syd Dale, Laurie Johnson, and of course the great Alan Hawkshaw. I never got full from listening to my favorite songs, Beauty Parade and Chase That Car.

Warning: The TV Dinner will be hot, but a swell meal! Click here to taste a sample of "Music for TV Dinners: The Sixties". Have a story of TV dinners or shopping malls as a kid? Share them in the comments!

Count Basie had been performing different jazz styles from the early 30’s to the late 70’s. There were many performances that included vocalists during the early 60’s to gain more attraction. But it was in the late 60’s when Basie returned to a more standard jazz format. After 30 years, he created two great recording sessions that were at the top of the charts – Broadway…Basie’s Way and Hollywood…Basie’s Way.

Both albums pack so much power and groove, they should be included in every cocktail party compilation. Some of my favorites to get a taste of Basie are, A Lot Of Livin’ To Do and On The Street Where You Live from the Broadway session; Secret Love and Foggy Day from the Hollywood session. Both albums were originally produced as separate vinyl recordings, but can now be found as one compilation.

Basie brought back rhythm and beat with a swing!

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