Synth and Swagger - New Wave Videos That Served As Period Pieces
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Synth & Swagger
New wave and '80s music authority

New Wave Videos That Served As Period Pieces

Part of the quick hit series
Jason D’Orazio • Apr 2026 • 2 min read
Adam Ant was big on historical settings. While not using Native American motifs, he played a highway robber set in late 1700s England.
Goody Two Shoes Music Video Commentary
Honorable mention: Ant Rap (Camelot England), Puss In Boots (Victorian London)
Falco and Mozart swap time eras in Rock Me Amadeus, to adoring fans. Then the timelines collapse...
Rock Me Amadeus Music Video Commentary
Honorable mention: Emotional (early '60s United States), Titanic (inspired by 1910s Atlantic)
Ultravox switched vocalists to the dramatic Midge Ure, and made this ornate video set in early 1900s Europe
See why Foxx-era Ultravox would never do this
Taco's '30s pastiche on his debut led to an on-the-nose interpretation of the Depression-era US. Except Taco has the powers of the Star Wars Emperor.
Puttin' On The Ritz and other new wave covers
The Stray Cats, with their rockabilly-infused new wave sound, naturally shot videos set in '50s urban America. Setzer gives a PSA never to get your dinner from a garbage can.
Other music videos, with Synth and Swagger commentary
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