I am not sure if this is what you are talking about, but...
I think that technique would be used only when going for a special effect, like maybe the music sounding like it is coming from a radio. The only example I can think of this off the top of my grape is Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". The very beginning of that song sounds like someone playing guitar to a song he is listening to on the radio or on the TV.
Is that what you are talking about?
Brad