2Cellos: "2Cellos" (album review)

2Cellos is completely different than what I normally review here.  The album is the debut from Croatian musicians Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, who use the classical instrument to rework pop and rock hits.  Think of it as a more high brow version of the Bossa N' series.

The album, out July 19th, tackles a wide range of artists, kicking off with U2 and "Where the Streets Have No Name".  It's a song that turns out to be extremely well suited for that purpose.

The most successful songs are also some of the least likely entries.  2Cello's manage to add elegance to Kings Of Leon's "Use Somebody" without sacrificing any of the intensity.  Their take on Guns N' Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle" unlocks some of the hidden depth of the original, while "Smells Like Teen Spirit" wows with dynamic swings.

The instrumental version of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" is nice, but without hearing the lyrics it lacks the emotional impact of either the original or the Johnny Cash version.  Conversely, "With Or Without You" is far better without Bono's schmaltzy poetry.

There are a few other down moments as well.  Sting's forgettable "Fragile" is still forgettable in this format.  Muse's "The Resistance" is one of the most orchestral source songs, but not enough happens on this version to keep it gripping.  Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" comes perilously close to sounding like elevator music (although 2Cellos' version of "Smooth Criminal" kicks Alien Ant Farms' ass).

I envision 2Cellos as one of those albums that you ambush people with.  Throw it on during your next dinner party and see how long it takes for someone to groove along.

Best tracks: "Smooth Criminal", "Welcome To The Jungle"

Track listing for 2Cellos:

• Where the Streets Have No Name
• Misirlou (Theme from Pulp Fiction)
• Use Somebody
• Smooth Criminal
• Fragile
• The Resistance
• Hurt
• Welcome To The Jungle
• Human Nature
• Viva La Vida
• Smells Like Teen Spirit

7.0/10

2Cello's website