2Cellos

About

Two other popular instrumental acts come to mind when hearing 2CELLOS' self-titled debut. Like ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, 2CELLOS interpret popular modern songs usually not associated with their instruments, which are sometimes manipulated through effects. And like flamenco rockers Gabriela y Rodrigo, cellists Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic frequently take up complementary roles, utilizing separate playing techniques. The classically trained Croatian pair first teamed up for a homemade recording of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” presented in rerecorded form here along with the King of Pop’s more mellow “Human Nature.” Two other artists are represented twice: U2 (with the opener “Where the Streets Have No Name” and the closer “With or Without You”) and Sting (with “Fragile” and the bonus track “Fields of Gold”). “Misirlou” (heard in <i>Pulp Fiction</i>) is brought back to its Greek folk-dancing roots, while on Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” haunting legato contrasts with ghostly pizzicato playing.

via Apple Music