Customer Reviews

2Cellos

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
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I first heard of 2Cellos when Amazon Germany e-mailed me saying that their debut album was available for preorder. 2Who? 2Cellos, like violinist David Garrett before them, seek to blend classical with rock. Luka Šulic & Stjepan Hauser have lined up twelve songs ranging from U2 to Michael Jackson, Sting to NIN, even a dash of Guns n' Roses. However, what makes them unique from their competition is that these songs are totally unaccompanied other than Luka and Stjepan's blazing bows. That's right; no fancy orchestras, no studio wizardry, no overdubs...just...two cellos. If that sounds a little awkward, it really works in the context of most of the songs. Croatian cellists Luka and Stjepan go beyond their classical roots and evoke any number of effects from their cellos, including rapid-fire bowing, pizzicato, and percussive slaps (think flamenco guitar). They bounce the melodies back and forth like a musical badminton match, seamlessly picking up lines from each other. The two have an amazing chemistry, even more so live (which is how they were first discovered after uploading one of their duets to YouTube and landing a guest spot on Ellen).

"Smooth Criminal" is obviously one of the most high-profile of the songs here, if only because David Garrett did a stellar violin cover on David Garrett (ditto for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on Rock Symphonies). As these tracks are all acoustic, it can't compete with the tension of the original recording (or the opening drums and strings on David's version of "Smooth Criminal"), but it holds its own (the opening aggressive bowing is kind of painful; imagine a cello with laryngitis, and that's the kind of tone they're pulling out in the intro). I actually thought Luka and Stjepan's cover of "Human Nature" was more impressive, capturing the soft, dreamy feel of the chorus. I preferred the slower songs like "Fragile" and "Hurt" more than the rock-influenced songs, but that's a personal preference.

Undoubtedly, there will be comparisons between David Garrett and 2Cellos, if not for the "stringed instruments play rock" angle then the similar (if not identical) song choices that both groups have recently recorded and performed. They're both young, very handsome, and a little edgy (2Cellos in particular both look like they could be the leads in The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season), all of which will appeal to a wider range of fans than a strictly classical repertoire would. Both groups pay homage to influential bands with slightly different approaches. I found the acoustic cello-centric approach fascinating; in the absence of studio effects, Luka and Stjepan are forced to create their own soundscapes using nothing more than the cello.

I really enjoyed their debut album, and look forward to hearing much more from 2Cellos in the near future!

I have been buying music for thirty years and can't get supprised very easely anymore. After listening to 2Cellos I had the stupid smile on my face for a week and I am not able to remove this CD from my car,home or office. It is so wonderful when people suprise you time and time again, just when you think you've heard it all. So not to overkill the point here, Stjepan and Luka I take my hat of to you and can't wait to see and hear some more of your remarkable talent.

Cello on!

I saw them on Fox and Friends and have been meaning to look them up. I was just searching and came across them. I only purchased "Where the Streets Have No Name", "With or Without You", "Use Somebody" and "Viva La Vida". I LOVE THIS!!! Again, it is amazing and fills me with such joy when I listen to these songs!! Buy these songs!! They are totally worth the money!!! These songs make me so happy in a time when I have been not so happy. It bears repeating: FREAKING AWESOME!!!

I first heard this in a dance class (ballet) - and it was so different from other ballet music I have ever heard. But I love the work of these two cellists! So naturally I had to ask my teacher about the music, and ended up here.

This is spectacular music-making. The two cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, have created pieces that are easily equal to and often better than most of the showpieces of the past. This is music of my time, and I am grateful that it exists.

I saw them perform "Smooth Criminal" on Glee, and I loved that arrangement! I absolutely LOVE cello music anyway! So when I saw today's daily deal, it was a no brainer. Score for me! They deserve all the fame that comes their way!

2Cellos is wonderfully entertaining. The musicians are superb. I recommend this CD to everyone who enjoys music.

I was introduced to 2Cellos as the introduction to Elton John in concert. The only thing better than this CD is to see them in person.

As a long time musician myself, I can honestly say that these young cellists are some of the most talented I have ever seen. Their knowledge and love of popular culture shines through their classical training... and they have created a refreshingly breath-taking new sound with historic influence. I'm a big fan of classical pieces... to be able to pop this cd in my car just after listening to the likes of bach or brahms and have it flow seamlessly is a great feeling. I can't wait to hear much more from these two artists in the future.

This CD is awesome, for those that like these songs and apprecited the complexity of the cello, you will be amazed by what 2Cellos accomplish.

I originally heard of this pair from my sister and bought the cd for her. After I heard it, I had to go buy another one for myself. This duo is AMAZING!! So talented and such amazing artists. I cannot say enough good things about this cd other than to take my word for it and buy it for yourself. You'll listen to it over and over.