Customer Reviews

String Tribute to Incubus

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

As a cellist in a professional string quartet who often arranges "popular" (read: non-classical) tunes for the group, I was intrigued by the idea of this album when I saw it in the store. Since I'm also a big fan of Incubus, I thought I'd give the CD a spin.

My conclusion? This recording is like a very long joke with no punchline. The arrangements are absolutely atrocious and the quartet itself sounds terrible. It's inexcusable that there should be issues with INTONATION, let alone any semblance of musical nuance.

This album is the result of selecting *favorite* Incubus songs without giving any thought to which ones would be most viable arranged for string quartet. Simply put, NONE of these arrangements work. They're sparse, uncompelling, and barely recognizable.

The ONLY reason I'm giving this two stars is because I can appreciate the attempt at broadening the appeal of the string quartet. Unfortunately, it's an abject failure. Frankly, I'm embarrassed on behalf of the people whose names appear on the back of this CD.

So this disc has GREAT promise... and no follow through. The songs that a band such as Incubus creates beg to be redone by orhestras/quartets. However the musicians that have covered the songs truely do not deserve to be re-orchestrating the music of incubus. The product of these "musicians" is childish as far as the music goes. Incubus's infinite depth has been oversimpified and musically trashed. Check out the string quartet version of Led Zeppelin. There is a true set of quartet versions of classic songs.

to match classical music with the rock-driven tunes of Incubus, and i think it's a pretty good one, at that. Having been a classical music listener for most of my life, and having been an alternative-rock listener for a good 10+ years, i applaud Mr Gorfain's attempts to orchestrate electric guitars, basses, and drums, as well as incubus' melodies, into four instruments. overall, i'd rate this a 4, because on a couple of the songs (especially Pardon Me) the melodies are sharp or flat by a couple notes. but other than that, it's pretty good. i listen to the CD whenever i'm going to bed, or if i'm just lounging around, reading a book or something.

There are two tracks that are worth listening to on this CD: Miss You and maybe Mexico. The Quartet tried really hard, but I didn't prefer their attempt at trying to copy the tempo and beat of the originals. The CD sounds like it's an attempt at a new hip-hop violin genre that makes me feel like I'm at a square dancing party. My 2 cents: slow the songs down, don't try hip-hop violin, copy the music and flow. My 2 cents to the buyers: Save your [money] and get another album instead; then search for Miss You and Mexico on a P2P like Kazaa!

Several other big named artists have released impressive orchestral versions of their music in recent years. Perhaps I was so excited to see an instrumental album of Incubus songs that I had unrealistic expectations. Although I am a fan of the strings, the music seems to lack passion and sounds rather flat. It is definately missing that certain something that makes it great.

As a big Incubus fan and a violinist, I thought this CD had the potential to be fabulous. I will say that you can recognize most of the songs, and it is a peaceful, tranquil way to listen to Incubus. However, often the strings sound similar to tuning instruments in an Elementary School orchestra (boy does that take me back!). Perhaps they could have selected more experienced artists, because the Incubus songs are so beautiful.

I just got this cd today. I've already listened to it 3 times. All I can say is it's amazing.. I'm a huge fan of Incubus and when I first heard this I was in shock on how amazing this quartet could play.Just get it.. you won't be let down

Okay the sheer number of string tributes being released is getting a bit rediculous. First of all we have a terrible set selection. I realize that the better incubus songs would be difficult to convert to a stringed format but he could've at least tried. Where is Deep Inside? or anything from SCIENCE for that matter. It only happens to be their best album and yet it is completely unrepresented here. Worst of all the arranger uses this album as a tool to promote his own compositions in the last track. Shameful! Why buy this stuff?

i just bought the cd last night and thought it was amazing. that is the only word i can use to describe it. Drive, I Miss You, and Mexico are unbelievable. This cd should be added to everyones list.

I am a big classical music fan, and have just recently been introduced to Incubus, which i do like. I was told that this tribute to Incubus was good so I went out and bought it. Then I listened to it AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! It was aweful. The instruments couldn't play the songs. They were barely recognizable and it just sounded terrible. Spend your money on the actual Incubus CD's.