2CELLOS: Cover Song Kings

The cello is a string instrument commonly heard in classical music as well as the occasional rock or pop song from the 1970s, its rich sound bringing a distinctive drama to any musical context in which it is featured, but few contemporary artists within this decade have captured the cello's versatility quite like virtuosos Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, who make up the powerhouse 2CELLOS. On their self-titled debut album, 2CELLOS takes hits from a variety of genres and make them all their own by applying their dueling cello style to well-known melodies. While 2CELLOS does not sing the lyrics for any of their covers, they still deliver stirring entertainment.

The album begins with an evocative cover of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name," a rendition that provokes goosebumps with every crescendo. The harmony's velocity rising from beneath the powerful melody exemplifies how well 2CELLOS manages to embody the voices of several instruments with just a few strings. The execution of every note is so precise and reflective of the original version that one can almost hear Bono singing each verse.

Another stand-out cover on the album is Michael Jackson's "Human Nature," which takes an already beautiful song and amplifies it to perfection. The intro is especially stunning, showcasing more of 2CELLOS' expert articulation. The ability to transpose that song for a different instrument without losing any of its original beauty is very impressive. According to 2CELLOS' website, their performance of Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" jump-started the band's viral popularity. Check out their performance of it on Ellen right here:



"Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon is another fantastic cover featured on the album, and 2CELLOS definitely emulates the same yearning the original version expresses. The gentle pulsing of the intro leads into a quiet, staccato verse that lays groundwork for a loud, evocative finish. Not only does 2CELLOS demonstrate the product of years of disciplined practice, they also reveal a passion that allows them to accomplish the feelings of every song they cover.

2CELLOS' self-titled debut album balances the high energy of contemporary music with the rich, calming vibe of a classical instrument. Buy it here to get a listen of this group's awe-inspiring artistry.

Photo credit: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/288458/thumbs/s-2CELLOS-large300.jpg

Foster the People's EP: Fresh Fun for the Ears

Recipe for a fresh semester...Ingredients: fresh attitude, fresh look and fresh tunes. Instructions: The attitude is yours to improve and create, as well as the look. For the tunes,  listen no further than Foster the People, an LA-based indie pop trio with the abilities to get your head bobbing on your way to class.

Foster the People

 On their three-song EP, members Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, and Cubbie Fink collaborate superbly, creating psychedelic jams as if The Beach Boys and MGMT produced a lovechild. Each member multitasks with precision and obvious skill. Foster covers vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitar, programming and percussion. Pontius provides the rhythm with drums and other percussive instruments, while Cubbie plays bass and does backing vocals. Holding so many musical roles could make for a sloppy result but not with these guys. They execute every sound to near perfection.

"Houdini" consists of a beat that tattoos itself on the listener's mind and a sweet chorus. The synthesizer and keys are the shining stars in this tune, creating an exciting pulse on top of the percussion. This track is delightfully catchy and begs for someone, anyone to dance to it. Check out their performance of it in this video.



"Helena Beat" has a mysterious feel to it in the beginning with its crescendos and decrescendos, but eventually speeds up and transforms into a guitar-driven power-pop jam. Foster's upper range is very well showcased throughout the song, with the back-up vocals just adding another layer of fun during the choruses.

"Pumped Up Kicks" plays like a Beach Boys-esque summer anthem. Foster the People's knack for creating catchy rhythms is extremely apparent in this song. The rhyming in the lyrics makes it very easy to catch on and sing along after a few plays. This track is lively and epitomizes Foster the People's greatest talent: making fun, fresh music.

Pick up Foster the People's EP or album, "Torches," if you are ready to vamp up your indie pop playlist.

Photo credit: http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/foster-the-people.jpg