2Cellos

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 Pulp Fiction) is brought back to its Greek folk-dancing roots, while on Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” haunting legato contrasts with ghostly pizzicato playing.