2Cellos, Smells Like Teen Spirit - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@Ki11erAce]

It's always fascinating to me when I see artists cover songs that were from completely different genres. One of the best examples of this that I can think of is Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails song "Hurt". I would absolutely LOVE to see your analysis of this, maybe on an upcoming Great Covers Weekend.

[@MetalSamurai99]

The obvious classical musicians playing rock choice is Apocalyptica. A Finnish cello quartet that brought out a cover album "...Plays Metallica" with 11 Metallica songs arranged for cello. They also have many other albums of their own original metal music all played on cellos and sometimes with guest singers from well known bands, alongside other covers from bands such as Rammstein, Faith No More and David Bowie (a version of "Helden"/"Heroes" sung by Till Lindeman. They've just brought out a second album of Metallica which includes James Hetfield and Rob Trujillo on some tracks. Or the classical guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela who have covered several Metallica songs, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and more. Or musicians such as Patty Gurdy who plays the hurdy gurdy and has covered many classic rock and metal songs. Or the many, many bardcore groups that play covers of modern rock and metal on medieval instruments (just search bardcore on KZbin). Or, Postmodern Jukebox. They play covers of big pop, rock and metal songs not with orchestra instruments, but in a variety of older genres such as jazz, swing and big band.

[@linatralala2864]

I remember Apocalyptica, they were awesome. Maybe 2cellos got more popular, years after Apocalyptica was because of yt? Or Elton John? Or both? Ppl maybe just liked them more or they got lucky. Doesn't mean they are less talented or should be underestimated.

[@andypottschmidt696]

Every time I hear this song, my mind drifts to the Weird Al Yankovic version.

[@rocksteadfarm]

Every time I hear this song, I hear White Room by Cream.

[@gregchavez1534]

Then you clearly didn't first hear it when you were a high school senior like I did. But you can't help what your mind does... so I appreciate your honesty above all.

[@Antoon55]

In my experience as an old school guitar player most classical musicians are not capable of switching to energy and expression levels needed to play rock with a rock vibe. Most of the time it will sound dull. Those cello guys are very good at it. I think you can only play like this if you really feel and also really love the rock vibe.

[@ThistleAndSea]

These guys are so much fun! Thanks, Amy, for sharing another from them. 🙂

[@davidbrankley1645]

Looking forward to the time you consider the 1968 rock classic " Lighter Shade of Pale" by Procal Harem. The finest version is an early 21st century performance in Denmark that's popular on KZbin. The Bach based melody works so well with the rock format making this sublime. On the video mentioned they work with an entire orchestra and choir.

[@thedarcbird]

Absolutely! His voice is incredible unfortunately he passed on a few years later😢

[@benrosenthal112]

If you are interested, Tori Amos has a brilliant cover of this song, which is very different

[@lisar6510]

❤ Love this reaction.......it's refreshing

[@jwickham65]

Go back and watch the video of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" to see how it is such a cultural moment. It is a great song and just that opening line strikes an emotional response in me. But seeing that video takes the experience into a different visceral response that stays with you, that more fully explains the song.

[@gable354]

Straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DavidLindes]

Just after 3:29, I said to the screen (without a hint of irony, by the way): Bravo, Amy. You got it. 😊 And then I watched on, and at 3:37, that upped to full marks! Nice! Mildly a pity that you didn't get it from the cellos, but... you've taken in a lot of new stuff, and I presume heard much of it only once, so... good work!

[@magusscorpiones9276]

Recently I've been exploring the works of Georg Telemann, and now that I've listened to his works I can identify several of them as Telemann compositions upon hearing the openings, but giving the actual names of each piece will require a lot more work on my part. So, I consider this an impressive success in naming the artist and song, especially given how limited Miss Amy's exposure is to the original. Between Amy's depth and breadth of knowledge and Vlad's guidance, this has become a majorly entertaining journey to follow.

[@toothfairy6570]

if you are looking for some examples of artists mixing classical with rock I recommend giving a listen to apocalyptica. I think 'ashes of the modern world' is good place to start.

[@keybladewizard49]

One thing that I've heard is that they did a scientific study about music, and why generational music gaps happen, and apparently the reason it's so hard for people to get into the music of kids, is that our tastes in music are haped by the music we've heard before. Not only do kids have less solidified musical experience, but its during childhood and specifically teenagehood that the ear and the brain are most open to new kinds of sounds and musical ideas. So when an adult hears something wildly different than what they grew up on, or have listened to before, it's almost like a culture shock to the mind, unless they go through an experience of learning that new vocabulary - as you're doing here. Hearing the language of rock translated partially into a more similar auditory language helps you connect to the ideas of that new language thorugh the vocabulary of your own.

[@DavidLindes]

15:58 - I presume it wouldn't make sense for the channel (I mean, unless you want a project even bigger than the Wall project, if you were to cover multiple versions), but maybe check out The London Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir's version of the Who's rock opera, Tommy. It's kinda my favorite version of the thing, mostly... and, I'm guessing you might appreciate it as well (whether or not you _like_ it, I'm guessing you might _appreciate_ it.)

[@rarefind3d]

Thumbs up for any 2Cellos!

[@luvincste]

erik satie did mix these genres, also rondò veneziano took a sort of pop approach to western classical; then we have vanessa mae and lindsey stirling

[@Tampahop]

Of course everyone knows it. Smells Like Teen Spirit is essentially the teen anthem of the 90's. It was where most people were introduced to grunge, Nirvana, and their front man, Curt Cobain. It had a wicked video and an even more wicked Weird Al Yankovic parody. I wouldn't have called it "juvenile," but I would say it was full of teen angst. BTW, it would be interesting to see you analyze a Weird Al video. Many of us would consider him a musical genius, since you have to understand the music intimately to produce a good parody. Maybe you could start with the video "Smells Like Nirvana." 😁 If you want to see classical musicians crossing over, I know that Yo Yo Ma was in a video of "Love Train" done by Playing For Change. If you haven't seen any Playing For Change videos, shame on you! Watch one and find out what it's all about. I dare ya'.😉

[@jaymata1218]

I really respect that she doesn't enjoy the first version. It can be jarring and well, sounds corporatized. She should react to "Recording Nirvana: Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Butch the guy who created the original demo for Nirvana. He covers all the rest of their music and really highlights their raw talent. I think she'd really like Nirvana: Something in the Way. It has a cello lol.

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

If you're doing covers as well you should check out gamazda. She does lots of piano covers of the best rock pieces from Metallica, Animals, and all the way to Rammstein. I strongly recommend her SOAD "Toxicity" cover - there are two versions on yt, one a studio recording, another a concert one. The concert is imo superior thanks to the unfiltered emotions conveyed by the performer, though the audio is not perfect there.

[@StephenRBukovinsky]

Been pushing for you to go back and listen to The Who. Funny story concerning them and a cello (no they didn't break one). On their mini opera "A Quick One While he is Away" they wanted a cello on one part when recording but the record company would pay for one. So, on the album (and in live performances) at that part they just sing the word cello. You should really watch the version of the song from the Rolling Stone Rock and Roll Circus. They were so good, and the Stones were so flat that they shelved the special for like 30 years. No body before or since could match their energy on stage.

[@concordia697]

Please react to one of the coolest female vocalists in the world. Diana Ankudinova - Queen of Goosebumps - Diana received such a title for her extraordinary unique voice. Diana's best performances - Derniere Danse, Wicked Game, Can't Help Falling in Love, California Dreamin', Sweet Dreams, Human Each of these performances garnered over a thousand reactions. Diana is in the TOP 3 world vocalists in terms of the number of reactions (more than 20 thousand reactions). The coolest performance that will shock you and give you the biggest goosebumps! kzbin.info/aero/PLQJJG9TMmSOB4YXRUgdxA-H-Fo_sjB3kZ Protection of the video-image about partial blocking for some countries is preferable.

[@johnsilva9139]

Two Cellos and drums. Was that David Krohl? I like cellos ( I think everyone does ), but this is just silly.

[@chris_stacey]

I love genre-bending music, sometimes it can be better than the original. Thanks!

[@andymccabe6712]

Sometimes..............!

[@ungainlytitan1460]

watching this I would love to hear your take on Tina S's take on the Moonlight Sonata

[@ChrisBrown-i2g]

There are no adverts on your channel! Could be why You tube are persecuting you? Can't see the guys playing!?

[@cherrycake1]

Maybe this is something interesthing this is a band from finland not two cello's but four. With the name Apocalyptica. They worked together with james Hetfield on there cover of One from Metallica.

[@therealpbristow]

Four Cellos is definitely a more powerful and versatile band than Two Cellos. =;o}

[@thorn2497]

🤔💭"Beethovens 5 Secrets" The Piano Guys, Black Viloin "A-Flat & Freestyle", Lindsey Stirling "Shadows", Zi De Gukin Studio "Rise"

[@therealpbristow]

OK... So, if you like "crossing boundaries", then do please listen to the band who taught *me*, as a 13 year old, to start appreciating rock as a genre: Sky's "cover"/interpretation of J.S. Bach's "Toccata" (from the uber-famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor) was a formative musical experience for me and many others in the late '70s/early '80s. (I somehow got through my Grade 5 piano exam, despite almost completely fumbling Sky founder-member Francis Monkman's simple but lovely "Andante"! =:o} )

[@Schlapphoo]

Like this reaction of the two versions. I really would love to see Amy react to "I can see clearly now" by Jimmy Cliff and the version by Holly Cole. This would be another boundary crossing concerning the genres. And another real great cover. 😊

[@ryanframe6893]

giving this one a like just for the title, sounds very cool.

[@sambirch6784]

I must say the cellists playing on this are beyond reproach technically, they are clearly musically gifted. However, this version of the song is, in my opinion, an example of when a cover becomes little more than karaoke. The original song stood out because Nirvana managed to combine melody and rage in the same package, not an easy task. The song without the rage would be missing half of its essence and I'm afraid this version with cellos has very little rage. It's not just about playing the right notes, it's how you play them that matters.

[@andymccabe6712]

EXACTLY.... a cover needs to be AT LEAST as good as the original...AND do something different.. .....this is a HUGE ask with Nirvana....and I can imagine how anyone could achieve what Nirvana did..... .....plus, it's missing the lyrics ......!!!!

[@janisc.924]

You might like DaGamba - it's "another" cello cover band, but they do mashups of classical and pop/rock songs. "Prokofiev the Knight Rider", "Paranoid Amadeus" and "Killing in the Name of Bach" are song names that explain this concept rather well.

[@tonytjandra4798]

You can remember all kinds of good and quality songs because you are a skilled musician. Sooner or later, the reliability of your music improve. Just imagine. Maybe, the song Tom Traubert' Blues ( Waltzing Matilda ) by Rod Stewart is good for us to listen to and discuss together. Thank you very much.

[@valdas420]

should check out Apocalyptica

[@keanumunteanu]

The original is by Paul Anka

[@takeshikovacs7629]

It would be really cool if u checked out Marcin Patrzalek do a cover of something rock and then another classical.. like kashmir is a really cool one. plus its just crazy to witness something like that

[@ForbiddTV]

Weird Al has the best cover of this song.

[@marielasilvia]

I recommend "Seeman" Apocalyptica & Nina Hagen (Rammstein song)

[@juanjoseescanellas3798]

Amy, although I realize and feel that Kurt Covain is very talented, really a top artist, when I listen to him, I hear also like he's suffering, and it makes me feel sad, and yes, I know that's to much useless empathy from my part.

[@KM769]

Nirvana - Something in the way.

[@VintageWanderer]

Elo. Combined classic with rock.

[@lsp3]

If you react to the original again, let us see your new reaction.

[@gregpomeroy2149]

I want to hear it on the harp Amy

[@ehcmier]

The sarcasm of the original wasn’t translated over.

[@norair1010]

Tina S does some Beethoven and some Vivaldi on an electric guitar

[@christophersmith5095]

Would be great to get your professional ear on "Marquee Moon" by Television.

[@eduardoserrao7372]

I like this version: Smells Like Teen Spirit in Classical Larin.

[@ddullaway]

I like bad plus one version of this song

[@gravytruck]

This sounds like it's Yngwie Malmsteen time.

[@Ecchi_Otaku]

Apocalyptica?

[@johnthompson6374]

Did Grunge help make way for music of actual reality into the mainstream, while kicking the false, unattainable fantasy big hair bands to the curb? Peace/JT

[@andymccabe6712]

I can't, help feeling, Amy ...that your 'aural prejudices' DID affect your appreciation.... ....you're a classical musician....this cover uses orchestral instruments and has more of an orchestral feel... ...also, you have no history with 'pop/rock'....no CONTEXT ... ...this has to affect your approach to everything you hear....!

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

Bach was not a better musician than rock stars like the beatles he was only a better mathematician!!🎉

[@jmurray2018]

They’re ok I don’t like the song or the original band I recommend you check out the “Piano guys” they’re the greatest group in this genre of music

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

Yes your prejudice blocked you to the value to tge the original 😊

[@gwengoodwin3992]

Nirvana lite. This bowdlerized version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" lacks what makes the original song noteworthy, a landmark in music history. This is the music they play in elevators, the anonymous bouncy music that plays in shopping malls, so undistinguished you don't even know music is playing. Yes, it reproduces the melody of Nirvana's song. But the melody was the least important part of it. I was raised on classical music. But I don't like Beethoven Lite either. Sorry. This just isn't for me.

[@markhamstra1083]

Agreed. In the original, Nirvana wedded pop tropes with a painfully sincere and cynical punk sneer, desperation and defiance - which Amy apparently neither feels nor understands. The 2Cellos version is just classicized pop that misses the point.

[@fiditenemini2452]

blaaaaah...it's trash

[@peterhughes8699]

So this Cello cover suffers from the same problem as the gutless Thunderstruck attempt. I repeat that acoustic guitars, strings etc do not suit these types of rock songs. They need ELECTRIC basses, guitars/amps and singers. With acoustic instruments these songs lose all power, drive and punch. And without singers/lyrics these songs lose all meaning.

[@rchfox_]

Bad decision!😴

[@dangox3370]

Im sorry but I think this rendition really stinks

[@letsgomets002]

Don't like it 😮

[@JMD166]

Please stick to actual rock bands/ musicians. These guys are a fun novelty act but ultimately not adding to the canon

[@jimiewilliams7623]

This is rock. If Tori Amos can cover Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, with just a piano, why can't 2Cellos rock out? Why are you bringing up canon? Rock musicians do covers. The classical symphony does covers. We've heard Mozart's music, but we've never heard him play. If she wants to do videos on Zubin Mehta or Ennio Morricone, she should. Especially if they cover popular rock songs.

[@marcelqueiroz8613]

The important thing is that it was fun and gave us joy!

[@DefenestrateYourself]

L take

[@JG-lx5pm]

Hey AMY you also need to check something simmilar to what you present here but this time is not cover bur rather originality from a VERY ATTRACTIVE FEMALE Mormon Lindsay Sterling very GREAT creations of videos and master violinist. I specially recommend to you "ROUND TABLE RIVAL" great video the first time I saw it, it knocked me out of my socks.... great first time impression.