String Quartet Tribute to Duran Duran interprets nine songs from the band's sizable catalog as instrumentals performed on violin, viola, and cello. While the stolen-Polaroid quality of its cover art is off-putting, the set does redeem itself on tracks like "Ordinary World" and "Save a Prayer," where their stirring melodies translate perfectly to the keening violin. Versions of "Girls on Film" and "Rio" don't work as well -- their melodies seem to get lost without vocals as a guide -- but the take on "Hungry Like the Wolf" appearing here works precisely because its vocal line translates well. So, while it's certainly flawed,
String Quartet Tribute to Duran Duran will offer devotees an interesting listen. ~ Johnny Loftus