These classical covers are nearly perfect for Muse: when Matt Bellamy [the frontman for Muse, for those who don't know] was first learning to play piano, he began with long, dramatic classical pieces, and the influence is still there in the songs he writes with Muse — those of you who are more savvy as far as music history/music theory goes can probably point out the specifics better than I could. I think that the string quartet covers work better with the songs that were more classically influenced to begin with: Sunburn, New Born, and Sing For Absolution are among my favorites, but, more surprisingly, I think Stockholm Syndrome and Time Is Running Out work very well, too. I don't think anyone has mentioned Saving Grace yet. It's a lot better than I thought it would be, close enough to the sound of the band that I'm inclined to suggest that Muse write a song based on the arrangement. If you're here for the string quartet and not just for Muse, I suggest you give this a try. In the end, the covers are true enough to the original compositions to keep loyal fans satisfied, but different enough that they sound innovative, not boring. However, there are some downsides (hence the four-star review): arrangements like Bliss and Showbiz sound incomplete, even empty, due to the lack of synthesized effects and/or the tone of the bass, and I don't think they even should have attempted Map Of Your Head — the original is a great song but it just doesn't work with strings.

...the album review is wrong, isn't it?

this is awesome i like how they compose.. they should do more covers i was hoping they would do screenager, microcuts,twin and shine my favorites lol

My mind has been blown by how beautiful this is.

Why is the i-Tunes review above for Moby? Might want to fix that i-Tunes...

This is probably one of the best covers I've heard Vitamin do! They did amazing with all of the songs! I especially love Stockholm Syndrome, Map of Your Head, and Muscle Museum. I don't think they could have done any better with this album.

No, this is not the most revered collection of Muse songs, however what VSQ do is inject a different kind of emotion into the songs. Muse typically has their own brand of style, and mixed with classical notes, makes it all better.

Muse is the absolute greatest band to ever walk the planet. They are my heros and inspiraitions. Starlight is my favorite song and the first on I found with the vitamin string courtet and discovered the rest. This is so amazing, I"m so exited.

I realy realy realy love muse. Infact they are by far my favorit rock group, but after hearing them through VSQ on the radio I emediety went onto Itune for some ear candy. And now I probubly listen to the string versions of the songs more then the origional. So do the universe a favore and buy this Album. P.S. If you pirate this song i will see 2 it that you are blasted by the low orbiting ION CANNONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are well thought out and wonderfully executed composition tributes to some of Muse's best songs. I, myself, am a big time fan of Muse but, for much longer, I have been a fan of classical music. While listening to some of these pieces, I can't help but be reminded of minimalist composer Phillip Glass, to give you a comparison to another contemporary. Even songs that I couldn't imagine any other way, like Time Is Running out, is beautifully translated here. If you're a lover of classical music and/or Muse, plus if you've got an open mind, you will not regret getting this album. And, I'll add, Vitamin String Quartet has a fairly vast discography of many other rock band tributes. Those are definitely worth checking out, too. ^_^