While there's plenty of "rock meets classical" out there, the East Village Opera Company (most influenced by Malcolm McLaren's sumptuous 1984 album Fans) put a new stylish spin on the rock opera. Singer Tyley Ross and arranger/instrumentalist Peter Kiesewalter thought they should combine "the pomposity of rock and the pomposity of opera," but with pure love for both genres, the end result was not to be kitsch or camp, although it could be fun. A five-piece rock band was put together, a string quartet was added, and the ensemble began working on its live show along with recording demos. Decca soon signed the group and released its debut in late 2005. ~ David Jeffries