cobainster's Full Review: MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana (US)
Released: November 1st 1994
Label: Geffen Records / DGC
Band:
- Kurt Cobain: Guitar / Vocals
- Krist Novoselic: Bass
- Dave Grohl: Drums / Backing Vocals
- Pat Smear: Guitar
- Lori Goldston: Cello
- Curt Kirkwood: Guitar
- Cris Kirkword: Guitar / Backing Vocals
It is great to see what NIRVANA can do when they are softened and put onto acoustic instruments. Before the 'Unplugged' performance in August of 1993, Kurt told French interviewers he would like to one day play acoustic and become a legend like Johnny Cash.
Many fans were disappointed with Unplugged which can be seen on the TV special which shows behind the scenes footage, but overall most of the fans enjoyed the performance. Most of the fans that didn't enjoy the experience were along with those who were disappointed that they didn't play 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'
Track 1- About A Girl (10/10)
This album opens up with the crowd cheering and Kurt saying ''this is off our first record, most people don't own it''. This is an absolutely great version of the 'Bleach' classic and seems perfect for this arrangement and performance.
Track 2- Come As You Are (10/10)
A Nice acoustic version of the 'Nevermind' hit which some fans and / or producers would call the highlight of the show, along with the last track. This song is rather spooky and mysterious played acoustically but nonetheless it is a great song and one of my favourites on this album.
Track 3- Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam (7/10)
Don't get me wrong, this is a great song but I prefer it how NIRVANA played it electrically on their 1991 'Nevermind' tour. Kurt introduces it as ''a rendition of an old christian song..i think''. This song is a cover of a band called 'The Vaselines' as Kurt states at the beginning of the song.
Track 4- The Man Who Sold The World (9/10)
Some great guitar and bass work on this David Bowie cover. Krist Novoselic shows his ability as he plays the curling and catchy chorus riff to this great cover. Pat Smear on second guitar also provides the same tune which makes a sort of 'symphony orchestra' effect.
Track 5- Pennyroyal Tea (9/10)
This is a great rendition of the nineth track on 1993's 'In Utero'. Kurt decides and states to play it 'by himself', It is great to see just Kurt playing, it really shows his true ability, although this is a relatively simple song it still shows how Kurt could make a great song out of a few easy chords.
Track 6- Dumb (8/10)
The whole band re-start playing on this 'In Utero' song. Originally penned by the band in 1991, this song seems ideal for this performance and the acoustic guitar really makes this song that more amazing.
Track 7- Polly (8/10)
Once again, this song is ideal for an acoustic set as it was originally recorded on an acoustic guitar for the band's breakthrough album 'Nevermind'. Kurt however plays the song the way he does on the 'Incesticide' album, which I think is better and gives the song a softer effect.
Track 8- On A Plain (9/10)
Another 'Nevermind' song, this version is very interesting and in a way gives you something that the electric version never did. The acoustic touch makes this song seem very special and I personally prefer this version to the 'Nevermmind' album version.
Track 9- Something In The Way (8/10)
Another great rendition of Nevermind's final track. It has a different touch to it but only a very slight one as it was recorded pretty much the same on the album version. But it is still a great song and is cut out of the all the video showings of this performances.
Track 10- Plateau (10/10)
Here, enter the band's 'mystery guests' who are members of the 'Meat Puppets', Cobain does not play guitar on this cover of the Meat Puppets song. I have not heard the original version of this song but I can easily say that this song is a masterpiece.
Track 11- Oh, Me (10/10)
More genius guitar work on this fantastic cover where again, Cobain does not play guitar. This song, along with 'Something In The Way' is not aired in television showings of this performance.
Track 12- Lake Of Fire (10/10)
The third and final 'Meat Puppets' cover, is just as good as the other two covers. Also, in the instrumental / solo part, Cobain is seen bobbing his head back and forth gently which indicates him enjoying performing with one of his favourite bands. And, just at the end of this track, Dave Grohl can be heard playing the drum beat to 'Scentless Apprentice' from 1993's 'In Utero'.
Track 13- All Apologies (8/10)
This is a great version of the 'In Utero' track, and seems to fit right into the whole 'Unplugged' performance. Near the end of the song, Cobain does sort of a John Lennon-esque vocal part, on the lyrics 'all in all is all we all are'.
Track 14- Where Did You Sleep Last Night? (9/10)
The last but not least track, is a cover of one of Cobain's favourite performers, Huddie Ledbetter but better known as 'Leadbelly'. Everyone present at this performance remembers getting chills at Cobain's vocal scream at the end of the song.
This is overall a very good album (hmm...how many times have i said that?' and If you don't mind the softer side of NIRVANA go out and by this album! ..or catch the video of it..which is normally played on MTV2 every month or two.
This album really shows the talent that the band have, and their cover of 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?' silenced almost everyone who deemed Cobain as talentless. This album also shows Kurt's humor, and he tells a funny story and utters a few funny phrases, like 'strap on your geetar'.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.