![]() While there are a couple of different versions of the MTV Unplugged In New York performance, particularly following the 25th Anniversary reissue, this review will focus on the original track listing from 1994 the one that’s present on the aforementioned vinyl reissue and Apple Music stream.Ībout A Girl is the only song from MTV Unplugged In New York to be released as a single and it’s no wonder for it’s a killer song when performed acoustically. While it isn’t a major problem, it’s one that every music-loving vinyl collector needs to be aware of for the format isn’t only just about that warm analogue sound. Yes, a vinyl edition was released in 1994, but without having one to compare it to, I can’t say if that original release is better than this reissue. Admittedly, the original artwork was compiled during the height of the CD era and we can subsequently assume that this reproduction has been done by merely enlarging the graphical elements. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice the photos are softer than they ideally should be. Granted, the artwork is far more impressive on the physical counterpart and while it is a solid reproduction, there are flaws. Plus, when the Apple Music stream simply sounds right, with a more solid mid to low end, even I have to acknowledge that sometimes that is more than enough. While I acknowledge that other vinyl releases, based upon reviews, suggest sonic superiority, it’s a case of once bitten, twice shy. In essence, if you choose this particular vinyl reissue, you’ll experience this performance via your speakers rather than being enveloped in the performance itself. Additionally, you don’t get the sense that the band is in the room with you when listening to the vinyl counterpart an aspect that is most certainly present on the Apple Music stream. While Cobain’s vocal is front and centre, the instrumental backing is somewhat compressed and shriller than on the lossless stream. ![]() While I’ve been fortunate to own the 2008 vinyl reissue, this particular release isn’t as stunning as the Lossless Apple Music stream. Regarding the sonic qualities of the recording, MTV Unplugged In New York has been reissued numerous times, especially on physical formats. This is less problematic when using headphones, but I feel it should have been omitted from the music-only releases of the performance. ![]() It isn't excessive, nor is it irrelevant, but the volume level is so low that the context isn't easily discernible. From The Vaselines to David Bowie to The Meat Puppets and even a Lead Belly cover, the songs were done so well that Nirvana made them their own.įlawless is certainly one way to describe this release, but if there was one criticism to make it would be that I generally dislike the conversation between songs. Similarly, the inclusion of covers made this particular performance even more memorable. Interestingly, this concert was less about Nirvana’s well-known chart-topping hits and more about creative expression and the exploration of deeper cuts that most people, had they not heard the albums, would have been unaware of. Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it as Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged In New York impressively sold more than 10 million units and also won them a Grammy Award (their only one) for the performance. Showcasing some of Nirvana’s greatest tunes, and incredible covers, while also being one of the best live recordings ever made this is one release you should not ignore. Whether you agree, or not, with the above affirmation, there is no doubt that Nirvana’s 1993 live performance, MTV Unplugged In New York (released a year later, several months post-Cobain’s death, in November, 1994), is a no-compromise off-the-charts recording. This is especially relevant when listening to the dexterity in Cobain’s vocal range. Such a combination shouldn’t work, on paper, yet in retrospect, it isn’t difficult to suggest that Nirvana were ideally suited to the soft and/or folk-rock styles heard via this performance. Yes, fellow Nirvana fans, you may be offended by that declaration, and while I’m not suggesting that Nirvana weren’t an exceptional rock band and a highlight of grunge, punk, and alternative rock genres, there’s something magical about their MTV Unplugged In New York performance that can't be overlooked. Experimenting with styles is a key motivator for most musicians, but who would have ever thought that Nirvana would perform unplugged and in the process deliver a recording that is superior to their studio albums?
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