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?
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. 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. This is especially relevant when listening to the dexterity in Cobain’s vocal range.
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. 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. 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.
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. Similarly, the inclusion of covers made this particular performance even more memorable. 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.
Flawless 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. It isn't excessive, nor is it irrelevant, but the volume level is so low that the context isn't easily discernible. This is less problematic when using headphones, but I feel it should have been omitted from the music-only releases of the performance.
Regarding the sonic qualities of the recording, MTV Unplugged In New York has been reissued numerous times, especially on physical formats. While I’ve been fortunate to own the 2008 vinyl reissue, this particular release isn’t as stunning as the Lossless Apple Music stream. The mastering simply sounds off. While Cobain’s vocal is front and centre, the instrumental backing is somewhat compressed and shriller than on the lossless stream. 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. 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.
While I acknowledge that other vinyl releases, based upon reviews, suggest sonic superiority, it’s a case of once bitten, twice shy. 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.
Granted, the artwork is far more impressive on the physical counterpart and while it is a solid reproduction, there are flaws. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice the photos are softer than they ideally should be. 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. 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. 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.
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.
About 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. With a soft alternative pop/rock feel, I can’t help but think of The Beatles, particularly from a barebones instrumental and vocal standpoint. The original, from the 1989 release Bleach, is somewhat similar and as much as I adore that recording, this live rendition surpasses it. It’s a simple case of Cobain's vocal delivery leaving me speechless when performed live. What an incredible talent!
Come As You Are, from Nevermind, is a mellow wonderland and while I adore the original studio recording, this live performance, similar to About A Girl, takes the song to another level.
Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam is a valued addition to their repertoire and is significantly better than The Vaselines’ edition titled Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam. No, it isn’t the strongest song in the lineup, but it works well within the structure of the performance.
The Man Who Sold The World is an incredible David Bowie cover and while Bowie’s version is magnificent, in its own right, Nirvana further refined it and made it just as much their own as a homage to the originator. Due to the guitar styling of the original song, it becomes obvious why Cobain was compelled to use the fuzz box during the recording. While it may have fallen outside the parameters of the acoustic performance, there is no doubt that it is better for its inclusion. The result is an exceptional rendition of The Man Who Sold The World.
Pennyroyal Tea, from In Utero, is a Cobain vocal masterpiece. This is yet another example of where the MTV Unplugged performance surpassed the brilliance of the studio recording.
Dumb has all the groove and rhythm of the original, as heard on In Utero, yet this performance takes the song to heavenly heights previously unheard on the studio recording.
Polly, from Nevermind, is an incredible song that is perfectly suited to the unplugged ethos of this performance, despite my preference for the studio recording.
On A Plain, from Nevermind, is far greater performed unplugged than it is on the critically acclaimed 1991 release. Yes, the style and intent are slightly different, but On A Plain further validates how well-suited Nirvana’s music was to being performed acoustically.
Something In The Way, from Nevermind, is one of the most beautiful Nirvana songs ever recorded. While nothing could ever beat the original studio recording, this performance is utterly exceptional and brings a smile to my face every time I hear it.
Plateau, the first of three Meat Puppets covers, is musical perfection! The intermix of the instrumental backing and Cobain’s vocals reminds me fondly of Neil Young's style in the 70s while the original Meat Puppets recording has a Beck feel to it. Either way, it’s a great song and I’m so glad that Nirvana chose to cover it.
Oh Me is one of those tunes that didn’t immediately grab me. Yet, intriguingly, I don’t know why, for the song and the performance are both excellent. The Meat Puppets’ original recording is thoroughly enjoyable and while I don’t have a preference per se, there’s always room for various interpretations.
Lake Of Fire is one of the greatest songs Nirvana ever recorded. Yes, it’s a cover, but the song suits Cobain’s vocals so well that I dare say this is the only version you need to listen to.
All Apologies has a killer groove but I’ve always preferred the studio recording as it’s the perfect closer to Nirvana’s final album. On In Utero, the mix and associated wall of sound best this live performance with regard to giving the song a sense of presence that I feel is missing on the MTV Unplugged edition.
Where Did You Sleep Last Night, is the Leadbelly cover I alluded to earlier and what a way to close out this performance. While the original recording is iconic, as it pertains to the history of recorded music, as far as I’m concerned this is Cobain’s song for no one has done it better and I doubt anyone ever will.
Nirvana's MTV Unplugged In New York isn't just an exceptional live album, it is the quintessential Nirvana album; one that should be in every fan’s collection. It’s also unique in that it isn’t just a collection of well-known tunes performed live as it offers a different perspective into a band that was creatively greater than their acclaimed three-album run, between 1989 and 1993, would suggest.
