Reviews (page 11 of 15)
Sound like escopetaso en el sielo la boca
Great music from nirvana. Switch up to acoustic was great.
Really like the production on this, not too clean or dirty. The covers are fun and just a great setlist all around. Love some of the backing band stuff and the strings sound great. On of the better live albums I have heard.
Nirvana always great. A throwback to highschool.
Yeah, this was cool. Why can't he sing?
I am Strongly Opposed to the concept of live albums appearing on this list. That being said, as far as live albums go, this was a great one.
I enjoyed it
I remember this concert. It’s great. The acoustic is better than the record.
Surprisingly soft, yet still gritty. Good sad boi music
An absolute legend. Little words need to be said. Kurt Cobain was a mastermind on the mic 9/10
Some great interpretations of great songs, but the sloppiness and dead air between tracks really take away from the whole experience. A lot of people will probably find those things charming, but they’re just not good.
Classic Nirvana. Ends with "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" joined by the Blues musician Lead Belly.
Although I wouldn't say I particularly fancy live records, this one definitely has something more to it. It's noticeably less punchy and loud than most of their studio records, so there's quite a different kind of feel to it.
Impresionante unplugged, pero un poco lento como para ponerle el 5.
Very soulful 4/5
great album which features cover of Bowie's man who sold the world
Iconic album. 4.5
I’ve tried multiple times to become a fan of Nirvana’s music, but never got there. This album almost got me there and I can appreciate why people love them. I like the simplicity of the Unplugged format, which softens the louder grunge features that I don’t like. Highlights for me were: • Come As You Are – great guitar intro before Kurt starts the familiar (even to me) lyrics. • The Man Who Sold the World – I was predisposed to enjoy this because it’s a David Bowie cover • Something in the Way • Trio of songs from the Meat Puppets: Plateau, Oh Me (my fav of the 3), and Lake of Fire
While I never listened to this entire album until now, this takes me back to my last year in high school. This was EVERYWHERE in 1994, littered all over MTV after it first aired. You couldn't go anywhere for the next 2-3 years without hearing "The Man Who Sold the World," "About a Girl," "All Apologies," and "Lake of Fire" on MTV or on the radio. This is a solid 4 out of 5. Nirvana was never a favorite band of mine while in High School, but there's a certain nostalgia that makes this album that much more enjoyable, albeit 30 years later. Damn I feel old.
The last time I listened to this was on cassette in an Econoline van. I thought it'd be good driving music but I was underwhelmed. It's not underwhelming on headphones. It's very good, and very interesting as a historical document. It makes the country & blues influence on Nirvana's songwriting more obvious. It was not obvious to me until listening to a lot of Nirvana that Kurt Cobain was an incredible singer, or that the songwriting uses a lot of neat harmonic substitutions/tonal ambiguity. Buncha cool things going on with the song choices, the decision to pick keys that are hard to sing on purpose, doing it all in one take. This is only a 4 & not a 5 because Nirvana is a band where I think 'this is good' and then I notice more & more of the things that make it good. It doesn't have the immediate impact of the stuff I'd give 5 stars but it does get stuck in my head as often. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
So live albums are cheating. I’ve taken swine star for this.
Always enjoyed this. Never blown away, but good.
Lovrd
Tolle Aufnahme, erstaunlich zugänglich.
8.9/10
Lots of good songs on this album. I don’t know if I really enjoyed the live album experience. I didn’t realize I knew so many Nirvana songs.
A solid effort but ultimately nothing here shines above the rest. Polished, well-produced for what is ostensibly a live album. Cobain sometimes falters vocally. Not entirely "unplugged" as it were.
Liked this live acoustic music very much! Never listened to much Nirvana, but his is one album I'll revisit often.
Vocals mixed way up. And that’s a good thing.
Easy to forget just how good Nirvana were. I was massively into them in school when there was a bit of a resurgence for them, but again like many bands I kinda neglected them after an obsession. Hearing the acoustic versions for the first time in years felt fresh. Cobain’s voice is way better than I remembered, especially live. Kinda suits being live way better than recorded. Forgot how many belters they had without even playing 1/5th of their material. Great band, class record. 4.5
Never listened to this in full before but has to be one of the most famous live performances, knew large portions of it. Some great tracks, very rough and ready but enjoyed it. While the live aspect will appeal to big nirvana fans I think it would probably be better properly recorded. Think the story surrounding this album heightens it's fame beyond what it probably deserves, but it's a good listen nonetheless.
There's a lot to like about this album - I think I probably prefer it to their studio albums. It sounds raw but polished at the same time, I have no idea how they managed to capture the sound that they do. Honest writing helps, nothing is overwrought. Great stuff. Don't think I can give it a 5, but it is a very, very well-regarded 4.
I'm not a fan of live albums but this has much less of the random live nonsense that other albums have. Was quite interesting hearing an acoustic Nirvana doing covers and more unknown songs. I quite enjoyed it, felt quite raw and emotional.
Ah so this is why I was familiar with those meat puppet tracks! Hadn't made the connection until now. Yeah, this is great. Somehow feels that there shouldn't be an MTV unplugged album here but not complaining. Haven't heard this in years, possibly haven't heard it all the way through before actually. Highlights: About a girl The man who sold the world On a plain Plateau All apologies 4.5, because of the live album thing
Another 4.5 star review. You can see why Nirvana was going to have long-term impact on music, and the live versions are as good as any recording
Happy to say I've listened to this. Gotta be one of the most famous live records of all time I'd imagine? Furthermore, if my researching is correct - it looks like the rendition of The Man Who Sold The World that myself, and everyone, knows from Nirvana - is the version that exists here live? Like they didn't release this on an album somewhere? Wow! I wonder how many songs like that exist out there. Major popularity in live form, but don't exist at all as a studio version. Also had no idea that was a Bowie cover which is also cool. Not much of a Nirvana fan or the "unplugged" format, but can totally respect this performance.
Still holds up as a solid record, despite being beaten to death by radio back in the day.
This album generates lots of emotions. It was ubiquitous for many months I imagine based on the release timing right after Cobain’s death. But damn this was played everywhere all at once. Especially “The Man Who Sold the World.” While not really an unplugged album (more of a live acoustic one) it’s pretty cool to hear new and different sensibilities in the songs. Proof that the songs are just that: good songs. The stripped down feel also allowed for pure raw feel in the vocals which was cool. And there’s also some musical happy accidents that occur which only further cements the human aspect on display.
Though not truly ‘unplugged’, you definitely get an unproduced version of Kurt’s raw vocal talent with this live album. I love the song selection even though it’s so heavily reliant on covers, and glad they didn’t try to force in anything like Smells Like Teen Spirit. In the end, it’s just an abbreviated unedited set, so why have so many of these recordings been so inescapable over the last 30 years? Probably timing. Recorded just months before Kurt’s death and released just months after, this was unfortunately the last thing we got from the band, which is probably why people remember it so fondly. I do as well but can’t rate it up there with the truly great albums as it wasn’t ever meant to be that.
Probably the most well known/liked acoustic live album and for very good reason. Stripping down the various covers and songs manages to elevate them, sometimes even beyond the originals.
It was really nice getting back to this. What a treat!
Real good.
Pretty cool
7.9
I found it so warm. Kurt so calm and friendly. And a magnificent voice with the extraordinary climax of "where did you sleep last night" unforgettable
Chilled, very enjoyable. Listened whilst reading and having a few drinks in okarito NZ
It’s all a bit folksy and contrived but a fascinating insight into Kurt Cobain none the less.
Could there possibly have been sentimental reasons why this album was universally adored when it was released months after Cobain's death? No doubt. It's not the best in the Unplugged series, that title undoubtedly goes to Eric Clapton. However, it is moving and deservedly on this list
One of the classic acoustic concerts of all time, in my opinion. Very unusual and very cool to hear Nirvana in a completely different role. Very lamplike atmosphere. They were hardly the first to try to do it, but after them there was a whole series of similar unplugged concert-albums among other musicians. Even Symphony & Metallica, I think, were inspired by this unplugged.
brings back being 19... interesting departure from the electric Nirvana and still love the album
Come As You Are // The Man Who Sold The World // Pennyroyal Tea // Something In The Way // Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Best album so far About a girl and come as you are start this off with a bang Batman song Calmer than I expected 4.2/5
I really miss the Unplugged sessions from the 90's. Great set list and feel to it.
Love shows are always a great way to showcase an artist, and the acoustic set allows the songs a new life. Personally, I have never enjoyed Cobain's voice, but it's at its best
Had thos album when it came out in 1994, still a great album today.
great raw acoustic versions of their classic tunes
Classic Nirvana, think I prefer the studio over live / acoustic though.
Took way too long to finally listen to this all the way through. Rare to hear a record this raw these days, with all its imperfections intact, but the vibe undeniable.
I absolutely love live albums and Nirvana, so this one is easy :) About a girl : 7/10 Come as you are : 9/10 (one of the first song I learned on guitar) Jesus doesn't want me for a sunbeam : 6/10, a bit less fan of this one. The man who sold the world : 10/10, f*ucking masterclass Pennyroyal Tea : 6.5/10 Polly : 6/10 On a plain : 6/10 middle tracks are a bit weak and lack energy Something in the way : 8/10 Plateau : 7/10 Oh, me : 6/10 Lake of fire : 7.5/10 All apologies : 7.5/10 Where did you sleep last night : 8/10 7.3/10 ==> 4*
Nirvana and their genre never really clicked for me but this was a great, memorable performance.
Fantastic album, a classic.
Track 1: good song definitely one of favorites and good memories with it. Track 2: always a fun song I really like the acoustic bass. Track 3: fun accordion Track 4: always a fun track Track 5: I like the original more Track 6: have always loved dumb Track 7: one of the first songs I learned Track 8: pretty good Track 9: 🦇🦇🦇 Track 10: fun groove Track 11: never heard it before but really fun! Track 12: like the riffs Track 13: always liked this song Track 14: like the chorus part Overall: 8.7/10 I really like nirvana and this session, but a few songs are better on the actual albums and Kurt’s voice seems a little shot.
I’m not a fan of Kurt Cobain’s voice. The music was good. His voice grew on me a little in “Come As You Are”. Mainly because I like the song. I still don’t like his voice in most songs. He still sounds like he just had his wisdom teeth pulled and he doesn’t have control of his mouth. This album was much better than the last album I heard from them. Much better songs. Glad I got to see the music video. I now know if Kurt was still alive and tried to talk to me on the street I would say “sorry I don’t have any money” and walk away quickly. 7/10
Nirvana are hugely important for modern music, but are also massively overrated in my opinion. I think they are good, but they aren't amazing - and this sums up this album too. It has some outstanding moments, notably The Man Who Sold The World and Where Did You Sleep last Night (neither are Nirvana songs, notably), but the three Meat Puppets songs, especially Plateau, are just completely forgettable.
Very good.
Nirvana-Lieder sind simpel, aber effektiv.
A nice listen
Peak album, I’ve overplayed it though.
I think this is my first Nirvana album (although it’s obviously not a traditional album). It was good though
sounds largely similar to original songs, bit rawer vocals
Jugendzeit
Just great
incredibly intimate recording that conveys every little nuance about the song. The relatively soft spoken nature of Cobain is pretty evident as is his self-deprecating way of speaking. Simple drums, relatively simply guitar, and a heavy focus on the lyrics in this album. Also, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" is sooooo emotional. It's unbelievably raw.
It's Nirvana. How you gonna go wrong.
Tycker att låtarna är alla rätt lika och texten rätt repetitiv i vissa låtarna. Tror även att Grunge inte riktigt är min grej. Lake of fire var dock en stor höjdpunkt. Skön gitarr och bra låttext. Gillade även Plateau.
the melodies and arrangements are everything, cobain almost kills it with his miserable nihilism, God bless him
Oli kovaa kamaa. All Apologies ja Plateau 🤌🏼
Good album. Long time since I've heard it.
4.5 really some people are just so good live
One of my all-time favourite albums - thank you album generator!! I’ve listened to this so many times over the years I can’t really review it objectively at this point but I never get sick of it. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Oh Me Rating: 5
Listened to this while playing Aeon's End with my partner against the Hallowed Crown. We lost twice. I was in middle school when this came out. I wasn't allowed to listen to this kind of music...I grew up with the 3 c's...Christian, Country, and Classical. So...sadly, my middle school years weren't filled with the grundgy sounds of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. I hugely enjoyed this live album. A super solid 4. My partner was singing along to all the songs. Good times.
1 star off for the live audience
All time classic
Is this a good album or is it just the last access to Nirvana and thus fondly remembered? The Man Who Sold The World is such a good song. Gives me chills. Nice strings on Dumb. Dumb, Polly and On a Plain are quite similar songs. I like them all but the sequence is a bit repetitive. Something in the Way is a mood. Plateau is exciting, I hadn't heard this one before. Oh ok its a cover. Does it detract from this project that the covers are the best bits? The musicianship in the covers has so much more flavour than the Nirvana tracks. All Apologies is a great reminder after the string of covers that Kurt's got riffs. Beautiful song and rendition. Fave Tracks: The Man Who Sold The World, Something in the Way, Plateau, All Apologies, Where Did You Sleep Last Night 4.4/5 - as far as live albums go, this is clearly a good'un. Hard to fault the collection of tracks, but I think it is somewhat enjoyed with rose-tinted earphones because of the timing of its release. It is after all a live album basically half made up of covers.
Strong 4
Classico del madrido ça fait toujours plaisir même si c’est pas the album c’est toujours cool
Fantastic album. There isn’t a single bad thing I can say about it, some amazing acoustic songs (I especially like the covers of the man who sold the word and where did you sleep last night) and from a band that is absolutely not known for being acoustic. Unfortunately it just doesn’t have enough of an oomph for me to give it the five stars, but I still loved it. 4.5/5
Excelente! Un placer escucharlo!
Rústico pero es el sonido puro Los temas son Nirvana, no puedo decir nada. Es la expresión de un grunge menos enojado, mas conectado con la nostalgia. Por alguna razón antes me gustaba mas. Son temas como Jesus doesn't want me for a sunbeam y Plateau te hacen acordar de por qué estos tipos cambiaron tanto el sonido que estaba instalado. Down on memory lane.
When taken at face value, it doesn't have the best songs Nirvana has ever written, but the rawness of this album succeeds in bringing to life what made Kurt Cobain (and by extension Nirvana) so incredible.
Ook eens leuk; een elektrisch unplugged album. Nirvana is één van de weinige bands die zich de continue lange klinkers kan veroorloven. Bij nummers als About a Girl is het zelfs versterkend. Toch is het niet altijd raak. Nummers als Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam worden hierdoor verschrikkelijk zeurend. Het geeft mij dezelfde ergernis als de Beatles in hun begin-periode. Daar staat voldoende tegenover om het album hoog te waarderen. Zoals de gouden Bowie-cover. Kom ik toch nog op een 4+.
Ging wel lekker
A number of classic songs performed to the highest level though some of the filler was not up to scratch.
Great band. Great songs. But I prefer a studio album.
Really enjoyable. Not into Nirvana but this was a good listen
Grunge at its best. Cobain as vulnerable as could be. Incredible live acoustic recording.
Don't like nirvana but like this
I was very ready to condem this as I honestly don't think the cover of man who sold the world is actually very good. Having said that, I did really enjoy listening to this. I hate the long downtime between each song and think there are some weak tracks on there but come as you are and where did you sleep last night are hauntingly beautiful.
A classic, and obviously a great one
Nirvana released their last studio album, In Utero, 30 years ago. A dark, disturbing, intense album that solidified their legend with much critical and commercial success. MTV Unplugged was the first material released after Kurt Cobein's untimely death, a subdued live performance that was semi-unplugged (amplified acoustic instruments) with a live studio audience that featured stripped down versions of Nirvana songs and numerous covers, including a trio of songs from the Meat Puppets (with the Kirkwood brothers guesting on those songs). At the time of the release, I was getting sick of the mainstream attention the band was attracting and haven't listened to the complete record in one sitting for sometime. Nirvana was a band known for their loud, sloppy, spontaneous energy and amazing live shows and to hear the group in a calm, tightly produced TV studio setting (candles?) and normal looking teens and adults watching the unplugged show was weird. What MTV Unplugged accomplished was it showcased that Cobein wrote great songs and they were quality musicians and performers, but also that their audience was becoming more wide ranging and diverse. In the end, the band stood by their ethics and wrote and performed material they wanted. They weren't the second coming of Elvis, nor were they the "new" Beatles, but somehow a band that only released 3 studio records is celebrated and renowned. Mainstream attention and success, unfortunately was probably the demise of the band and Cobein's life and for whatever reason, Unplugged, Nevermind and maybe In Utero will still be remembered another 30 years from now.
Good rainy day vibes. Not my usual stuff, but still good.
Good, but can it really be better than a plugged in version? Unlikely. Man Who Sold the World is a good cover, but Bowie reigns supreme.
This is a great album but Cobain’s vocal style does not always fit the unplugged format, which can be a little jarring throughout. Other than that, very solid
Rating: 9/10 Amazing live album. Raw vocals, some nice orchestral elements were implemented, these songs really fit the unplugged arrangement. Prefer the originals mostly though but still an awesome album. Favorite song: The Man Who Sold the World. Least favorite song: Something in the Way.
Famous & classic, just not my favorite for continuous listening
Klasicka klasika, toto som pocul tisickrat :-*
Cool to hear Nirvana live and acoustic. They still sounded great. Sad this was their last go before the end.
Top-quality live performance
I find Kurt Cobain’s voice really grating on the ears was my initial impression. It grew on me as I listened though. By the end I was really enjoying it. Great performance.
I now know why Cobain is considered one of the greats
Et album jeg har hørt meget om, men i dag var første gang jeg lyttede til alle sangene på det. Mange covers og så et par af deres egne. Ligesom mange andre så var jeg vild med coveret af Bowies “the man who sold the World”.
Great live performance, however i feel some songs are better enjoyed with repeat listen.
Really good. Already a fan of Nirvana and this featured some great songs. The non-hits were a little tame.
an album with an unplugged concept allows a deeper connection with the music, i think. even though there's an audience, i'm able to focus more on the instruments. like, that deep bass line opening "come as you are" hits that sweet spot--or that strong guitar presence of "the man who sold the world." i will say i wasn't very surprised that kurt cobain sneaked in an amp, because the guitar sounds too much for an acoustic type. but i guess nirvana makes up for it by including an accordion?! while i don't know the history of mtv unplugged, the usage of an accordion makes nirvana's unplugged stand out, not to mention the inclusion of a few covers that nirvana made into their own only adds to it. this album deserves its reputation and legacy as being one of the best live albums out there. nirvana created an intimate experience--somehow, the guy periodically asking for which song is next adds to the intimacy (despite the guy being recorded for all of posterity as the annoying guy interrupting kurt cobain, but ok). that connection cobain created isn't anything like the usual concert feeling, and i think that's part of why this album's popularity rightly soared after his death. anyway, respect.
This is arguably the most popular and maybe the most important "MTV Unplugged" album ever recorded. And with good reason. Unplugged albums were often used as a method to just replay hits, but acoustically. There wasn't always a real purpose in these recordings. Nirvana sought to do something different, so they recreate their songs in a way that was befitting of the "Unplugged" style, and the results were an absolute success. You have these songs which are heavy hitting grunge songs, but they've been stripped down. Beyond that, they've been reimagined, and they're not the same songs anymore, not fully. All of their songs in this format are transformed to somewhat of an eerie, alternative, dark folk rock style. The imperfections (Cobain's voice cracks and struggles, mic feedback, and so on) just seem to complement their work here, rather than detract. Cobain adopts a much more melancholy vocal style, and again, it works well here. The pure emotionality of Cobain's lyrics show through in this format. Overall, the band uses this platform to show that folk can be gritty, too. Another joy of this album is Nirvana's outstanding covers of "The Man Who Sold the World" and "Lake of Fire". These are two songs that they managed to breathe new life into and did both of them justice. These songs were never studio recorded by Nirvana, so they finds ways to give these songs an extra shine in this unplugged format. Not only is this album one of the best examples of an "unplugged" album, it's just an outstanding example of a "live" album in general. It's not just a rehash of their work ad nauseam (this is a common complaint of mine for live album inclusions on this project); they try something new here and it pays off. While Cobain wouldn't live to see the success of this album, or to experiment further with this sound in the band, it undoubtedly shaped alternative rock and grunge, just as Nirvana had done with their studio albums.
I'm not one for live albums, I just find the audience annoying. That being said it does show what bands are actually good and what bands rely on autotune. Nirvana are not one of those that rely on autotune, they're just as good live as on studio albums. Stand out tracks are About A Girl, Come As You Are (One of my fav all time Nirvana songs), The Man Who Sold The World and Where Did You Sleep Last Night. I've always enjoyed the sound of nirvanas music, so this album would always rate highly.
Det är riktigt klassiker. Tycker om att albumet bara är en konsert så man hör mellan snacka osv. Tycker också att deras kändare låtar är väldigt intressanta och banger akustiska som till exempel come as you are och dumb. Favorit: About a girl
Really good live performance and the song selection was top tier. (78%)
Some of the best there's ever been from Nirvana
I wonder if people who didn't grow up with MTV Unplugged remember how massive and important MTV once was and the calibre of artists that did one of these Unplugged sessions. I will always commend Nirvana for this concert. Even though they were not my favourite grunge band at the time, this concert highly surprised and delighted me. A year earlier Pearl Jam had set the tone for Grunge bands playing the Unplugged concerts, but Nirvana went in a complete different direction. Instead of playing their hits, almost half of their chosen songs were covers or a bit lesser known Nirvana songs that suited the evening a lot better than the louder songs of their repertoire. I also remember being incredibly confused when they said: "We've invited some friends to play with us." And everyone was thinking other huge artists at that time coming on, Mark Lanegan, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden or someone. And then the Meat Puppets came out. With especially Lake Of Fire becoming one of the highlights of this album. This was Nirvana at their high point doing something different than their peers and themselves. Great album.
OK. Calming. Rock.
This takes me back. One I listened to a lot in the 90s. Such an interesting different sound for Nirvana, and one that made a big impression on me. One of the best in the MTV Unplugged series. Still excellent.
Best live album, shows the rawness of the grunge band
I'm not a great fan of the Unplugged series, and what started off as a distinctive idea gave birth to the horrors of Jo Whiley's Live Lounge. But this is the exception that proves the rule - stripping back the noise is completely revelatory. Top covers, great playing and just a sense of the most important band in the world at the time.
nice
He's not a very good singer is he
This is really good. I usually don't like live or acoustic albums but this is a very solid album. I don't think it's quite as good as a lot of others seem to think, but its a fine listen.
Great live album and a nice interpretation of the word "unplugged". Album is good on it's own with some solid covers, but it is placed in a different perspective after Kurt Cobains death.
Might be my favourite version of quite some Nirvana songs
Best way to enjoy Nirvana
Voice of a generation. Epic.
I have loved this since high school and it is still precious to me
Had this one on a burned CD in my car. Highlights: Plateau, man who sold the world, and where did you sleep last night (which is so good, it gives me chills). 4.4/5
Tellement le feu !
Still an amazing album and just as exciting to listen to now as it was when I brought it on its release in the 90s
I think I have heard just about every track off this album at some point over the years, even seen a bit on video from the actual performance, but never sat down and listened to the whole thing from start to finish. It was a good mix of material, also a showcase that these songs can stand up to a far more sparse arrangement with semi-acoustic instruments being played. I'm glad the Meat Puppets album came up for me a week or so ago, as otherwise I wouldn't have known the three tracks that were played near the end. I remember at the time that everyone was raving over this "new direction" for Nirvana, but it's not quite as ground breaking in retrospect. In fact, many of these songs just seem to work as well, if not better in this format. Not quite a 5-star for me - it's a great performance though and worthy of 4-stars.
Classic live album recorded only 5 months before the death of Kurt Cobain. Captures grunge in its post-public acceptance phase in the form of stripped down acoustic renderings of both Nirvana staples and select covers. About a Girl is a strong start to the album that translates wonderfully to the wireless atmosphere. Cobain's vocals are on point (for the most part) with good mixing. Come as You Are loses a bit in translation, but is still a jam. I miss the vocal effects that the original recording had that gave this song such a ghostly feel. Here Cobain just sounds so much more vulnerable. This gives way to back-to-back covers. Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam is the first cover on the album. Interesting, though perhaps unsurprising, that Nirvana went for deeper cuts into unknown territory on their covers. I don't know the original here, but this is a fine and folksy number. This is backed up by a much more well-known Bowie song. While I love the original, Cobain's version will always have a special place in my heart. Its a much more soulful telling of the tale. Pennyroyal Tea sees Cobain take center stage alone through a sparse guitar + croon arrangement. Doesn't do a ton for me. Dumb is another classic Nirvana song that translates pretty effectively to this arrangement. I like the incorporation of a string accompaniment for depth through the chorus. In all honesty, I prefer this acoustic Polly. On a Plain is fine... not my favorite from them to begin with. Something In The Way is a jam. I prefer the original, but this is still effective. This leads into a triplet of Meat Puppet covers. All of which I love. Oh Me I hadn't heard before, but it is low-key one of my favorites from this album. Great composition and delivery -- such a sweet song. Lake of Fire is probably my favorite here. Always loved the soul in Cobain's voice -- to this day I find myself randomly singing the chorus. All Apologies is probably the best song that they adapted from their catalog. It just fits the setting so well. I'm a 4/5 on this one. Such a well-mixed and composed live album from a band that defined an entire genre of music. Cobain's voice is the center point of the album and holds up well to the interrogation of an acoustic setting. I appreciate the arrangements of the various numbers and the shot selection in terms of covers and hits from their career.
Love me a live album. I've actually never listened to this one despite being recommended it numerous times. Lotsa classics, loved hearing it acoustic. Nirvana is good, but they aren't necessarily my favorite. 4 stars for the gang though.
Envers et contre tous
1 des meilleurs album en live, no pressure. Vrmt vrmt bon. Plusieurs chansons je connaissais pour avoir entendu à la radio, mais j'aurais pas pu direvles titres. Il est parti vrmt trop tôt, super album. Trop sévère pour l'effet wow du 5, mais 4 bien mérité.
My original thought was that this would would be a flat performance due to a lack of the manic energy of the band's plugged in work. It did, but that didn't detract from the vocal and musical artistry of the act. Very good, and a perfect example of the beauty of MTV's unplugged series.
After the grunge albums, Nirvana presented a folk-rock, acoustic live concert and perhaps this could have been the next direction for the band had Cobain not died in 1994. The choice of songs is great, it contains not only Nirvana songs but has also many lesser known covers, by the Vaselines, the Meat Puppets or Bowie. 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night', which closes the album, is a perfect ending of this album. Cobain's voice was powerful and raw, and together with the music it created a special atmosphere on stage. Great album.
Not a huge Nirvana fan, although I like most grunge from the era. This album conveyed greater sincerity than most of their studio content. 4.3/5
Nirvana. So it's always good.
I prefer Nirvana to be plugged but this is still great. The cover choices were good and their own songs played well, specially On a Plain and Something in the Way. Cobain’s dry humour was present here too and that was fun. This is a classic live album. 4 stars
Great album,
Kurt Cobain’s final artistic say in music encapsulated everything that made him who he was. The barebones of the struggling artist was put on display.
For some people of course, Nirvana were absolutely *IT*. Perhaps a little too young, but never quite achieved that legendary status personally. Can't deny the power of Kurt's voice and the stripped back choons here though.
Good
Very chill album and great way to enjoy another side of Nirvana. The chatter in between songs is charming and hearing more of the vocals in the acoustic set helps to convey more meaning than previously gleaned before. It’s a more sleepy album though, so if you’re used to a more energized Nirvana sound, this may not be up your alley.
Straight back to high school
I mean, yeah, it's not ACTUALLY unplugged, I get it. That's a problem, sure. Okay. But, effects and amp aside, the songs really DO sound different with an acoustic guitar. There's something about that slight change that compliments Cobain's deep, melancholic insecurity at the time. It's a definite vibe. Detractors like to say that this only hit #1 because Cobain was recently deceased and people were seeing the band through rose-colored glasses. I disagree... but only in part. I think this album hit #1 because it felt like a worthy and fitting capstone to the band's legacy. It feels darker and more somber than previous releases. There's a seriousness here that's unique for Nirvana It feels like the end and, with the death of Cobain, it was. THAT is why it was so huge, I think. So, yeah, it's big because Cobain bit the dust. But not because of some misplaced sense of "he's gone and now I think he's a genius!" It's big because it feels like a fitting goodbye. And it still feels like that, all these years later.
A lot of mythos around this one, and I while the songs are great, I never quite understood all of the hype.
Probably the peak of MTV Unplugged as a program/concept? Some of the hype was definitely due to the unavoidable reality that Kurt had just died when it dropped and the record company was looking to capitalize, but it's also a legitimately great performance. Some songs gain a totally new atmosphere with this backing; Pennyroyal Tea feels downright menacing as a solo acoustic song, and On a Plain feels much better suited to this environment. It's not perfect. The sound is sometimes muted to the point of sleepiness, there's too much mumbling between songs, and Plateau and Oh Me probably could have been left off the set list without a problem. But the highs are high. It’s a quiet, reflective, soul-baring recording from a legendary band dissolved too soon. Best song: Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Really love Kurt Cobain's voice, and it is on full display here. Some great covers along with solid versions of popular Nirvana songs.
Great live album from a brilliant band.
Definitely the album where Kurt and the gang found their sound. Come As You Are was a treat, as always, but I had never heard The Man Who Sold The World and Pennyroyal Tea before, and they were great. Loved the drums, vintage Dave Grohl, and All Apologies was a particularly unexpected jam. All in all, I was so pleased with this, after only expecting a song or two that I'd like. It was really cool "getting to know the band" in a way I didn't expect.
Klassisk liveplatta.
I already know this is a banger. It’s so good. First 5 star??? I don’t know, definitely a 9/10, but that’s not 5 stars.
Iconic really, although I'm not the biggest Nirvana fan in general
Divisive thoughts, hate the guy Who's speaking to Kurt between songs, love Nirvana's energy. Overall a good listen, some fantastic covers and unique versions of their own songs
Dark, cladsic nirvana, great the hear the intermission discussions on stage
It’s a pretty good live album from Nirvana. Great acoustics and great addition of traditional instruments like the cello to nirvana songs. There’s like 2 songs that I didn’t really enjoy but other than that it’s pretty good, although I do prefer the Unplugged album by Alice in Chains. Great first track, truly surprised me. The cover of The Man Who Sold The World is amazing I loved it. Dumb to On A Plain had good performances. Didn’t really like Plateau. Oh Me towards the end was pretty good. The concert ends dramatically with When Did You Sleep Last Night, great ending to such a performance. Honestly, just a surprisingly good performance by Nirvana. Favourite tracks: About A Girl, The Man Who Sold The World, Dumb, Polly, Something In The Way, Oh Me, All Apologies and Where Did You Sleep Last Night. Least favourite: Pennyroyal Tea and Plateau.
they are pretty good wow who knew! but still annoying
sonzeira e pa, das antiga
Great album, acoustic and stripped down, but not lacking at all in Nirvana's trademark slow burning anguish and menace. Surprisingly cover-heavy, which was disappointing to see at first blush, but the Meat Puppets covers work really well here. The Bowie cover is obviously next level. One of the best cover songs ever recorded. Nice to hear the crowd reactions, but there's a bit of a volume problem whenever the band is speaking. I had to crank it up to hear what they were saying. Not perfect, but riveting from start to finish. Fave Songs: All Apologies, The Man Who Sold the World, About a Girl, Dumb, Where Did You Sleep Last Night, On a Plain, Come as You Are
RIP
Highlights the songwriting
One of the first albums i was introduced to when i got high for the first time.
For me, this record is definitively the Nineties but not in its production or sound. It doesn't sound like the Nineties. Instead it represents the era by virtue of being an MTV Unplugged session by Nirvana who broke things open for all that college radio stuff way back when it was marketed as "alternative." More insightful people than me will say more insightful things about the lyrics and the performance, but it's still a decent listen though Kurt is as tiresome as he is probably tired. By no means my favorite Nirvana record, but it remains an occasional listen especially for the Meat Puppets and Bowie covers.
They set the standard for Unplugged. Shows how talented they were.
hehe
Definitely a classic, but I can't call it a 5. I appreciate Nirvana for the way they changed music at the time, but I was never a huge fan of Kurt Cobain's whiney singing (and way too much feedback/sloppiness on their recorded albums - a non-issue here). It has a lot of great moments and I can appreciate it for its historical significance. Certainly worth hearing. Favorite tracks - Come As You Are (great version), The Man Who Sold the World (fantastic Bowie cover), Plateau, Lake of Fire. Least favorite: Pennyroyal Tea - can't stand his voice on this. But RIP. Respect.
If you already heard the studio albums, there's really not much new here aside from some covers, which in a vaacum, aren't even that interesting. What makes this an truly great record is how personal and intimist it feels. It's like visiting an old friend an realizing how broken they truly are.
He sing about that he don’t have a gun. He lied. So 4/5
Liked this a lot. It must have been sad hearing this right after he died. There’s a decent number of covers but I don’t mind that, especially in a live album.
There are some great versions of now classic songs on this. You can hear the angst in Cobain’s voice. The closing track (where did you…) is my favorite performance. I’d give this a 4.5 if I could.
Nice
classic
It's just Nirvana live. I don't prefer recorded live music, so it's just like listening to Nirvana to me, but worse... 4.5
Love Cobain's vocals. Heard most songs many times before. A little samie
Wow they sure unplugged my mtv!
Iconic album
The acoustic format really highlights Kurt Cobain's voice, which is so expressive and textured. Initially I was unconvinced that this album, which is really outside of their core discography, should have a place on the list. But when I think about it as a way to hear where the band might have gone had Kurt remained with us, it becomes much more potent.
Probably one of the better MTV Unplugged albums. Funny enough I didn't get into Nirvana much in the 90s as I was a bit young, so this album was actually the first Nirvana album I actually enjoyed, then I went back and listened to the "real Nirvana". I think my favorite songs are even Nirvana songs on here, the Bowie cover of "The Man Who Sold The World" was an entry point for me to listen to Bowie and is the standout track for me. There's a line in a Pitchfork about how Cobain shows through these covers that "this pain is as old as time" and was likely instrumental in showing the kids some other great music out there, as Cobain was a god at this point. I am glad there aren't a ton of "hits" on here either, and the strained/uncomfortable energy of the performance is perfect for Nirvana.
Really enjoyed the acoustic take on their songs.
Great album. I don't know what else to say honestly. All of these songs are so well known. Kurt somehow sounds better on the live album vs Nevermind.
great raw album that really captures how much just a guy with a guitar can convey
On the upper end of 4 stars for sure. Not something I ever would have listened to, but the rawness of this album makes it really enjoyable. Started off slow but was all good songs for the rest.
Nirvana did a fantastic job here making an album that sounds as if they are old pros in the folk rock genre.
epic
Always going to be good. Never listened to in full. Have heard single songs. Great album
favorite tracks - the man who sold the world, about a girl, come as you are, jesus doesnt want me for a sunbeam, dumb, plateau, lake of fire, all apologies, where did you sleep last night least favorite tracks - oh me fun album for a nirvana normie like me. new angle on a bunch of hits i recognized
4.75
Nivrana doing nirvana things for an hour.
Love it
I like Nirvana. This is his unplugged in New York. Nice.
Great set list and great live concert
I don't generally like live albums, and a grungey rock band doing a gig without the ability to go loud on the instruments didn't exactly fill me with excitement. But, this is really, really good. Hearing some of these songs stripped back shows the underlying talent there without the protective layer of being loud and full of energy. The album also manages to capture (in a way that most live albums don't) actually being there, and some of the character of the band. 4/5.
Bring back MTV unplugged
Need to leave room for Nevermind, so giving it a 4. I'd not heard the whole album before - just seen clips here and there. It's very good
Best Song: Where Did You Sleep Last Night. The perfect, explosive end to the album. It feels like the entire album's quiet pressure culminated in this one loud, painful song. Worst Song: Polly. I've always thought this song sounded too much like Nirvana intentionally trying to go a more skate-pop route. Overall: This is the perfect example of how a live album can elevate the material well above the studio versions. The stripped down instrumentals, Kurt's seeming reticence to even be there, the personal asides the musicians make between songs. All while channeling Nirvana's often impotent-feeling rage into something quieter and more concentrated than their noisier studio stuff. If not for a sleepy section in the latter half, it would be an easy 5.
Saying this as someone that lived in the time of Kurt Cobain, I know I'm in the minority when I say that Nirvana wasn't that great and their impact on music would be less if he didn't do what he did. But this album, this show is one of the best things to come out that genre. Included is one of my all-time favorite songs All Apologies and my favorite version as well. I remember the ruckus that ensued when the band teased the 'casual fans' in the audience with the opening chords of Smells Like Teen Spirit and when into another song. 4/5.
eu amoiii
Oft gehörter, rechtmäßiger Klassiker einer geringfügig zu oft über den grünen Klee gelobten Band, der in der zweiten Hälfte nochmals an Qualität zulegt. On a Plain ist geradezu eine Wiederentdeckung.
If the songs are good and the soul and feel are there it will work acoustically. It does and very well indeed. Sad, but as with Ian Curtis’s death, a phoenix rises from the flames.
When Nirvana was hitting their peak in the early 90s I didn't pay much attention, I knew only Teen Spirit from endless MTV play of the video, hadnt really picked up on grunge generally. Cobain's rock star drug addict travails seemed like a tired cliché, I was indifferent, even callous over the news of his death. Seeing this live set changed my mind: the emphasis on unusual covers, and Cobain's delivery - tentative at first, but with growing confidence and conviction. Capped with maybe the definitive version of All Apologies and stunning rendition of (what in its original would have been) Black Girl. Less than half a year later he was gone.
The Nirvana songs are good of course, but the really excellent tracks are the covers.
Really nice laid back live recording.
Brilliant, a most for any rock fan
"We're so loud and incoherent, boy this oughta bug your parents!"
An intense essential album. I'm not going to give it a 5 because it's a compilation of sorts. A dour drug recovering Cobain sounds totally on the edge. Interestingly choice of covers. Not totally acoustic as Cobain was uneasy. Strong and haunting
Comme attendu, Mathis livre une prestation exceptionnelle sur cet album. Les grilles d'accords sont parfaitement dessinées sur les feuilles A4, le métronome ajusté à un tempo assez lent pour que je puisse apprendre à jouer les boucles d'accords sans me décourager… L'école de musique peut vraiment être fier de son professionnalisme.
Un album absolument excellent de la part de Mathis. Pendant toute la durée de l'album, ce dernier s'attelera à corriger les innombrables fautes d'accord de robheritière, et ce sans jamais perdre sa bonne humeur. Un trésor de patience.
One thing I love about live albums is getting to hear the artists' commentary/feedback/jests, and that's especially true on this LP. Rolling off the distortion both shows the melodic power of Kurt's songwriting, as well as gives him a chance to step out from behind his usual tortured vocals and be a person. Deconstructs a good deal of the general Nirvana criticisms and manages to be a powerful music statement and artifact of an artist gone too soon.
I love Nirvana, but this album just doesn't do it for me. It's just missing the energy of their studio albums ,let alone one of their conventional live albums. I don't think it really improves any of the songs, and to me it feels like it's a greatest hits album for people who don't really like grunge or Nirvana. If you want a great unplugged from a grunge band go listen to Alice n Chains Unplugged.
an great live album 7/10
I had never listened to the whole album before. I only knew what was on MTV at the time or the radio. Gave me a new appreciation for Nirvana.
Solid Album
Good vibes :) it’s enough to make me overlook that this unplugged album is very much plugged in
Bättre än annan grunge på listan.
A good live album with some great covers. Cobaine was taken too soon from us, and I would have loved to see what Nirvana could have become.
Un classique pour moi où la nostalgie pardonne beaucoup de choses. Si j'essaie d'être un peu rationnel, c'est un live et habituellement je n'aime pas les lives. Ici ce qui fait une différence est qu'on revisite les pièces d'une autre façon. On touche aussi à l'authenticité du groupe. La performance n'est pas sans failles et il y a plusieurs problèmes de sonos dans cet enregistrement, mais j'aime beaucoup la place mise aux influences. Et on a quand même la version la plus populaire de About a girl sur cet album. Le plus grand succès des MTV Unplugged.
I’m not a fan of Cobains voice, it sounds like nails being drawn down a blackboard. Live and acoustic however, it sounds much better, this is most probably the only Nirvana album that I have got any reasonable enjoyment out of listening to.
Yea this is a banger
classic
This is probably one of the all time best live albums. They manage not only make theyre songs sound great but also the covers they sound like they could be they're own. Highlights are something in the way, cover of David bowies the man who sold the world and lead belly's where did you sleep last night.
fascinating, but not up to the level of Live in Reading or the originals. Having the variety is nice.
Classic songs in a classic performance. I'm not as big into Nirvana as I was years ago, so perhaps that's why I'm not head over heels here. Still, a performance for the ages.
Légendaire album! Est-ce un 5? Le concert, dans son intégralité, est une superbe rendition du répertoire de Nirvana tout en prenant le spectateur à contre pied avec une instrumentalisation acoustique. Il contient également de superbe cover comme celle de David Bowie. Conclusion: super concert, mais, n’étant pas le plus grand fan de Nirvana en general, je ne peux dépasser le 4,5.
Fenomenal album. I love how genuine it is.
This thing is such a fantastic listen. It basically is a live ‘Greatest Hits’ performance, with a few of the hits replaced with covers which are awesome. Will be coming back to this lots. 8/10
I know I'm in huge minority, but was never a big Nirvana fan. However, this album was very good and definitely would not turn off when/if came on. Song #2 sounded a lot like Killing Jokes song, Eighties. Favorites, All apologies, where did you sleep last night and Lake of fire. Songs that surprised me and enjoyed, Jesus doesn't want me for a sunbeam and Plateau. Overall, very good album and fully understand the historical significance of this album and this band. 4.5 out of 5. The .5 is for Dave Grohl being part of the band.
They were really good
The show on MTV probably had a huge impact at the time, introducing watchers to the Meat Puppets, Bowie, and Lead Belly. I wish the Meat Puppets would've got more mileage out of it.
Tight
This album shows both the strength and weakness of Nirvana. Weakness, not about their musicianship, but in general because they were obviously lacking strong original material for the whole gig, and therefore included several covers. Strength, because the covers they included actually is given their own edge, in becomes relevant. Their version of the man who sold the Earth is epic. Bonus as well is the joint forces with the Meat Puppets. Not a bad album
It's sad listening to this album knowing what happens just a short few months. What a beautiful look into their world and his love for different music.
Lovely album to listen to for a Monday morning. Personal highlights are The Man Who Sold the World and Where did you sleep last night
Brilliant! 4.5/5 Standouts: About a Girl, Come as You Are, Dumb, Polly, Something in the Way, All Apologies, The Man Who Sold the World, All three Meat Puppet Songs (especially Oh Me), Where did you Sleep Last Night. And all the rest are above average too! I am so glad this album exists.... RIP Kurt.
8.5/10 F.t.: Where did you sleep last night
A different side of the band, they put their hearts into reconstructing these songs in an interesting way and highlighting the music they wanted to, rather than just their hits.
A look into the absolute rawness and absolute genius of Nirvana. This set contains songs that are so unbelievably vulnerable, and filled with so much passion - particularly for an acoustic set (even if the guitar was run through an amp). Their covers are just as good - if not better than their originals in this set, who can look past their cover of Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World. This performance will go down as one of the greatest live sets of all time, especially as to how soon after this performance we lost Kurt. Best: The Man Who Sold The World Worst: Oh Me 4.5 Stars
Really enjoyed this. Hearing them dick about between tracks was fun.
Nirvana gonna nirvan
I listened to this a lot during the early days of my first proper adult relationship. It took me back to some really lovely memories. Thank you MTV unplugged, this is a great recording.
There's some really fine moments on this - it just suffers from being too much of the same sound. The green cardigan look is a classic which I tried to replicate as a Darwin teenager, not advisable in 33 degrees.
The final run of Meat Puppets tracks into All Apologies into Where Did you sleep... is still phenomenal. Find this more of a what could have been listen than the Nirvana albums proper
A really fragile thing, genuinely a good listen. Would get an extra 1/2 star for having The Vaselines if half stars were allowed in this hellscape dictatorship.
I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed this album
Great album, enjoyable for the hits arranged for an acoustic session as well as some new gems (to me) like the Bowie cover. There were some strong nostalgia vibes here though; listening to it today outside of the 90's MTV Unplugged mania of the time it's a little less vital. Still good, but not sure I'll be going back to it a lot or anything.
Come As You Are is heightened by it being acoustic. The Man Who Sold The World takes on a whole new meaning when Kurt sings it. Something In The Way is a good cut. Never knew Lake Of Fire was a cover, specifically this version coming from a live album.
Un petit attachement sentimental à cet album. Je le répète souvent, mais habituellement je n’aime pas les albums live. Ici on comprends que c’était un événement unique qui revisite les pièces déjà connues d’une autre façon. Le choix des chansons en plus de l’ajout de reprises est bien fait. Ce n’est pas un enregistrement parfait, il y a plusieurs feedbacks et la voix de Kurt en arrache par moment, mais ce dernier point ne parait pas trop pour les habitués et ceux qui aiment ce timbre, comme moi. Ça reste donc un classique qu’il faut effectivement avoir entendu.
Pretty great album. Lots of spirit and the unplugged versions wer an interesting change of pace, I still prefer the electrified version of their hits though
this was great tbh, i really want to get more into nirvana and this was a good intro
listened to again something so real and raw about these performances
An awesome unplugged grunge show only to be rivaled by Alice In Chains. Loved the covers they did.
A classic, but not my favorite of all time.
Such a cool album
Well, that was enjoyable. Still not a fan, in general, but I like this album - probably because it was acoustic versions of their usual. But added, nevertheless.
Huge response to this album, elevating the profile of Nirvana and cementing their reputation as grunge innovators Classic
jesuuuus dont want me for a sunbeammmm
Ah, I don't think I saved my original thoughts so they didn't autopopulate. Basically, while I don't think this is Nirvana's best album there were parts I really liked and Grunge as a whole does suit my tastes quite well (sometimes).
Dumb, Lake of Fire and Where Did You Sleep Last Night are so good
Great live album
Enjoy a bit of raw, live grunge
MTV Unplugged in New York captures an interesting and unique performance in Nirvana's career, with acoustic instruments and a series of covers that fitted the band's repertoire very well. "The Man Who Sold the World", originally by David Bowie, is the album highlight, and gave new light to one of the best songs written by the english musician. The trio of Meat Puppets covers are also very interesting, especially in the way Kurt Cobain's voice sounds in those. Songs like "Come as You Are" and "All Apologies" are very well arranged for this album, as well, and shows a band evolving - a evolution that was cut short, unfortunetely.
Nirvana at its most subdued, stripped down and cool - albeit for MTV. Great live set of crackers and covers, tinged with historic Cobain-related sadness.
In many ways, I used to regard this as the perfect album: a sophisticated wrapper around Nirvana's music that allowed me to access said music much more often and in a much more relaxed manner than The Real Thing®. And in many ways, I still do. ...Yet I have to reserve a tiny bit of a star, because it just seems as if this music, which I would listen to over and over again and again during its first decade upon this earth, just doesn't "do it" to me anymore. At least not to the extent it used to. I do miss that feeling of being lifted by The Man Who Sold the World...
Temones
4/5
Well obvs this is legendary but I wonder to get the full effect you need to visual as well. I did really enjoy it - but its meant to be amazing and I didn't feel moved or amazed. Loved the Bowie cover!
Jamais ete fan de nirvana, peut etre parce que je ny etais pas a ce moment. Cest quand meme de bon albums et celui ci est propablement mon preferee. 4.25
So good
Great album, great riffs, Cobain is still a treasure
This album really highlights the strength of Nirvana’s songs. They hold up under a light acoustic setting just as well as with squalls of guitar and pounding drums. I forgot how they gave the Meat Puppets a huge boost by playing three of their songs from the II album.
MYY GIIIRLL MY GIIRLL
Claaaaassico da MTV acústica
The best thing about this album is that Nirvana used their set to showcase the Meat Puppets, The Vaselines, David Bowie and Lead Belly. Another stand out about this album is it's accessibility. I remember at the time it was released on CD, a person who never would have listened to songs off Bleach commenting to me what an amazing song writer Kurt Cobain was. To be honest, I found watching the Video of this performance to be a bit boring. The pauses between songs drag and the show is visually too subdued. Thankfully on the record the gaps are edited out and you don't have to watch a disinterested Cobain and instead concentrate on the music
Coraz blizej polowy listy, wiec czesciej niz rzadziej zesoly sie powtarzaja, tak jest takze i dzisiaj z zywym krazkiem od Nirvany, ktory jest drugim ich pojawiemien sie na liscie jak do tej pory i jesli mnie zmysly popularnej muzyki nie myla, bedzie ostatnim, bo w mainstreamie nirvana, to glownie nevermind i wlasnie ten wystep w MTV unplugged, nagrany w listopadzie 93, a wydany prawie rowno rok pozniej, jako pierwsza plyta juz po Cobainie, jest to chyba jeden z najbardziej charakterystycznych nagran unpluggowych, studio ubrane jak na pogrzeb z bialymi kwiatami, swiecami, kolejnym charakterystycznym elementem jest pan Cobain, dla ktorego to nagranie bylo swoistym pogrzebem, patrzac z perspektywy czasu, jak przystalo na format unplugged zespol sobie gra przez godzine, albo raczej nagrywa godzinny material, bo to jednak telewizja i przerwy moga sobie robic, ale w tym wypadku byla to nieprzerwana godzina, ktorej efektem bylo 14 trakow, z ktorych 6 to covery, w tym the man who sold the world bowiego, kolejnym rzucajacym sie w oczy jest zamykajacy nagranie where did you sleep last night, ktory jest interpretacja folkowej kompozycji Leada Belliego, jesli chodzi o covery, to ostatnim krory wyjatkowo mi spasowal byl jesus doesnt want me for a sunbeam, orginalnie od The Vaselines, reszta coverow to kawalki od meat puppets, ktorych dwoch czlonkow bralo udzial w tym nagraniu, jesli chodzi o nirvanowe kawalki, to nie ma tutaj zbyt wielu topowych bangerow z ktorych znanych jest zespol, moze poza come as you are czy on a plain, nagranie otwiera jedyny utwor z debitanckiego bleacha, z neverminda znalazly sie 4 kawalki, natomiast z utero 3, ktore brzmia inaczej niz ich albumowe odpowiedniki, cala plyta przypomina mi bardziej folka niz grunda, zwlaszcza za sprawa wolanego wystepu Cobaina, ktory brzmi dla mnie prawie jak Neil Young na tonights the night, mam na mysli jak slychac artyste w tym co spiewa, to i moze bardziej akustyczne podejscie do kompozycji i ciekawe dodatkowe instrumentale jak akordeon Novoselica z trzeciego traku nadaja plycie folkowego lub przynajmniej akustyczno rokowego klimatu, o ile tak mozna powiedziec o grungu, plyta brzmi jakby siedzialo sie w tym studio, traki sa polaczone krotkimi przerywnikami co bedzie grane nastepne no i reakcjami publiki, jakos nigdy nie bylem fanem nirvany, ale dobrze sie sluchalo tego lajwa, calkiem inaczej niz neverminda, ciekawe w jaka strone muzycznie by poszli, gdyby Kurt sie nie kopyrtnal, na plejke dodam raczej cos z coverow zeby nie duplikowac trakow, wiec trak jezusowy i czleka co sprzedal swiat
less exiting than i thought, but ... but .... can i say it? .... yes i can .... it´s a classic ;) A classic unplugged album that is
Should live albums be included on a 1001 album list? I am not sure, but certainly some of these live albums are pretty iconic, like this one - I suppose everyone knows it. It is excellent in many ways (the originals, the perfect covers, the production etc). But it also becomes a little bit boring too at some point - not sure if this is because the songs are so well known, or because it does not rock (pick a Violent Femmes (acoustic) record and you know what I mean).
More enjoyable than I expected.
Ook akoestisch prima te pruimen.
listened to it a million times. Great vocals and the classic 'professional amateurs' vibe.
Brilliant and haunting.. RIP I hope Kurt Cobain
Impresionante unplugged, pero un poco lento como para ponerle el 5.
The first live album I have received on this list, and a fantastic one at that. This concert is one I was familiar with and had seen footage of before, but I had never taken the time to listen to the entire performance. Nirvana is obviously beloved and could do no wrong back in the early 90's, but I feel that this outing helped elevate them to that legend status they have today since it is SO good. It says a lot when a band can prove themselves through the Unplugged concept. While they are mainly known for heavy guitars and screaming in their album tracks, they carry this performance with subdued, emotional vocals and tight instrumentals that create a very intimate and special listening experience. I feel this material would be more appealing to a broader audience than their other music in that it has a little something for everyone. While the renditions of songs from their older albums are great (maybe some not as strong as the original recorded versions), the covers are what stand out here the most. The Man Who Sold the World is fantastic and is definitely the most well known cover due to it originally being a Bowie track, but I really enjoyed the stretch of Meat Puppets covers (especially Plateau), and the track Where Did You Sleep Last Night could not be a better closer. The fact that these covers were included gives a great look into Kurt Cobain's inspirations that fueled his creativity, and the intense performances on them makes it sad that we didn't get more music from him after this. While I don't have much negative to say, I will admit that I have to knock this one down a bit just for the fact that it is a live performance rather than an album. I evaluate a setlist/show different than I would a track listing, and I find it much more impressive to compile new, unknown songs in a cohesive manner rather than combining proven hits and covers. As an experience, I would give it a 4.5, but as an album that appears on this list, I give it a little lower. 4/5.
I recorded this show on VHS and rewatched it so often, the magnetic media started to wear down. It is entirely impossible for me to disconnect this album from the experience of finally having access to my favorite band, for an entire show. The memory is made all the more poigniant by it's proximity to Kurt's suicide, where this entire show took on an entirely different palor and tone. Attempting to detach myself from my deep connection to the moment in time, the album itself is still legitimately great music. The pop relatability of the band's music, including their covers, is made plain in every track. Kurts vocals are remarkably stable and smooth, save for when he's growling out a chorus. Throughout it all, there is a tenderness and an intimacy that is common through the early days of the unplugged performances, and for which this album established the watermark. Really, the only reason I don't listen to this album much at this point, is because it hurts a little too much to listen to. Then again, it is better to have loved and lost, than it is to have never loved at all.
Nirvana's and Clapton's unplugged albums are the only two unplugged albums that should not be in a trash pile. The "Let's do an unplugged album" strategy got to be so excessive and such an obvious money grab. The "blame" for this lies squarely with Clapton since he made an amazing unplugged album that deservingly sold a shitload of copies but unfortunately started the trend. MTV was quite happy to enable all the others to jump on the bandwagon. Nirvana's unplugged album allowed a very different take on their songs. Also, when you have such good lyrics, it's nice to be able to decipher them. Pennyroyal tea might have my favourite Nirvana lyrics: "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld, so I can sigh eternally." I suppose it shouldn't be a great shock that Kurt liked Bowie but who would have guessed they would cover The Man Who Sold The World? This song is one example of another aspect of this album that makes it stand out from all the bandwagon jumpers on - that being the big "Fuck you" to MTV by not playing their big hits and having the Meat Puppets be their special guests. The final part that is special is that this album feels like Kurt's swan song. I think they were on tour when they did this recording and continued to tour afterwards but the accessibility of this concert footage made it feel like the last concert. RIP
I’ve always found Nirvana to be extremely overplayed in the radio world (and this album is guilty of that too). As I get older I appreciate them more though. There are some great songs contained within here. Fave tracks: “Lake of Fire””Pennyroyal Tea” “Dumb”
I was ten when Kurt Cobain died, and I didn't see what all the hubbub was about. Why were people crying about the death of someone they didn't even know. All these years later, I have more of an understanding of why his music was so loved. They'll never be my favourite band, but I can at least appreciate them for completely changing the face of rock radio away from the garbage that gained popularity in the 80's. Also, props to them for not playing Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Great album
Nice acoustic covers. Cobain has a style all his own that you have to like, or not (7/10) FT: Where Did You Sleep Last Night, All Apologies
Enjoyable performance. I often pull this out and listen again.
Wow. I haven’t pulled this one out in awhile. Love this album. 2 of my favorite covers ever, one of them of a song in my top ten (The Man Who Sold The World) I don’t know if it’s with the weight of knowing the end of his story that makes me want to read so much into this performance, but Cobain’s comes across rough, almost broken in places. It’s an intimate performance, at a time when we were longing for intimate performances. Even after his death, it feels like we are still right there in that MTV unplugged audience. Very few live albums invoke those feelings. Hell, very few studio albums manage to stir up any feelings. Not the best album ever, but makes this bitter genX FEEL something, and that ain’t nothing.
Great showcase for Nirvana
One of my favorite live albums.
Cobain and the band prove that the strength of their songs are deep in the songs, not dependent on the particulars of recording. The opener has a good amount of harmonic weirdness that comes through extra-clear as presented. But to balance the weirdness, this is one of the more intimate live performances I've heard captured. There's evident theater, but it's the kind between friends and not the above-you variety more common to rock bands. MTV in the title puts a slightly uncanny spin on sincerity, but doesn't hurt the music.
always loved this album and I remember seeing it live on MTV (probably live on tape)