Turn on, Tune in to MTV
The MTV acoustic sessions have built up quite the legacy, and deservedly so. Many of these Unplugged performances have been defining moments in many an artist's career. Subsequently these "Best Of" compilations are a testament to MTV's legacy and the talent of some of today's greatest artists.
The whole idea of removing the effects and amplification of these artists, acts as an exposé. Stripping everything away leaving the raw talent on show. Only those with a true musical gift will make the grade and sound credible. Indeed only credible acts are bestowed upon with the honour of earning an MTV Unplugged session in the first place. [Ed - Heh, like Nirvana?]
The arena of compilation albums is a neccessary evil in the realm of music. I personally feel that they are for people with no individual taste in music or for estranged relatives who haven't a clue what to get you for Christmas! However, these MTV Unplugged compliations are diamond in the rough.
Third in the series, this boasts a DVD of the original footage of the artists to accompany the CD. Featuring a whole host of acts, there is a wealth of musical talent here for the discerning listener.
Opening with Sting's "Message in a Bottle", the DVD gives you a real glimpse of the performer as a whole. The interaction between artist and audience captured forever.
This album took me back to my childhood as I listened to such favourites of my parents as Paul Simon and Page and Plant doing an old Led Zeppelin number.
One of the choice moments has to be Kiss, Ace Freely and Paul Stanley being barely recognisable without the make-up.
A little plectrum icon denotes the Previously Unreleased tracks, some of which are lovely moments in the band's histories. None more so than REM's "It's the End of the World as we Know it". Requested by the audience, Michale Stipe has gotten the lyrics printed off a computer as he's unsure of the words and arrangement. Yet a faultless performance of the track ensues complete with syncopated stops and fills and a chuffed chuckle from Stipe upon completion. REM are musical demigods and such a performance only serves to confim this status. Other legends immortalised on DVD and CD, are The Cure, doing what in their own words is "the definative version" of "Boy's Don't Cry".
Even the artists I'm not particularly keen on, I'm reminded of why they've carved such a name for themselves and that they're excellent musicians. As I listen to Alanis Morissette, The Corrs and Bryan Adams I can see why they've had all had such prolific careers.
My favourite moment on the album has to be "Would" by Alice in Chains. Such a fantastic song anyway, the track is as dark and heavy unplugged as it was in the original. Plus the fact that after the death of Lane, the frontman, it's albums and footage like this that remind you of what a truly great band they were and what a presence he had.
As I hinted at earlier, I normally feel that compilation albums are a waste of time and a means for record companies to prise even more money out of the wallets of music devotees the world over. This however is an album of real beauty. An essay on one of the most defining arenas within modern music; MTV Unplugged. This CD/DVD is a little gem and a must for any collection.
For more details visit www.umtv.co.uk.