MTV's Unplugged
The Unplugged Collection, Vol. 1 (1994)

review by: Alexander Washburn
Date: 12/16/00

Compilations CD's suck. And so does MTV. So the fact that MTV put out a decent compilation is rather mind blowing. However, for the past 6 years, I've been listening to MTV's Unplugged Volume 1 and I haven't gotten sick of it, I've actually come to cherish it.

Granted MTV makes it easy for the listener to enjoy this record. It starts off with Stevie Ray Vaughn doing a solo version of "Pride and Joy," who could hate that. Clapton is next. Again, how can you hate this. Soul Asylum comes next and it is at this point where you think, "I can hate this," but you're pleasantly surprised at "Somebody to Shove." Lenny Kravitz hits the mark with a bluesy, slow rendition of his "Are you Gonna Go My Way?" and so does k.d. Lang who sings beautifully on "Barefoot."

The highlight of the record is Elvis Costello and the Rude Five (just for the name nonetheless) and "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror." The live and intimate aspect of the show comes into play. Costello connects with his audience, who applaud him mid-song. Annie Lennox is not outdone with a tender version of "Why," which when played will get you laid. Period.

The disc also features biggies as Paul McCartney, R.E.M., 10,000 Maniacs, Neil Young and Don Henley doing a cover of the Ray Charles classic "Rain or Shine, which I'm convinced is thrown in for comic relief purposes only.

MTV has become stupid and irrelevant. This record is a reminder that it use to produce meaningful music, and challenged artists to strip off the pretext and present music in its purest form. Paul McCartney did the show for crying out loud, you think he needs the press.