Unplugged (Ep) [Import]

Amazon.com
Marvin Gaye's heir apparent buys time with this seven-song, 34-minute EP. In 1996, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite showcased a rising star, and the sumptuous early '70s soul-moves here underline the potential. A bit of a tease, then, but just the ticket to spread the word about this remarkable newcomer. --Jeff Bateman

Product Description
International version of the urban artist's 1997 companion to his acclaimed MTV appearance with one additional track, 'Till The Cops Come Knockin'. Also features his beautiful rendition of Kate Bush's 'This Woman's Work' which is exclusive to this release. Of the other tracks, it features the singles, 'Sumthin' Sumthin', 'Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)' & 'Whenever ,Whatever, Wherever'. Another rare track is his very loose soulful take on Nine Inch Nails 'Closer', going by the title here of 'Gotta Get: Closer'. 8 tracks in total. Sony.

Unplugged (Ep),Maxwell,Soul/R & B

Average customer rating: The most classic Nirvana show Nirvana's Defining Moment Nirvana-MTV Unplugged in New York (an unbiased review) Necessary for any music collection Best Nirvana album EVER

MTV Unplugged in New York (Nirvana) Nirvana Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nevermind In Utero Incesticide With The Lights Out Ten ASIN: B000003TB9 Release Date: 1994-11-01

Tracks:

1. About A Girl
2. Come As You Are
3. Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam
4. The Man Who Sold The World
5. Pennyroyal Tea
6. Dumb
7. Polly
8. On A Plain
9. Something In The Way
10. Plateau
11. Oh Me
12. Lake Of Fire
13. All Apologies
14. Where Did You Sleep Last Night

Amazon.com essential recording

The last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Unplugged caught many by surprise with its stripped down, neo-acoustic offerings with a bridled fury. When Cobain sings, "I swear I don't have a gun, I don't have a gun" with clenched teeth (instead of an open howl) and when the haunting strains of "About a Girl"--from their earliest LP--chills even with quieted guitars, you discover a new appreciation for the nuances of one of the greatest bands of recent times. Highlights include covers of three Meat Puppets tracks (featuring special guests Curt and Kris Kirkwood of that influential "college rock" band), the weepy cello on the Vaselines' "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam," and their cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World." --Lorry Fleming

Album Description

120 gram vinyl/original artwork.

Customer Reviews:

The most classic Nirvana show.......2007-07-18

This CD is about the first MTV Unplugged, that was really unplugged, really acoustic, it was live, you can see the history in rock music changes with this show, the actual MTV unplugged are comercial and taped. If you like rock and Nirvana you must have this album

Nirvana's Defining Moment.......2007-06-18

This is the album that made me a Nirvana fan for life. I had listened to the radio hits of Nevermind...and bought In Utero for Heart Shaped Box and All Apologies, but this is the album that really made me realize the greatness of this band. With the removal of the loud guitars and distortion, you can hear the greatness in Nirvana's songs and the passion in Cobain's voice. Yes, the songs are not always played perfectly and sometimes Cobain is off pitch, but that is what makes this performance so real and genuine. Let's not forget this was not a studio performance but a concert setting. On top of that, unlike most other bands on MTV Unplugged, Nirvana did every song with just one take. About A Girl is a beautiful Beatleesque pop song, Pennyroyal Tea proves to be a beautiful song minus the loud raging guitars, and All Apoligies is haunting and brilliant (I must say I like the In Utero version better however.) What also makes this album great is the covers from David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" to the incredable Leadbelly cover of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" The end of this song is one of the best performances I have ever heard by an artist. The passion and angst is there...and it's not fake for the TV cameras but truely Cobain's dark inner pain. This is what makes this album great. The passion and thought put in to each and every song by Kurt Cobain. This is not to take away from the rest of the band who do a great job keeping each and every song going, including to addition of cello and accordian to some of the songs.

Nirvana-MTV Unplugged in New York (an unbiased review).......2007-06-17

First, let me start off by saying that this is an unbiased review. I'm not a fan of the band nor do I dislike the band. I'm a fan of all types of music. I also won't be comparing this album to any other albums from the band. This review will be strictly on this particular album. Now onto the review.

Here's a rundown of the songs (as well as my rating for each song):

About a Girl-4.5/5
Come As You Are-4.5/5
Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam-3/5
The Man Who Sold the World-3.5/5
Pennyroyal Tea-2.5/5
Dumb-4/5
Polly-4/5
On a Plain-3.5/5
Something in the Way-4/5
Plateau-3/5
Oh Me-3.5/5
Land of Fire-3/5
All Apologies-4.5/5
Where Did You Sleep Last Night-4/5

Picture this: Kurt Kobain, 3 acoustic guitars, a set of drums, and a cello. What could me more perfect than that? This album is a set of 14 songs from Nirvana's second album all played acoustically. The only thing better than a greatest hits album is an album with live, acoustic music from the band. Here's where the band hit (and missed) with this album.

So what's to like about this album? First, aside from a few pitchy spots here and there, Kobain's vocals are top notch and send chills down my spine. I personally prefer his recorded vocals to his live vocals but I'm sure a lot of people out there love the rawness of his voice when he sings live. The way he sings shows a ton of emotion as though each word that comes out of his mouth means the world to him yet he remains mellow with an "I don't care about anything" type of attitude.

Second, although the grungy sound is gone due to the lack of electric guitars, the hardness is still there in my eyes. With 3 guitars going at the same time, the band is able to achieve a great mixture of sounds while still maintaining the "you can feel it in your stomach", loud, hard, beats. "Come As You Are" doesn't lose its great intro or guitar solo. Kurt just plugs in his acoustic guitar and the sound is just like the original. Another stand out song in terms of guitar work is "The Man Who Sold the World". It's great to hear a band that can not only play their songs acoustically but can also make them sound so complex, giving a whole new sound to their songs. Equally impressive is drummer Dave Grohl's background vocals.

Third, as mentioned above, the band uses a cellist alongside their guitars and drums. Although it's sometimes hard to miss, you can certainly hear it in "All Apologies". This helps to create a more bluesy sound with some of the songs.

Fourth, those who don't know much about Nirvana's music (myself included) will be thrilled to see that "About a Girl", "Come As You Are", and "All Apologies" are on this album. You also may recognize "Dumb" and "Polly". All of these songs are done superbly. And you will be pleasantly surprised that there are a lot of great songs on this album that you haven't heard of. From the haunting "Something in the Way" and "Oh Me" to the incredibly sad "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" (my new current favorite Nirvana song) to the blast-worthy "Plateau", you'll find a lot of great new material on this album.

And what's not to like? Not much. As mentioned above, there are some pitchy spots throughout the album but that's expected. Some of the songs are a bit on the short side which isn't a huge turn off but just something I observed. In terms of songs I didn't like, "Pennyroyal Tea" isn't all that great and "Lake of Fire" and "Plateau" are both too country-sounding for my taste.

My rating: 4/5 stars. I probably would've given 4.5 stars if I could. The reason for taking 1 star off is that I find it hard to play every song on this album. I tend to skip over maybe 4 or 5 of them. Other than that, this album is perfect and Nirvana fans as well as fans of great music in general will equally be impressed with how this live album turned out. Be sure to pick it up!

Necessary for any music collection.......2007-05-31

It doesn't matter whether you're into grunge, or even if you like Nirvana that much, this album is a winner in every sense. The tracks from previous studio albums are cast in a new light, but the timing is not too different that you can't belt out your best Kurt Cobain with all those intonations you know so well. Also, the covers are masterfully done; it's plain to see that the band has a lot of respect for the tracks and their original artists.
If you're getting into more Unpluggeds, check out Neil Young and Eric Clapton. The Korn Unplugged that just came out recently might be worth it too if you have a basic enjoyment of their music.

Best Nirvana album EVER.......2007-05-22

Yes this is better than Nevermind, far and away. If you (as my dad) think Nirvana is just pure noise, listen to this and your mind should be changed. Nirvana's better in an acoustic setting than plugged in - they're good plugged in too, but I prefer Cobain the acoustic guitarist to Cobain the electric one - listen to his work on songs like Something in the Way or Lake of Fire.
Other than the fact that every song is top quality but Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam (which is terrible) is the variety of song selection. They mostly skip over their hits - Pennyroyal Tea, About a Girl, Come As You Are and All Apologies make appearances, but so do three near-obscurities from Nevermind. Now, Something in the Way and Polly were great songs in the first place, but I never liked the studio take of On a Plain - I saw it as one of the several generic speedy punk-grunge rockers that took up space on the album's second side (others include Lounge Act, Stay Away and Territorial Pissings). But it's one of my favorites in this setting. The melody comes into full view, there's an added backup vocal from Dave Grohl similar to the one on Heart Shaped Box, and it's set to a nice toe-tapping rhythm. Very cool. And this version of Pennyroyal Tea is also better than the familiar hit one (which is hard to beat), getting even MORE raw emotion from the chorus. Not to mention their high-profile cover of David Bowie's The Man Who Sold the World, which actually isn't unplugged but who cares?
Stick around for the last five songs, too. Three are covers of Meat Puppets (who, if you don't know them, are a fairly high-profile college-rock band - high profile for a college-rock band, that is). Lake of Fire has the aforementioned good acoustic picking and is probably my favorite song about hell ever written (sure beats similar songs by Slayer or Slipknot!), Plateau has a good back-porch vibe, and Oh Me, strong vocals.
And if this was just the last two songs, I'd still give it five stars. I love the studio take on All Apologies as much as the proverbial next guy (assuming he's a Nirvana fan, of course), but this one's even better. The perfect song for an all acoustic setting. And Where Did You Sleep Last Night (originally a Leadbelly song called In the Pines) is, I think, my favorite Nirvana song ever. Especially the ending. The group had gotten into a killer quiet, swaying mood for awhile, and then all the sudden Kurt loses all control and starts screaming, "MY GIRL, MY GIRL, DON'T YOU LIE TO ME, TELL ME WHERE DID YOU SLEEP LAST NIGHT". Whoa... whoa, whoa, and whoa.
You can just see Nirvana going in an all-acoustic direction had Kurt not killed himself (of course, he might not have killed himself had he not been FORCED into stardom by frickin' MTV) when you listen to this.

Average customer rating: Under par Universal appeal Like Having Clapton Playing In Your Living Room Clapton Unplugged One of Clapton's classics

Unplugged Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Guitarists | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Heroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Cream of Clapton Riding with the King Clapton Chronicles - The Best of Eric Clapton From the Cradle Slowhand ASIN: B000002MFE Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

1. Signe
2. Before You Accuse Me
3. Hey Hey
4. Tears In Heaven
5. Lonely Stranger
6. Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out
7. Layla
8. Running On Faith
9. Walkin' Blues
10. Alberta
11. San Francisco Bay Blues
12. Malted Milk
13. Old Love
14. Rollin' & Tumblin'

Amazon.com

Clapton caught the "unplugged" trend just at the right time, when the public was hungry to hear how well rock stars and their material can hold up when stripped of elaborate production values. Clapton himself seemed baffled by the phenomenon, especially when picking up the armload of Grammys Unplugged earned him, including Record and Song of the Year for "Tears in Heaven," the heart-rending elegy to his young son, Conor. That song and a reworked version of "Layla" got most of the attention, but the rest of the album has fine versions of acoustic blues numbers such as "Malted Milk," "Rollin' & Tumblin', and "Before You Accuse Me" that make it worth investigating further. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Under par.......2007-05-15

This par I'm talking about here is not golf, where under par is good. This album just does not measure up to Clapton's other work. Cranking out albums because you can is not alway a good idea and this is a good example of such.

Universal appeal .......2007-04-10

The universal concensus in fall of 1992 was the brilliance of Eric Clapton's new release " Unplugged". My seventeen year old peers loved this disc with equal devotion to match the lifelong admiration of my fifty year old father. Of course, Clapton had touched a nerve with the beautifully written tribute to his sweet son, " Tears in Heaven". Once this disc was in possession, though, a whole new fan base was proclaiming " Clapton is God", at least God of the guitar.

" Signe", a nice little ditty to set the mood, opens the CD. It's a warm feeling, as if sitting around a fire, listening to the best musician in the group show his chops. These Unplugged sessions have a plastic feeling many times, but not in Clapton's case. He brought a seasoned sensitivity that colors the whole album.

Blues take a bow with " Before You Accuse Me" and " Hey Hey". " Lonely Stranger" is followed by " Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out", a song where the upbeat melody contradicts the dour lyrics. " Layla" gets a sophisticated face-lift, while " Alberta" and " San Francisco Bay Blues" bounce around from strolling to skipping. " Old Love" sounds even better live than it did on " Journeyman". " Rollin' and Tumblin'", the closer, allows the artist to end on a high note, giving a mid-tempo flavor to an old blues classic.

Essential.

Like Having Clapton Playing In Your Living Room.......2007-03-16

Unlike many in the music business who rely on studio wizardy, excessive charm, or fearlessness, Clapton built - and kept - his reputation based on one simple fact: the man plays guitar better than just about anyone, ever. Whether he's playing his own compositions, blues standards, or rock, Clapton engages the listener with a passion few can match.

Unplugged shows a different side of Clapton, a side I believe is his best. You feel his pain in Heaven and frivolity in Milk Cow Blues. He's having fun and sharing the experience with you. This CD is one you can play over and over again. Even today, 15 years after its release, it stands the test of time and still brings a big smile to those who listen. Highly recommended.

Clapton Unplugged.......2007-02-03

This album reinforces, and reminds us, why "Claptin is God" got spraypainted all over the western world in the 1970s. Play the unplugged version of "Layla" back-to-back with the "plugged" version and you'll see how a guitar maestro can create two different songs out of the same cloth.

Unlike other artists who appeared on "Unplugged" but then refused to unplug (Springsteen comes to mind), Clapton is unafraid to demonstrate his chops in what could have been a difficult playing atmosphere.

"Unplugged" also allows Clapton to show his full range of stylistic abilities, from rock to blues and back again.

Well worth buying.

One of Clapton's classics.......2006-11-11

I bought this cd again because I'd lost my first copy and my partner had not heard it despite loving his Cream and blues cds. This quieter and more contemplative album is quite different from much of Clapton's other work but is a classic.

If you are not a Clapton fan don't be put off by his heavy Cream and blues sound. This cd is very different and will be enjoyed by people who like singer-songwriters who back themselves on guitar and with a discrete band.

The cd contains Clapton's moving hit 'Tears in heaven' about his son's death and while it would be extraordinary if any other track could reach those heights, most are worthy accompaniments, making it a great album overall.

The few Clapton fans who have not yet heard him 'unplugged' should have at least one listen of this cd to hear another facet of the great man. Unusually for Clapton, just over a third of the tracks on this cd were (co)written by Clapton.

Average customer rating: WTF INSANLY GREAT KORN CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved it- it sucks! You Must Buy Korn MTV Unplugged! Worst thing I've heard in a while...

MTV Unplugged Korn Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alpha Them VS. You VS. Me Vena Sera Eat Me, Drink Me Live & Rare ASIN: B000MGUZRA Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Blind
2. Hollow Life
3. Freak On A Leash feat. Amy Lee from Evanescence
4. Falling Away From Me
5. Creep
6. Love Song
7. Got The Life
8. Twisted Transistor
9. Coming Undone
10. Make Me Bad / In Between Days feat. The Cure
11. Throw Me Away

Amazon.com

Korn has made a career out of playing loud, angry rock & roll--loud and angry enough that placing the band in the unplugged setting has, until now, seemed unthinkable. But the risk has more or less paid off. Tracks such as "Blind" and "Hollow Life" work best in this new context--each filled with a sense of drama but not melodrama, their essential emotional weight is given new heft by opting for intense calm rather than an epic--and overwrought--musical maelstrom. Others, such as "Twisted Transistor" teeter on self-parody; a guest turn from Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee for "Freak on a Leash" is inspired, one from the Cure for "Make Me Bad/In Between Days" doesn't quite live up to its promise on paper. But the band's reading of Radiohead's "Creep" is heartfelt and true, making this unplugged endeavor worthwhile and truly entertaining.--Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

Filmed at MTV's Times Square studio, "MTV Unplugged: KORN" features acoustic performances of the band's greatest hits, along with several new songs exclusive to their "Unplugged" performance. KORN is also joined by The Cure and Amy Lee of Evanescence for this one time only performance.

Customer Reviews:

WTF.......2007-06-17

OMG! I just couldn't imagine it when i heard there was going to be a korn unplugged. This junk is horrible! Korn is one the worlds greatest bands, but still, unplugged, i can't listen to one word, it sucks so much!

INSANLY GREAT KORN CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-12

Korn - Unplugged MTV Korn unplugged is rock but without amplifiers and added orchestra, band, piano and other instruments to make it sound not so hardcore. It's basically a hard rock band turned into a soft rock band. Famous songs on this cd are Freak on a leash, Twisted Transistor and Coming Undone. On this Cd, Korn featured Amy Lee in Freak on a Leash. I think Korn Unplugged is a great Cd. I like the fact that I can listen to them either hardcore or mellow with some good piano and soft instruments. Korn sounds great both ways. I recommend this to a korn freak or just someone who knows of Korn and is tired of listening to loud music and can't comprehend the lyrics. This cd would be great for them. It is easy to follow the words and it gives off a great sound. Recommended to every type of rock lover.

I loved it- it sucks!.......2007-06-11

This could have been one of the best unplugged/acoustic albums ever made... could have.

This album has one of the most interesting and heartfelt covers of Radiohead's Creep that I've ever heard. This album, from a band that probably never crossed your mind as someone who could do anything acoustic, ever. With special guests on cellos, guitars, harps, bongos, and special gust vocalists like Amy Lee from Evanescence, and a duet with The Cure! And it's all worthless because it's censored.

If you're a die hard Korn fan, you've got to have this for your collection, which is unfortunate.

You Must Buy Korn MTV Unplugged!.......2007-06-03

Korn has really put together a great CD that adds a new artistic dimension to their music. The creativity and imagination behind the music are incredible, I was addicted to it from the moment I heard it. The artists they selected to perform with them also contributed a great deal to this creativity. Their sound was not sacrificed by the tempo changes. The only thing I dislike about MTV Unplugged arrangements is the censorship. I like my music to contain all aspects of its creativity. It's like pasting clothes over a nude painting-- what's the point? Just let art be art... bad words and all. Overall, I would definitely recommend adding this CD to your Korn collection.

Worst thing I've heard in a while..........2007-05-24

This cd is horrible. Kudos to the creative aspect, but Davis is NOT A GOOD SINGER by any means. Some vocalists can pull a stunt like this off, but not J.D. He desparately needs his studio recording technology to cover up his incredibly bad vocals. The cover of Creep is such an injustice to Radiohead, Davis just sings it pitchy and shaky like an amateur teen on karaoke night. Sorry, he can't pull off an acoustic set. Invest your money in a good band like Symphony X or Dream Theater!

Average customer rating: Great Album Flat & uninspiring Hoping for more Uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado Great!

MTV Unplugged 10,000 Maniacs Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Trueists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tigerlily Our Time in Eden In My Tribe Retrospective 1995-2005 Ophelia ASIN: B000002HEM Release Date: 1993-10-26

Tracks:

1. These Are Days
2. Eat For Two
3. Candy Everybody Wants
4. I'm Not The Man
5. Don't Talk
6. Hey Jack Kerouac
7. What's The Matter Here?
8. Gold Rush Brides
9. Like The Weather
10. Trouble Me
11. Jezebel
12. Because The Night
13. Stockton Gala Days
14. Noah's Dove

Customer Reviews:

Great Album.......2007-05-15

Any 10k maniacs fan will LOVE this CD. All their best songs in 1 pkg.
Defintely a good buy and great CD.

Flat & uninspiring.......2007-02-20

I'm a huge Natalie Merchant & 10,000 Maniacs fan, but this MTV Unplugged live concert is a big disappointment. I was hoping Natalie's crystalline natural voice would be enhanced without a recording studio's interference, but each song seems to have the same tempo, the same sound. The entire album was flat and uninspiring. I actually got sleepy driving to it. I'm too big a fan to give it 1 star, but this was a major disappointment.

Hoping for more.......2006-12-28

This is a good CD but I did not find it to be great. Maybe it will grow on me over time but I don't think it will. I have been a big of Natalie Merchant's solo albums (With one exception). If I could give it 3.5 stars I would but I don't think its 4 star material. 10,000 Maniacs fans will like it but would be fans are better off getting some of their studio stuff. That's my 2 cents. Enjoy the music!!!

Uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado.......2006-11-10

Si hay que calificar este CD la palabra es simplemente maravilloso, alla por 1994 escuche "Because the night" y quedo almacenada en mi memoria hasta que aqui en Amazon logre explorar mas de este disco y de la musica de 10,000 maniacs y quede totalmente enamorado de la voz de Merchant, ojala siga produciendo musica para deleyte de sus fans y el mio propio.

Great!.......2006-10-14

The 10,000 Maniacs have been around since 1981, and it has been a great ride. This album came out in 1993, and features Natalie Merchant's excellent vocals. The band survived Natalie's move to a solo career, and she has done well on her own, but I must say that this album is when they all reached their absolute peak! With the excellent instrumentation and Natalie's beautiful voice, this is a great album to listen to.

I love this album, and its mix of bouncy and soulful tunes, especially These Are Days, Jezebel and Because The Night. This is a great album, one that is sure to please anyone who loves great music, especially unplugged music. I love this album, and give it my highest recommendations!

Average customer rating: Great unplugged album! Outstanding CD if looking for diff version, laidback version of AIC songs Amazing Band, Amazing Performance BEST CD EVER! Acoustic brilliance.

Unplugged Alice in Chains Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jar of Flies Dirt Alice in Chains Facelift Sap ASIN: B000002BM5 Release Date: 1996-07-30

Tracks:

1. Nutshell
2. Brother
3. No Excuses
4. Sludge Factory
5. Down In A Hole
6. Angry Chair
7. Rooster
8. Got Me Wrong
9. Heaven Beside You
10. Would?
11. Frogs
12. Over Now
13. Killer Is Me

Customer Reviews:

Great unplugged album!.......2007-06-27

Nirvana's unplugged album is unmatched, but this album gives it a run for its money. This is a must for any Alice in Chains fan.

Outstanding CD if looking for diff version, laidback version of AIC songs.......2007-06-26

One of my more-played CDs... Nice if you want a variation of AIC classics or a slightly laid-back version of them.

Used this to get others that thought AIC too much for them to reconsider AIC.

Amazing Band, Amazing Performance.......2007-04-04

The Unplugged acoustic series is one of the best concepts to emerge from MTV in recent years, and Alice in Chains' performance ranks among the best of the MTV Unplugged series.

Alice in Chains was one of the heaviest bands to emerge from the Seattle grunge scene in the early 1990's, and listening to albums like Dirt and especially Facelift it's hard to imagine the band in an acoustic setting, stripped of all of the pummeling heaviness of those two albums. But when you consider the more melodic direction the band took with their Sap and Jar of Flies EPs, you knew the idea had potential.

To sum up the band's Unplugged performance in one word - powerful. As much as I love the Alice in Chains studio albums, once you strip the songs down to the acoustic level it exposes just how good these songs really are, and showcases the incredible songwriting talents of Jerry Cantrell. Layne Staley's emotional vocals are another key element of this album's power. The late vocalist had the ability to channel so much of his self-destructive energy into his performances, and this is no exception. No matter what your opinions on addiction, it's hard not to be moved by Staley's singing, particularly on songs like "Down in a Hole" and "Would". Ultimately, I think this MTV Unplugged album is the best of what Alice in Chains had to offer. With few exceptions, I prefer the acoustic songs on this album to their studio counterparts. They just seem to resonate more in the acoustic setting.

In the end, Alice in Chains Unplugged serves as the band's crowning achievement as well as a testament to wasted potential and what might have been. All Alice in Chains fans should own this album, as should anyone who's into alternative rock, grunge, or hard rock in general.

BEST CD EVER!.......2007-03-29

I could listen to this CD over and over again without interuption for the rest of my life. Every song captivates your mind and soul. Greatly recommended to anyone and everyone out there, no matter what genre of music you listen to normally.

Acoustic brilliance........2007-03-02

Due to the health problems of vocalist Layne Staley and other internal conflicts between the band members, Alice In Chains was unable to play any live shows after their Lollapalooza tour in 1993 which they did in support of their masterpiece Dirt. This unplugged album was their first ever show in three years and, given that, it is an unbelievable effort.

This easily ranks among the finest acoustic albums ever. Even when stripped down to the basics, the band's songs shine with heartfelt emotion and genius compositional skills. Vocalist Layne Staley sounds incredible: the timbre in his sad delivery is so honest and true, and adds to the dark and brooding nature of the songs. "Nutshell", off of their Jar of Flies EP, is interpreted true to its original save for the re-written acoustic bluesy coda by Jerry Cantrell. Staley's voice sounds achingly beautiful here, and the bass really drives the piece. The chorus of "Brother" is infectious and truly haunting in its emotional impact, and the addition of Cantrell's vocals widens its scope. The band is tighter and meaner on "Sludge Factory", with a bass-heavy context and shatteringly heavy acoustic notes. The album's most amazing moment is "Down in a Hole", one of the greatest songs written in the 90's, all genres included. Layne sounds more depressing than ever and turns in an excellent performance - he simply takes the listener on an unmatched emotional journey.

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell is arguably the greatest guitarist that emerged from the Seattle scene, and his songwriting skills remain unsurpassed. Even taken to their very core, his songs generate impossible sonic strength and his playing is out of this world. From his faithful rendition of "Rooster", a song written to his father, to the apocalyptic intro of "Frogs", he amazes both with his unique tone and remarkable ear for melody. He delves deep into experimental music too, particularly on "No Excuses", which seems like an almost re-arranged piece, where he plays a neat solo to complement its evocative flow. This song is also a highlight because of the performance of Sean Kinney, who doesn't miss a single beat. Kinney's kick drums also come out on the aforementioned "Frogs", the longest rendition on this disc. Bassist Mike Inez equally contributes to the album, best heard on "Heaven Beside You" and the intro of the band's hit "Would?".

"Angry Chair", one of the few songs solely written by Layne Staley, finds the band successfully translating this heavy rocker into an acoustic dirge. Staley also plays guitar here and his chorus must have influenced Mike Tramp during his Freak of Nature period quite a bit, given the similarity in his singing the song "World Doesn't Mind". As a matter of fact, Freak of Nature is the only band who comes close to capturing the dark essence of their heavy nature, even doing unplugged sessions, so you may want to give their Outtakes release a listen.

There is also a new song called "Killer Is Me", where guitarist Scott Olson picks up the bass and Mike Inez switches to guitar for a change. At the end of the song, Staley is so excited and overjoyed that he says, "I wish I could hug you all... but I'm not gonna", and the CD ends on a somewhat sad note, as if these were his last words to his fans.

This unplugged album is absolutely essential whether you're a fan of Alice In Chains or not. There's something for everyone here. Unless hopeless bleak music with introspective tone and desperate lyrics turn you off, you owe it to yourself to check it out, as well as the band's studio releases.

Average customer rating: Completely ANGELIC Fabulous artistry Fabuloso! amazing! Excellent!

Ricky Martin: MTV Unplugged Ricky Martin Manufacturer: Panda Local Label ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Puerto Rico | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ricky Martin - MTV Unplugged El Tren De Los Momentos Life Amar Es Combatir Como Ama una Mujer ASIN: B000IONLFO Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

1. Gracias Por Pensar En Mi (A Via Lactea)
2. Con Tu Nombre
3. María
4. Tu Recuerdo
5. Perdido Sin Tí
6. Asignatura Pendiente
7. Vuelve
8. Lola, Lola
9. Volveras
10. La Bomba
11. Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día
12. Pegate

Amazon.com

By all indications, Ricky Martin's Unplugged opus should be an easy, effortless sell. The charismatic singer is in fine vocal form, backed by a tight band. He makes some interesting set list selections ("Gracias Por Pensar En Mi," "Asignatura Pendiente"). But Martin is also coming off 2005's commercially disappointing Life, which didn't even reach gold status (sales of 500,000 copies). That's a long way down from his Loca peak. It gives Unplugged, then, the whiff of an artist grasping for old glories. Martin was wise to include standouts "Perdido Sin Ti" and "Vuelve," which still shimmer with a lush pop sheen. Both are from 1998's Vuelve disc, still Martin's strongest effort to date. But new tracks "Con Tu Nombre," "Tu Recuerdo," and "Pegate" come off like unremarkable rehashes of past hits. Instead of looking back, this talented singer should be searching for real ways to reinvent his sound and to make his music exciting again. --Joey Guerra

Customer Reviews:

Completely ANGELIC.......2007-06-17

If you thought you loved Ricky Martin you have NOT lived until you have heard this album. I love his music and I find it takes me back to Puerto Rico when I listen to him but this album not only takes me back there it TRANSPORTS me to the heart of Viejo San Juan. This album is "el mar que de podentro".

To hear a track like "Maria" knocked down about 25 notches from that crazy energetic totally loveable regular release and hear Ricky enjoying every sylable of the song is a JOY to my ears. I can hear in his voice that he is performing for the love of performing not for the want of fame or fortune. He is there because he wants to sing, hands down he loves what he does and well, he's one of the BEST at what he does! I also fell in love with "Perdido Sin Ti" on the "La Historia" album and it has a personal significance in my life but this live version is nothing short of an Angel sining to my heart.

He is performing on stage with Tommy Torres who has to be one of the quintesential Puerto Rican artists alive today and they are jamming. Anyone who understands what "Jam" means you will WANT to hear this album.

If you were hesitant to buy, hesitate NO more, RUN and buy this album I can guarantee that you will not be disapointed. If you are, well you aren't a true RMMII fan....

Fabulous artistry.......2007-06-06

Ricky reveals incredible depth, sincerity, and artistry in this production. An unplugged should speak to the audience in an intimate manner and Ricky has definitely achieved a unique level of expressiveness that sips through every verse and every commentary from the artist. I am happy and proud to see Ricky shine brighter than ever both as an acclaimed artist, entertainer, and philanthropist.

Fabuloso!.......2007-03-20

¡Esta canción es asombrosa! Gran trabajo Ricky.

I really love this song, and being in love with latin music, i thought this album was amazing. Ricky martin has done it again. Wow!

amazing!.......2007-03-12

What an incredible CD from the ultimate performer. If you're a true Ricky fan, you should also purchase the accompanying DVD to this CD. He returns back to what he knows best....ENTERTAINING! I would definately recommend this CD to anyone that loves Latin pop!


GOZALO!!!!!!!

Excellent!.......2007-03-09

This is a phenomenal cd that I truly enjoy listenig to. The acoustic format lends such a different dimension to his music and proves that good music does not need heavy and zealous production to be brilliant -- it shines on its own merit. He is in fine voice and I believe this cd emphasizes that Ricky is not a flash-in-the-pan product of music industry sharks out to capitalize on his good looks and charisma. With nothing to hide behind, an acoustic venue such as this shows an artist's true talent, for good or bad. Ricky's talent speaks for itself here and proves him to be the true musician and artist he has never received proper credit for.

Average customer rating: A Voice FEEL THIS excellent Unplugged PROLIFIC AND POWERFUL-TRUTH

MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 Lauryn Hill Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 The Score Mama's Gun Baduizm ASIN: B000065625 Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Mr. Intentional
3. Adam Lives In Theory
4. Interlude 1
5. Oh Jerusalem
6. Interlude 2
7. Freedom Time
8. Interlude 3
9. I Find It Hard To Say (Rebel)
10. Just Like Water
11. Interlude 4
12. Just Want You Around
13. I Gotta Find Peace Of Mind

Tracks:

1. Interlude 5
2. Mystery Of Iniquity
3. Interlude 6
4. I Get Out
5. Interlude 7
6. I Remember
7. So Much Things To Say
8. The Conquering Lion
9. Outro

Amazon.com

Lauryn Hill has loudly (and justifiably) been declared a brilliant artist already in her young career, and MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 will do nothing to dissuade anyone. This double-CD acoustic set contains snippets from her debut album, but most of it is new material that Hill performs with raw, shockingly honest intensity. Coming on the heels of a well-publicized period of depression and unhappiness for the ex-Fugees singer, Hill's reenergized outlook is plainly evident in this stripped-down performance--it's basically just Hill and her unplugged guitar--as well as the highly spiritual nature of the material. Cutting across musical styles from bossa nova ("Just Like Water") to Marley-esque rebel songs ("Oh Jerusalem," "The Conquering Lion," "Freedom Time"), the singer's voice is throaty and rough throughout, giving the performance an earthy, heartfelt pull. It's a deeply personal performance, filled with blistering social commentary and the evils of self-delusion while detailing her ongoing attempt to escape from the public persona her fame has created. In destroying her old artistry, she discovers a new creative force, yielding a mesmerizing and enchanting classic. --Jake Barnes

Customer Reviews:

A Voice.......2007-06-30

This CD is a pure step out. A step out in a world where the media is filtering down all expressions. The CD will open your eyes heart and mind if only you let it. Some people Might not Initially get it (Understand) because of where they are in the mind, body and spirit. But like Most revolutionary Art it will be more understood in the future. To think that A diamond multi award winning artist will flop or lose her talents is laughable. She's creating Love, Communicating to people in need,While Bearing herself to create a sense of unity amongst her and her fans. Many artist today create such a image in today's media, that it's hard to relate to their Expression. The album is truth, reality, and a awakening. It's Something Deeper than the usual. There's A voice there that will speak, Uplift, and Touch you. The Chords are Repetitive and simple. The Lyrics are the centerpiece and foreground. If anyone is Debating a purchase or don't get it. READ the lyrics from her site and Youtube search Lauryn Hill. God Bless

FEEL THIS.......2007-05-14

WITH THIS YOU SEE LAURYN HILL RAW AND BROKE DOWN AND THAT WAS COOL THAT SHE ALLOWED YOU TO SEE HER THIS WAY

excellent.......2007-03-30

...this album was great! I loved this album, it was so honest true. Its an album that is sit back and chill. Its deep/sad... its a lot of things.

Unplugged.......2007-03-29

If your ears are plugged up with music from mains stream media you will be deeply disappointed. With this album she was going through a transformation that only spiritual people (Not religious) are able to relate to. She was singing about life, struggles and the world that we live in.
I am proud of her and respect her a lot because she had the guts to do what many people don't even dream about.

PROLIFIC AND POWERFUL-TRUTH.......2007-03-13

Truth is prolific. Instead of singing about love lost and found. Lauryn talks about solutions to life's problems. She talks about religion as repenting and letting go of all of the things in life that are killing you. This is prolific and ultimately delivered in a way that is both personal and raw. Anyone who doesn't feel this album is unwilling to deal with the truth that Lauryn shares (i.e. "WE ARE ALL A MESS"). There are very few artist that leave you speachless and engrossed in the power of their words and voice. They include Meshelle Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley and others. Those are just my favorites. These artist share the truths about life. We all hurt. We all lie. We all cheat ourselves and others. WOW. If you are looking for music that will inspire, motivate and leave you feeling as if you have gone on a journey and come home a better person then you need to listen to this album.

Average customer rating: Another Hall of Famer. Great Album The Past Master unplugs Buy it for "Sunshine" Who knew a Beatle could go totally unplugged and still sound magnificent

Unplugged (The Official Bootleg) Paul McCartney Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Vocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: CHOBA B CCCP (Back in the USSR) Run Devil Run Tripping the Live Fantastic Flaming Pie London Town ASIN: B000008IAG Release Date: 1992-01-01

Tracks:

1. Be-Bop-A-Lula
2. I Lost My Little Girl
3. Here There And Everywhere
4. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
5. We Can Work It Out
6. San Francisco Bay Blues
7. I've Just Seen A Face
8. Every Night
9. She's A Woman
10. Hi-Heel Sneakers
11. And I Love Her
12. That Would Be Something
13. Blackbird
14. Ain't No Sunshine
15. Good Rockin' Tonight
16. Singing The Blues
17. Junk

Album Description

His 1991 album for the Parlophone label. Contains 17 tracks,including solo hits, Beatles classics and covers of golden oldies. Contains 'Here There And Everywhere', 'We Can Work It Out' and 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'. The full title is 'Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)'.

Album Details

Historic Unplugged Sessions. Includes Be-Bop a Lula / I Lost My Little Girl / Here There and Everywhere / Blue Moon of Kentucky / We Can Work it Out / San Francisco Bay Blues / I've Just Seen a Face / Every Night / She's a Woman.

Customer Reviews:

Another Hall of Famer........2007-05-23

I first watched it on tv, later had to make a tape from a friend's cd (yes, the first cds sold out that fast), and finally got my own cd after moving to Japan in the early nineties. Quibbling aside, this could be the quintessential McCartney album, highlighting each and every strength he has as a songwriter and performer. Most notable are three songs he brings back from his first album, McCartney. Had the Beatles stayed together, That Would Be Something, Every Night, and Junk might have immortalised themselves on the follow-up to Abbey Road, but only here, twenty years later, are we are treated to what each composition sounds like live and performed by a proper band. The sound is superb, the setting intimate, and Paul has a lot to be proud of in this one.

Great Album.......2007-05-13

A great album to listen while you are driving, working around the house, or actually working at work (as if). Great versions of tunes that you don't expect to hear from Sir Paul, such as "Be-Bop-A-Loo-La", "Blue Moon Of Kentucky", "Ain't No Sunshine", etc. I love it when he actually forgets the words to one of the old Beatles hits. I highly recommend this album to Sir Paul fans or Beatle fans.

The Past Master unplugs.......2007-03-04

PAUL MCCARTNEY * UNPLUGGED is the soundtrack to a 1991 live performance. The musicians and audience have a fine time as Paul and band play a variety of songs, from Beatles standards, to rockabilly to folk and R & B. McCartney's voice is a bit unsteady, and he gets vocal reinforcement on some of the higher notes (examples: "Every Night," "We Can Work It Out" and "I've Just Seen A Face"). The ravages of age and one too many concert, perhaps.

He does best with his own catalog, although Paul wasn't immune to forgetting the occasional lyric or word. The overall effect of this casual set is one wishes to be in the audience, so as to better soak up the man's still prodigious charisma. Liner notes included for each track, as are individual band member photos.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 58:22

Buy it for "Sunshine".......2006-09-06

The best reason to buy this album truly is to get Hamish Stuart's version of "Ain't No Sunshine." I guess with the advent of ITunes you should just download "Sunshine" and forget the album. Oh wait, that's right. None of Paul's stuff is on ITunes. Never mind.

Who knew a Beatle could go totally unplugged and still sound magnificent.......2006-08-13

At first when I looked at the songs on the CD, it looks like all the songs were easy to play unplugged, because most of the originals were somewhat unplugged already. As in And I Love Her, and Here, There, and Everywhere. But no, Paul doesn't just rehash the songs, he creates different arrangements, most notably in the harmony of And I Love Her. You also get to hear Paul's bassist/guitarist (mostly bassist) Hamish Stuart sing in Ain't no Sunshine, and Hamish handled the song pretty well. My favorite has to be And I Love Her. I must admit, the original was too fast and boring. But the added harmony and slowed down to an "R&B" pace makes this song shine out from all the others. Robbie's guitar work in all the songs are nothing short of amazing, the drummer's work adds a very essential touch to the music, Hamish's vocals match up right next to Paul's, and Paul, well we all know he's amazing. I recommend this CD to everyone. Beatles fans, or not, this is a live masterpiece.

Average customer rating: Pleasing and Interesting live and real check this out too I'm satisfied...as always. Not enough songs

Unplugged Neil Young Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Heroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Harvest Moon Ragged Glory Weld (2 disc set) Freedom Live Rust ASIN: B000002MKM Release Date: 1993-06-15

Tracks:

1. The Old Laughing Lady
2. Mr. Soul
3. World On A String
4. Pocahontas
5. Stringman
6. Like A Hurricane
7. Needle And The Damage Done
8. Helpless
9. Harvest Moon
10. Transformer Man
11. Unknown Legend
12. Look Out For My Love
13. Long May You Run
14. From Hank To Hendrix

Amazon.com

Based on past form ol' Neil should have been about ready to kiss off the sizeable audience he recaptured with Harvest Moon with an amp-shredding noisefest. Instead he aims to please here with vintage repertoire, the debut of a 1976 gem ("Stringman"), some tasty departures (the pump-organ "Like A Hurricane") and a heart-tugging "Helpless". The Unplugged backlash does not begin here. Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Pleasing and Interesting.......2007-02-10

I like this record Neil did in the early 90's, right in the middle of another "wave" of appreciation, as Neil puts it, for the man's music. An acoustic album dealing with Neil's acoustic fare. You get to hear several updated, more intimate and soulful versions of earlier material. The performance of "Helpless" here, is, in my opinion, the definitive version of the song. The interesting aspect of this recording lies in the subtle yet effective changes in tempo and feel Neil achieves. "Like a Hurricane" is showcased in a shockingly different way that one is used to hearing, it is truly compelling. "World on A String" and "Mr Soul" as more bluesy, slower acoustic renditions. Each track is a winner on this well recommended album, for those people new to Neil, this album should be up high on your "to get list"

live and real.......2006-07-18

This is a brilliant album,

if you want to hear a great version of like a hurricane, but not with electric guitar, try this album...

this is one of those rare albums, where every track is brilliant and you wish it would never end....

check this out too.......2006-07-08

I am a huge fan of catchy, country-folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) Ghosts Of The Great Highway by Sun Kil Moon
2) Kings Avenue Joe Kile
3) Subtitulo by Josh Rouse
4) Banjos and Sunshine by Sixty Acres

I'm satisfied...as always........2006-04-05

Casting aside a small number of albums released in the 80's, the decade that inevitably sabotaged every good musicians career at the time, Neil Young rarely, if ever, disappoints. Unplugged is no exception, being a release in a series of many by MTV highlighting mostly grunge bands unplugging their distortion-filled hits such as Alice In Chains and Nirvana, although Eric Clapton also did a similar performance. The show is well rounded, delivering a number of hits and fan favorites, some of which stay true to their original acoustic form as well as a few nice surprises thrown into the mix for good measure. Helpless, Long May You Run, and Pocahontas stay along the same lines as their original forms: acoustic, soulful ballads, none the least of which is the deceivingly soft The Needle And The Damage Done.

As far as curveballs go, Young takes the originally brooding and distorted World On A String from his extremely dark Tonight's The Night album and turns it into a slow, bluesy number which stands out far more than the original version, while Like A Hurricane loses its screeching feedback and crunchy guitars in favor of a soft pump-organ. Other highlights of the show are The Old Laughing Lady, which opens the show wonderfully, Mr. Soul which I need say nothing about, the nostalgic Harvest Moon, and Transformer Man.

There's not much else to be said except that this is a solid live performance, much of it with Neil accompanied only by his guitar/piano and a harmonica, the band slowly starting to work their way into the performance after the halfway point of the show has been crossed. I've always believed Young has written some of his best numbers with just an acoustic guitar in hand, and this album demonstrates the ability to transfer that talent to the live arena, right alongside the epic Rust Never Sleeps album, which in my opinion is Young's best. There will always be cynics and other ignorant folk more than content to bash a good record for this reason or that, but if you know how dependable and talented a man like Neil is, you already know this album won't let you down.

Not enough songs.......2006-02-22

Listening to (acoustic) Neil Young is always a treat. But this CD could have contained more of his songs. There are other selections that should have been included to make the CD perfect.

Average customer rating: Another Solid Winner For Alicia Keys, Despite Her Faults! 3-1/2 stars -- Alicia comes alive Great Alicia Live Talent from her bones Great Album.

Unplugged Alicia Keys Manufacturer: J-Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Breakthrough The Diary of Alicia Keys So Amazing...An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross Songs in A Minor A Time To Love ASIN: B000B5IPLK Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Intro A Cappella
2. Karma
3. Heartburn
4. A Womans Worth
5. Unbreakable
6. How Come You Dont Call Me
7. If I Was Your Woman
8. If I Aint Got You
9. Every Little Bit Hurts
10. Streets Of New York
11. Wild Horses (Feat. Adam Levine)
12. Diary
13. You Dont Know My Name
14. Stolen Moments
15. Fallin
16. Love It Or Leave It Alone (Feat. Mos Def & Common) / Welcome To Jamrock (Feat. Damian Marley, Mos Def, Common & Friends)

Amazon.com

With MTV's decision to revive its much-missed "Unplugged" series came a certain obligation: Whoever was going to kick the shows off needed to have the means to deliver serious heat, Grammy-vote garnering heat. The "powers that be" couldn't have chosen better than Alicia Keys. Throughout this consistent set, marked by warmth, sincerity and a powerful lack of inhibition, Keys convinces that if she's not the new Aretha Franklin, she's a force of equal might and measure. All the favorites are here, the danceable "Karma" carries into the funky "Heartburn" and the give-it-up glory of "Unbreakable." "Fallin'," "If I Ain't Got You," and "You Don't Know My Name" come later, but interspersed are enough pleasant surprises to make even fanatical Keys followers forget the signature songs. Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me," for instance, gets a playful work-up, complete with audience-aimed banter and an unbroken promise to "take it to the bridge," and a duet that on paper seems misguided works surprisingly well, as Keys resists any instinct to clobber Maroon 5's Adam Levine vocally. Yowling, piano pounding, hip-hop tics (the ubiquitous, emphatic "unh"), and even a spot of theatrical poetry all have their places here, but Keys manages them with a master's sense of what's song-appropriate. Her band is spot-on, her arrangements soar, and her guests--count Mos Def and Common among them--complement the proceedings without even momentarily carrying them. The best "Unplugged" discs leave a listener wishing artists would kick the amps altogether; this is one of them. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Another Solid Winner For Alicia Keys, Despite Her Faults!.......2006-12-14

Although I've already seen Alicia Keys at an unforgettable 2004 music concert, I decided to buy her third album, "Alicia Keys: Unplugged", simply because I'm a big fan of hers. Hell, just to hear her vibrantly soulful vocals further enliven R&B/Soul classics like "Fallin'", "You Don't Know My Name" & "If I Ain't Got You" was well worth the money I forked out to purchase this album. "Alicia Keys: Unplugged", which temporarily revives MTV's long-gone "Unplugged" series, further testifies to Alicia Keys' immense talent as a singer, songwriter and musician. Unfortunately, this album does not live up to the greatness of its two predecessors ("Songs In A Minor" - 2001, "The Diary Of Alicia Keys" - 2004).

That doesn't necessarily mean that this album is terrible because it's anything but. Alicia Keys consistently sounds as soulful, powerful, emotional and captivating as she's always been -especially on "Fallin'", "If I Ain't Got You" & "A Woman's Worth"- but I was hoping that she'd apply some more creativity and/or effort into the musical and/or instrumental arrangements. Apart from the "the stripped-down "You Don't Know My Name" and the insightful soul ballad "Diary", which chucks in a laid-back flute, the songs hardly sound any different from their original forms. I guess she preferred to stick to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" theory this time `round.

Another thing that I disliked about this album was its lack of new material. Yes, lead single "Unbreakable" is a beautiful R&B/Soul tune, but with all the name-dropping going on in the lyrics, I find it hard to find out what she's really talking about. The only other solid new tune on this 16-track-long disc is "Stolen Moments", another beautiful R&B/Soul ballad where Alicia Keys ponders on the beginnings of her loving relationship and grandly urges to her lover "lets get away" over a beautiful assortment of horns, flute and percussion. Apart from hits and songs from her past, as well as a guest-festive celebration with Common, Mos Def, Damian Marley & others on the album-closing tracks "Love It Leave It Alone" & Damian Marley's "Welcome To Jamrock", the rest of the songs consist of covers (Branda Holloway's piano-driven "Every Little Bit Hurts" & "Prince's "You Don't Know My Name"). However, there's no denying the sheer sublimeness and brilliance of her piano-driven duet with Maroon 5's Adam Levine on their cover of the Rolling Stone's "Wild Horses", which beautifully converts a Rock song into a spiritually exploratory R&B/Soul classic. Ditto in terms of brilliance for "Streets If New York (City Life)", a stunning piece of deeply thought-provoking poetry over a beautifully arranged melange of moody instrumentals.

The final problem I had with this album was with her lacklustre performances of "Heartburn" & "Karma". It's a shame that she started off a great show on the wrong foot by turning two beautiful songs into vocal trainwrecks, especially after beautifully opening the show with "Alicia's Prayer (Acapella Intro)".

Nonetheless, this is a great CD and is well worth the purchase, despite its flaws. It's solid proof of Alicia Keys' raw talent to the haters and misinformed individuals who believe otherwise. 4 stars!

3-1/2 stars -- Alicia comes alive.......2006-12-01

I guess the executives over at MTV decided that the station was in a rut, so they needed to do something to fill up their programming schedule. The decision was ultimately to restart their Unplugged series, with the likes of Kanye West and Alicia Keys. Alicia's edition came on last year on MTV2 (not on regular MTV; God forbid they'd actually show a VIDEO nowadays), and though I never got to see it, I still picked up the audio version.

This album is a lot better than I thought it would be. I'm not questioning Alicia's talent, but I just never could get into the sole new track, "Unbreakable". For one thing, it just seems like a Game-esque name-dropping affair that goes nowhere; also, she's really going off key in every pre-chorus. Speaking of that, she tends to go off-key on a number of tracks, especially at the end of "Fallin'" and "You Don't Know My Name". And "Heartburn" is pretty off-key all the way through (but I was never too crazy about the album version of that song either).

Thankfully, Alicia redeems herself on selections like "A Woman's Worth" and especially "If I Ain't Got You" (but on the former, is it really necessary for the album to denote that the song is live? Aren't ALL the songs live?). Another highlight is "Streets of New York", which I never liked before, but it works better now because it's spoken word instead of a song. One thing I noticed, though, is that Alicia seems to do a better job on songs that aren't hers, like Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore", The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" (featuring Adam Levine) and Brenda Holloway's "Every Little Bit Hurts".

But every urban artist's Unplugged session seems to turn into someone else's show at some point. Remember when Jay-Z's "Can't Knock the Hustle" turned into Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair"? Well, the final track is a medley featuring Mos Def, Common and Damian Marley among others, and it's listed as "Love It or Leave It Alone/Welcome to Jamrock". What it really feels like is a blatant live version of "Welcome to Jamrock" only, and it sounds like Alicia is featured on it rather than starring on it. Oh, well; this isn't the best live album I've ever heard, but if you already like Alicia Keys, you shouldn't mind picking it up.

Anthony Rupert

Great Alicia Live.......2006-09-05

So soulful and so much better than her pop-like studio albums

Intro A Cappella 9
Karma 9.5
Heartburn 10
A Woman's Worth 10
Unbreakable 10
How Come You Don't Call Me 9.5
If I Was Your Woman 9.5
If I Ain't Got You 10
Every Little Bit Hurts 10
Streets Of New York 10
Wild Horses 10
Diary 2005 9
You Don't Know My Name 10
Stolen Moments 10
Fallin' 10
Love It Or Leave It Alone 10

Talent from her bones.......2006-07-26

There is nothing else i can say other than Alica keys is a born Talent. God put her on this earth to perform.

Great Album........2006-06-06

I attended the recording of this cd. In my opinion, her style is suited for just this kind of treatment. For that person who said that she was offended by that line in "Unbreakable", I think you are taking it waaay to seriously. Truth is, they did fight. Tina dealth with it as long as she could and then said, "enough". Anyway, my favorite track, has to be, "Stolen Moments". When she performed it that night, my jaw just dropped. She is the Carol King, Janis Ian, and Roberta Flack for the new generation....

Album Review:

1. Urban Funk Breaks [SACD]
2. West Coast Vibe - volume three
3. World of Mambo & Salsa [Import]
4. Yada Yada
5. Yearning 2 Love [Import]
6. Z [Import]
7. A Trip in Trance, Vol. 5: From Trance to Progressive
8. Almighty: Pop Back to the 80's [Import]
9. Badmeaninggood 2: Mixed By Roots Manuva [Import]
10. Beautiful [CD-single] [Import]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

From the Bunker: Machine Funk Mix [Import]

Mozart: String Quintets, K515 & K593

Luigi Boccherini: Cello Concertos G476, G480 & G482 / Aria Accademica, G557 - Christophe Coin / Marta Almajano / Ensemble Baroque de Limoges

Music CD: Plays & Sings the Great Ballads [Import]

Knight Rider [Soundtrack]

Live Without a Net [Live]

Old Friends Live on Stage (2 CD) [Live]

Newmanik One: Lobstuhs & Buzzids

Pop Music: 17 Chansons D'or [Import]

Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana - Leoncavallo: Pagliacci / Caballé, Scotto, Carreras; Muti

Loft Exile V [Live]

¡I Cómo Pica!

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Live...He Will Come

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