Finally, almost 14 years after it’s filming this golden nugget of Nirvana live and unplugged is available to the wanting masses. Filmed in November of 1993 Nirvana’s Unplugged shows the bands diversity and talents. Featuring 6 cover songs and 8 original songs. This DVD also has 5 previously unreleased songs from rehearsals, in between sound bites and a MTV News: Bare Witness interviewamentary with band members, members of the audience and MTV execs from that time.
If you have been living in a cave, do not own a TV, computer or radio then you may have never heard of or seen snippets this masterpiece. Many of these songs are in heavy rotation world wide since 1994 until present day. The album version of this DVD was a number one chart topper in 7 different countries and a top 20 album in 8 more countries. Needless to say it was a worldwide hit. The album was voted as one of the best ever by many music critics.
Watching this complete DVD is eerie and haunting. The set is lit with white candles and simple white flower bouquets of stargazers. Kurt Cobain reminds the viewer of his shy, little boy characteristics that made the world love him yet his voice is raw, loud and confident, such a dichotomy. With the set list and the setting itself it does look reminiscent of a memorial of sorts. As is stated by many of the interviewees in the Bare Witness extra it felt like something of a funeral to those present. It leads the viewer to again wonder the extent of Mr. Cobain’s plans for life on this earth.
Regardless of Kurt’s wishes or in regards to his wishes, this morsel of music history has endless highlights of several great musicians and harmonious moments that they made. Nirvana bass play Krist Novoselic tries his hand at the accordion and pulls it off successfully, genius Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl shows his lighter side can still ooze with talent. Short time member of Nirvana and punk rock legend Pat Smear is subtle in the background but a huge presence over all as is the cello play Lori Goldston. When the “brothers Meat”, as Kurt introduces them, Curt and Cris Kirkwood take the stage and bang out their 3 Meat Puppet songs with the entire ensemble, the songs take on new life that stands the test of time.
All the songs played on Unplugged in New York are good, not a bad one of the 19 total. While the raw rehearsal songs may not have the best sound that does not take away from the quality of the songs themselves and adds the punk element that was meant for some. One hilarious moment not seen before is the outtake of “Sweet Home Alabama” while short it is very sweet. Not only did Unplugged bring the Nirvana song “About A Girl” back on to the charts but also introduced the masses to the likes of Leadbelly, The Vaselines and the Meat Puppets. The cover of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World” was a number one single in many countries; Kurt’s rendition can still give me goose bumps especially when watched live. The Meat Puppets “Plateau”, “Oh, Me” and “Lake Of Fire” became hits of their own thanks to this “night of miracles”. When seen again it’s no wonder why. Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” is another amazing cover that leaves the listener wanting more, luckily now it can be watched over and over. The Vaseline’s “Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam” is probably the tell tale sign of Kurt’s battle with good and evil and life in general, another wise choice for this eulogistic set list.
Nirvana’s Unplugged In New York, buy it, stuff it in stockings, put it on Santa’s list, it’s great for all musical tastes and is one of those DVD’s that must sit on the shelf of every media room across the world.
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