Almost Unplugged

by Europe

Overview

One thing about most hair metal bands of the '80s -- they were not necessarily known to be "proficient" at their respective instruments. But one such group from the genre that certainly had the chops to back up their pretty boy looks was Europe, which prove this theory once again on their 2008 live CD, Almost Unplugged (which was issued as a DVD a year later). Recorded at a venue in Stockholm (called Nalen) on January 26, 2008, Almost Unplugged sees the group joined by a string quartet as they balance originals with a few classic rock nuggets, including Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," Thin Lizzy's "Suicide," and UFO's "Love to Love," among others, as well as a still-bombastic rendition of "The Final Countdown." Surprisingly, there is no rendition of their power ballad, "Carrie," included here, which you'd think would have fit in well with all the other stripped-down tunes here -- especially when overbearing cheese such as the song "Hero" is included (although admittedly, the song's meaning is heartfelt -- it's a tribute to the late, great Phil Lynott). The histrionics may be toned down a tad here, but Almost Unplugged serves as further proof that Europe remain arena rock kings throughout...Europe. ~ Greg Prato

Product Details

Release Date:	04/07/2009
Label:	Mvd Audio / Talent Tru
UPC:	0760137484226

Tracks

1. Got to Have Faith
2. Forever Travelling
3. Devil Sings the Blues
4. Wish You Were Here
5. Dreamer
6. Love to Love
7. Final Countdown
8. Yesterdays News
9. Since I've Been Lovin' You
10. Hero
11. Suicide
12. Memories
13. Superstitious
14. Rock the Night

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Europe   Primary Artist
Anna Landberg Dager   Cello
Joey Tempest   Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)
John Norum   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Mic Michaeli   Keyboards,Vocals (Background)
John Leven   Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic)
Ian Haugland   Drums,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Joey Tempest   Composer
John Norum   Composer
John Paul Jones   Composer
Roger Waters   Composer
Phil Lynott   Composer
Henrik Jonsson   Mastering
David Gilmour   Composer
Mic Michaeli   Composer
Marcello   Composer
John Leven   Composer
Robert Plant   Composer
Haughland   Composer
Schenker   Composer
Mogg   Composer
Fredrik Martinsson   Engineer
Andreas Bauman   Mixing
Tempest   Composer
Jimmy Page   Composer