MTV Unplugged in New York

by Nirvana

Overview

If In Utero is a suicide note, MTV Unplugged in New York is a message from beyond the grave, a summation of Kurt Cobain's talents and pain so fascinating, it's hard to listen to repeatedly. Is it the choice of material or the spare surroundings that make it so effective? Well, it's certainly a combination of both, how the version of the Vaselines' "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" or the three covers of Meat Puppets II songs mean as much as "All Apologies" or "Something in the Way." This, in many senses, isn't just an abnormal Nirvana record, capturing them in their sincerest desire to be R.E.M. circa Automatic for the People, it's the Nirvana record that nobody, especially Kurt, wanted revealed. It's a nakedly emotional record, unintentionally so, as the subtext means more than the main themes of how Nirvana wanted to prove its worth and diversity, showcasing the depth of their songwriting. As it turns out, it accomplishes its goals rather too well; this is a band, and songwriter, on the verge of discovering a new sound and style. Then, there's the subtexts, as Kurt's hurt and suicidal impulses bubble to the surface even as he's trying to suppress them. Few records are as unblinkingly bare and naked as this, especially albums recorded by their peers. No other band could have offered covers of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" and the folk standard "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" on the same record, turning in chilling performances of both -- performances that reveal as much as their original songs. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	09/03/2013
Label:	Dgc / Geffen
UPC:	0720642472712
Rank:	1567

Tracks

1. About a Girl
2. Come as You Are
3. Jesus Don'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 the Way
10. Plateau
11. Oh, Me
12. Lake of Fire
13. All Apologies
14. Where Did You Sleep Last Night (In the Pines)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Nirvana   Primary Artist
Pat Smear   Guest Artist,Guitar
Cris Kirkwood   Guest Artist,Bass,Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Curt Kirkwood   Guest Artist,Guitar
Kurt Cobain   Guitar,Vocals,Lead Vocals
Krist Novoselic   Bass,Guitar,Accordion,Guitar (Bass)
Dave Grohl   Bass,Drums,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Lori Goldston   Cello

Technical Credits

Stephen Marcussen   Mastering
Kurt Cobain   Composer
Krist Novoselic   Composer
Lead Belly   Arranger
Curt Kirkwood   Composer
Dave Grohl   Composer
Gary Rossington   Composer
Frances McKee   Composer
Scott Litt   Mixing,Producer
Huddie Ledbetter   Composer
Robert Fisher   Design,Art Direction
Nirvana   Composer,Producer
David Bowie   Composer
Eugene Kelly   Composer
Ronnie Van Zant   Composer
Alex Coletti   Producer
Chad Channing   Composer
Frank Micelotta   Photography