(It should also be noted that Unplugged in New York was released following the suicide of Cobain and some people may wish to view it in this context.)
The performance gets off to a good start with "About a Girl," taken from their 1989 debut Bleach ("most people don't own it," Cobain dryly remarks). This sets the standard for what's to follow: enjoyable songs presented in a different manner, with the aching and occasionally out of tune voice of Cobain lending strong support.
The other Nirvana songs featured are "Come As You Are," "Polly," "On A Plain," "Something in the Way" (all from 1991's Nevermind), "Pennyroyal Tea," "Dumb" and "All Apologies" (from 1993's In Utero). These live performances are a good way to be introduced to some of the band's lesser known material.
Also featured on Unplugged in New York are a surprisingly large number of covers: "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" by the The Vaselines, "The Man Who Sold the World" from David Bowie, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" by Lead Belly and three songs from Meat Puppets- "Plateau," "Oh Me" and "Lake of Fire." The (electric) guitar on "The Man Who Sold the World" is a highlight, but these are all good songs that benefit well from the band's treatment of them.
This is a strange record and it's not surprising that die-hard fans of the band have rejected it. It certainly lacks the power and energy of Nirvana's studio albums. Still for casual admirers of the band this is a good way to hear some of the band's songs, while also getting to hear one of the most famous of the MTV Unplugged appearances. All the songs are good, but none are exceptional.
RATING: 7.5/10
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