Apprendre à jouer l'album : MTV Unplugged In New York

MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana

At their famous MTV Unplugged performance in New York in 1993, Nirvana delivered a diverse selection of songs, mixing their own tracks with covers, showcasing the band's versatility and sensitivity in an acoustic setting. Here's a look at all the songs performed:

1. “About a Girl”
   • This song, taken from the album Bleach, is performed in an acoustic version with a palpable emotional intensity. It is a glimpse of the contrast between the raw power of the studio versions and the delicacy of the unplugged performance.
2. “Come as You Are”
   • Known for its iconic guitar riff, this song from the album Nevermind is reinvented in an acoustic version. The softer atmosphere gives a new depth to the lyrics.
3. “Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam” (The Vaselines cover)
   • This cover of the Vaselines adds a touch of melancholy and humor to the performance. The band brings their own interpretation to this 80s punk-pop track, offering an interesting contrast to their own repertoire.
4. “The Man Who Sold the World” (David Bowie cover)
   • Nirvana brilliantly covers this David Bowie song, bringing a new dimension to this rock classic. The acoustic version highlights Cobain's vocals and subtle guitar arrangements.
5. “Pennyroyal Tea”
   • Performed solo by Kurt Cobain, this song from the album In utero is a moment of introspective confession. The understated and sincere performance reflects the singer's vulnerability.
6. “Dumb”
   • This piece from the album In utero is played with poignant simplicity. The acoustic arrangements accentuate the melancholy and irony of the lyrics.
7. “All Apologies”
   • Another song from In utero, it is presented here in a stripped-down version, offering a poignant and emotional introspection, highlighted by the acoustic dynamics.
8. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” (Leadbelly cover)
   • The performance concludes with an intense rendition of this American folk classic. Nirvana's version is remarkably powerful, with an emotional depth that captures the essence of traditional blues.

MTV Unplugged In New York: The Guests

• Cris and Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets: They join Nirvana to perform three of the band's songs: "Oh, Me," "Lake of Fire," and "Plateau." Their presence adds a collaborative and unique dimension to the performance.

This performance, recorded on November 18, 1993 and released in December, remains a poignant testament to Nirvana's talent and complexity, as well as a memorable moment in music history.

MTV Unplugged In New York: The Album

The album MTV Unplugged in New York was released on November 1, 1994, almost a year after the memorable concert recorded on November 18, 1993. This release came less than four months after Kurt Cobain's tragic death on April 5, 1994, adding a poignant dimension to the album. The album debuted directly at number one on the American charts, a feat that speaks to the band's lasting impact and the deep emotional connection fans had with this performance.

The record is hailed for its raw and emotional nature, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into Nirvana at a time of transition for the band. The album captures the vulnerability and sincerity of the acoustic performance, in stark contrast to the raw energy of Nirvana's usual live shows. The quality of the recording highlights the power and sensitivity of the performances, creating an introspective atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.

The song choices, ranging from covers of classics like David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" and Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?", to originals like "About a Girl" and "All Apologies," showcase the band's musical diversity. The album is not only a testament to Nirvana's ability to reinvent their own songs in an acoustic setting, but also a celebration of the band's emotional richness and artistic depth.

MTV Unplugged in New York is often considered one of the most authentic and revealing moments of Nirvana's career. It offers valuable insight into the final phase of Kurt Cobain's career, highlighting both his musical genius and his personal fragility.