BY MIKEY MIGO
The Korn Unplugged CD sucked and while it was something I'll probably never listen to again, I began to think about the Unplugged albums and shows that didn't make me want to stick lit bottle rockets in my ears. So, I've decided to go down memory lane and take a few rest stops on the history of MTV's Unplugged.
I think we'd all lower our heads a little when known that the entire series of Unplugged specials is due to Bon Jovi's acoustic performance at a very old music awards. Then again, looking back it was very ballsy and cool of them to do. From there, just like anything else that was cool or memorable it was ripped off many times. In 1989, MTV began booking acts that are normally known for their electric instruments and had them execute their music with only acoustic instruments in a live setting. While the ratings on these programs were generally normal for MTV, the albums released under the "MTV Unplugged" umbrella were quite successful and continues today to be part of the last quarter century's music history.
The first episode featured Squeeze, Syd Straw, and Elliot Easton in November of 1989. They sure pulled out the heavy hitters for that first one, let me tell ya. Then again, I have to think REALLY hard to remember who the hell these people are. It may be obvious, but for the life of me without googling their names I have no clue who these people are. I'm sure they're fine people and for the sake of this column they are pioneers. To be fair, I can't remember any of the original pioneer's names either.
The first notable act to play was probably Poison. In December of 1990, they recorded some of their classic hits and would later use a few of them for the album "Crack a Smile...And More!" I would assume these Unplugged songs were the "...And More!" part.
In January of 91, Paul McCartney brought his overrated tunes to the show. Many people (not me) claim that this show was what gave Unplugged the credibility it needed to retain its popularity for years to come. I'm sure it's a great performance in many people's eyes, but I'm not a Beatles fan on any level. Music columnist blasphemy? Sure, but I like what I like.
In 1992, Mariah Carey showed off her chops (yep, I said chops). She performed some of her greatest hits, but the real gem in this set list was her Jackson 5 cover of "I'll Be There." I grew up in Gary, Indiana so I listen a little more closely to Jackson 5. Back in the day, my father use to play basketball with Tito and Jermaine. It's not a family folklore, but it did happen. The cover was awesome, and to be honest I'm sorta upset I didn't include it in my segment of Top Cover songs a few months back. Her music isn't my cup of tea in the least bit, but I must give credit where it's due.
Speaking of credit, in the same year Eric Clapton sold over 10 million albums due to his Unplugged album. He reworked many of his hits, but the one that stands out to me and always hits a soft spot is his unplugged version of "Tears in Heaven". I recently got a copy of this album on my computer and during a time of needing to clear space I deleted every song but that one.
Making 1992 an even more vital year for the series was Pearl Jam's performance. Oddly enough, the best track of this set wasn't even aired on the 30 minute time slot. Their cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" was one of those covers that are still played on many radio stations today. I had always enjoyed Pearl Jam's music, but until recently I hadn't really "listened" to them. I kick myself for missing out.
Yet, all these historic performances would be overshadowed in 1993 when Nirvana took the stage. The album "MTV Unplugged in New York" was one of the very first CD's I owned and I still have it to this day some fourteen years later. The music, the charm, and especially the pure emotion of this performance sealed Nirvana's fate as one of the best bands of all time. I'm one of those people who won't even say they were the best "grunge band" of all time, but this CD is hands down the seal to their legacy. Their cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World," "Plateau," and "Polly" were just some of the highlights of this album. For me and many others the finale "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" was the kicker. It was as if the entire performance was a drain of emotion and there was nothing left when this song began. But Cobain pulled the last bit of emotion and passion out from the depth of his soul to belt out the final chorus. Sadly, this would be the last televised performance by Nirvana. If one has the choice of how to go out, this would be how I'd want it.
In August of 1995, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley reunited to perform on the show. That's KISS for you young people. This was special for the diehard Kiss fans because it was the first time the old school band united since the late 70's. This led to a full blown reunion to the delight of those same diehard fans. If anything, we can blame MTV for this. Next time you see Mike from the Monkees, kick him in the shin for this. Well, don't kick him. He'll sue you, but give him a really stern look. That'll show him what's up.
Another one of my favorite performances came in 1996. It was the first time in three years that Alice in Chains performed. Like the Nirvana recording, but on a smaller level, Layne Staley put a lot of himself into this performance. That's generally over looked because most of the talk of this performance was how bad he looked physically. This was also one of his last performances. Which for awhile made me claim that the show as cursed.
A memorable performance also happened in 96 when Oasis took on the acoustic challenge. When I say Oasis, I should say Oasis minus the lead singer Liam Gallagher. For some unknown reason, probably fighting his with his brother AGAIN, he pulled out due to a "sore throat". So Noel Gallagher took the mic and sang every song. To be honest, it was just as good as any other Oasis performance I've heard or seen. That's not a cut down, but praise for Noel. Meanwhile, Liam stood in the balcony with a beer and cigarette and made fun of the band. Boy did he show them. The album went on to be successful in the US and across the pond in their home land.
It took a few years for the show to comeback with any impact when Zack Braff's high school peer and Fugee member, Lauryn Hill performed in 2002. It had been a few years since the critically and fan acclaimed "Miseductation of Lauryn Hill", so this was the first appearance in quite some time for the R&B icon. Her hair was cut off and she put on a very minimalist performance. The performance had much emotion to it as she broke down in tears a few times during singing and playing the acoustic guitar. Hill doesn't get the credit she deserves.
Again, it took some time for MTV to revive the show. In 2005, Alicia Keys performed with the assistance of Mos Def, Adam Levine, Common and others. To me this wasn't that great of a special. Alicia Keys' music is already stripped down.
Then this year, MTV presented "Korn Unplugged." While it wasn't that great, I hope it leads to more of the series. The album will probably sell enough due to Korn's diehard fan base to keep MTV's eyes open to the future. Just no more Amy Lee! Please!
There was obviously A LOT more shows (Alanis, Jay Z, LL Cool J, etc.) during this series and these stops sorta just comb through SOME of the highlights. I don't think many people give this show the credit it deserves.
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