A deeply emotional and haunting album, and one that was postumously released to the public only a few months after Kurt Cobain's death in 1994. While this live unplugged (acoustic) performance was recorded and televised in 1993, it was released on CD in November of 1994, only seven months following the late musician's death. Since it was released in such a way, Unplugged takes on a whole new meaning. The music only becomes more palpable, and more intense, and quite captivating.

     It features a littany of terrific tracks, ranging from Nirvana's first album Bleach, to it's last In Utero. It also boasts some cover songs, some of which vary in quality and musicianship. The original Nirvana tracks are all great here, but it's the cover songs that are the mixed bag and drag the album down a bit - however, the meaning behind these carefully selected cover songs indeed runs miles deep for Cobain and the then-future of Nirvana, and it's legacy, there is no question about that. Ironically, even though the Nirvana original's are the highlights, this albums best song is by far a cover of the David Bowie song "The Man Who Sold The World." Sorry Mr. Bowie, but this song is no longer yours, as Cobain has made it into his own. It is easily the best track here, and one of the most riveting and emotional performances of this generation - Cobain seemed to bring a new meaning to it.

     Unplugged shows Cobain at his rawest and most stripped. If studied closely, it seems that there are many demons running inside and out of him, only bursting to come out - but at the same time, he also seems to have a problem communicating his pain. Unplugged is fascinating in that respect, as he battles with himself throughout the piece.

     For the most part, the sound on this album is incredible. Cobain's voice is pure to the core, unfettered, and often conveys such emotional strength and pain at the same time. His slightly imperfect voice sometimes breaks and cracks, but only adds to the overall atmosphere. Unfortunately, Nirvana had a tendency to sound a little dissonant from time to time, and such is the case here - again, from time to time. These lesser moments are pretty much only reflected in the cover tracks, with the exception to "The Man Who Sold The World."

     Nirvana's Unplugged is an essential recording in the grunge-era of the 1990s, and certainly stands as a summation to their impressive body of work. This is something that should be listened to and deserves any appreciation it recieves. Despite its few shortcomings, it ultimately stands the test of time, and speaks volumes of the late Cobain. In one word, this album is simply chilling.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"The Man Who Sold The World"

"Dumb"

"About A Girl"

"Come As You Are"

"Polly"

"All Apologies"

-Kurt L.

___________________________________________________________