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‘Unplugged’ DVD uncovers Nirvana

Nirvana recorded an acoustic set for the show “MTV Unplugged” Nov. 18, 1993. No matter how storied Nirvana was at the time, no one could have guessed that what the band did that day would go down as one of the definitive moments of rock 'n' roll. Since the show's original airing in 1994, fans have only had the CD Unplugged in New York and a smattering of random video clips to make this judgment. However, with the long overdue release of the complete, unedited performance on DVD, the legend surrounding Nirvana's last great moment will surely skyrocket.

While the CD serves as a testament to the performance, the DVD brings the entire experience to life. As a result, the viewer is treated to not only seeing the brilliant musicianship of Nirvana on that day, but is shown the band members' banter in between songs as they craft this masterpiece off the top of their heads.

The addition of the visual experience pays for itself during the Nirvana's first few songs, as one can really get a sense of the fear and unease Kurt Cobain initially had playing in an unfamiliar acoustic setting. The visuals also help to communicate just how talented Nirvana was. The third song, a cover of the Vaselines' "Jesus Don't Want Me For A Sunbeam" finds bassist Krist Novoselic picking up the accordion while drummer Dave Grohl sits at his kit and plays bass while simultaneously keeping the song's beat on his high-hat.

After a flawless cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World," the band nails a string of lesser-known tracks from its albums Nevermind and In Utero, before it's joined on stage by Cris and Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets fame for covers of their songs "Plateau," "Oh, Me" and "Lake of Fire." The DVD shows the normally somber Cobain truly enjoying himself as he performs some of his favorite songs with his idols. In a moment edited out of the CD, Nirvana and the Meat Puppets jam a version of "Sweet Home Alabama" for an instant after an audience member yells for "Freebird."

While the performance of "All Apologies" and the Leadbelly cover "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" to end the show seem natural on the CD, the DVD tells another story. Unsure of what to play next, Cobain asks for requests before each song. Finding the audience's responses unsatisfactory, Cobain chooses both songs himself and ends the show perfectly.

In discussing the Unplugged in New York album, music journalists often liken the sigh Kurt Cobain takes before the end of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" to him being crushed by the weight of the world. Though the interpretation of this is subjective, the DVD is sure to fuel further speculation. During the song, the camera remains fixed on Cobain as he sings with his head down and his eyes closed. When the moment in question occurs, the camera shows Cobain looking up with his eyes wide open as he sighs, as if for a moment in his chaotic life he is awash in total clarity.

When it comes down to it, Nirvana's Unplugged in New York DVD is a treasure for not only fans of the band, but music lovers everywhere. The DVD's special features further the viewer's grasp on the performance by showing not only the original televised version of the show, but also the rehearsal of a few tracks, illustrating how the band worked the songs out and translated them so expertly into the acoustic setting. Nirvana's Unplugged in New York DVD is necessary viewing for all those who consider themselves fans of music.

5 stars out of 5