VA - The Unplugged Collection [Vol. 1](1994) mp3@320{kawli}

Stevie Ray Vaughan proves a good choice to introduce this MTV Unplugged back-to-basics, acoustic-based compilation. A man and his talent, spare and unforgiving, with no accoutrements to distract from the essence of his blues-guitar classic "Pride And Joy." Eric Clapton, who catapulted the television series into a different stratosphere with his award-winning performance, is also represented with his Bo Diddley cover "Before You Accuse Me." A proven forum for the blues, Unplugged also gives pop vocalists (k.d. lang, Don Henley, and the remarkable Annie Lennox, who plumbs emotional depths with a mesmerizing "Why") handsome opportunities to show off.

It allows artsy folkies (R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs) to reinvent their canvases, while letting rockers Soul Asylum, Neil Young and Lenny Kravitz provide insights into what their songs sounded like before they got into the studio. Superstar studio creatures (Paul Simon, Elton John, Rod Stewart) benefit most from the stripped-down showcase. Paul McCartney changes up the Beatles' classic "We Can Work It Out," leaving it rough-edged, yet perfect.

This album provides the opportunity to dissect these artists' craft. You hear every unadorned flaw, the way music was supposed to be played: from the heart and soul, not from the corporate headquarters. The Unplugged Collection is a wonderful document of where music has come from, and where we have taken it.

Tracklist:
01. Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
02. Before You Accuse Me - Eric Clapton
03. Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
04. Somebody to Shove - Soul Asylum
05. Barefoot - k.d. lang
06. Graceland - Paul Simon
07. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton John
08. Like a Hurricane - Neil Young
09. Gasoline Alley - Rod Stewart
10. Pink Houses - John Mellencamp
11. We Can Work It Out - Paul McCartney
12. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror - Elvis Costello
13. Come Rain or Come Shine - Don Henley
14. Why - Annie Lennox
15. Don't Talk - 10,000 Maniacs
16. Half a World Away - R.E.M.

Media Info:
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Channels: joint stereo
Samplerate: 44100
Encoder: LAME 3.99
MPEG-1 layer 3

- tyvm and all due respect to zin and all those who care enough to share