Mtv Unplugged (Bonus Dvd) [Live]

Dashboard Confessional | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 17, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Vagrant Records
• ASIN: B00006RY8F
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,977 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The MTV Unplugged concept was probably invented with someone like Florida singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba (a.k.a. Dashboard Confessional) in mind. Carrabba's relentlessly sad, impossibly frail acoustic songs--which effectively spawned the emo-core genre--have given alienated, cardigan-wearing guys and gals a snappy soundtrack to their pain. Dropping the heavily-inked guitarist amid his flock captures both the intimacy and awkwardness propelling Dashboard Confessional's best songs. Indeed, whether Carrabba is flying solo or is joined by a band, his MTV Unplugged--presented as a CD with an accompanying DVD--ranks as one of the most interactive sets ever; the fans know every single word to every single song and gosh darn if they don't sing their hearts out, sometimes completely hijacking the choruses. From opening number "Swiss Army Romance" through to the modern-rock hit "Screaming Infidelities," the assembled holler themselves hoarse in a glassy-eyed solidarity that would be eerie if it weren't so sweet. The sing-along aspect might be a drawback for fans searching for pristine live versions of studio recordings, but then again, Dashboard Confessional’s music is nothing if not communal. --Kim Hughes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, this disc is really a keeper., January 19, 2003

By 

Peter Cooper (Louth, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mtv Unplugged (Bonus Dvd) (Audio CD)

First off, the background singing on this CD is not, in my opinion, bad at all. It's hardly noticable on most of the tracks, although it is significant on perhaps 4 of them. It's quite low in the mix though, and is mostly noticeable when Chris decides to stop singing and let the audience take over.

This CD/DVD combo is excellent value. The DVD has the full MTV Unplugged performance, and the CD is the same audio mix as the Stereo soundtrack on the DVD.

Many tracks are MUCH improved from the studio albums. 'Screaming Infidelities', 'Again I Go Unnoticed' and 'The Sharp Hint of New Tears' now have a full band backing which propels them into totally new fresh tracks.

The first three tracks are probably the most annoying when it comes to crowd vocals. They only feature Chris on his own, as the band doesn't come in till later. 'The Best Deceptions' is probably the most annoying song with the audience, as they've left the audience at the same level in the mix as Chris.

The production quality is high here though. The guitars are crisp, the drums are 'just right', the bass is unimposing, the vocals are up front and direct, and the 'live feel' is there with the crowd in the background (on track four and beyond).

If you hate crowd noises and a bit of background singing, avoid this. If 'Best Deceptions' is one of your favorite songs, avoid it too, as the crowd are too loud. But it's a live unplugged gig, not a studio album! That said, it has the most professional sound of any of Dashboard Confessional's albums to date.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars i love chris' voice..., December 24, 2002

By 

andrew adams (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mtv Unplugged (Bonus Dvd) (Audio CD)

first of all, i'm a huge dashboard fan, i worship anything and everything that comes from chris' guitar, mind, and mouth. that's partially why this album was a slight disappointment. first of all, most of the songs sound more 'plugged' than any of dashboard's studio work. second of all, the unplugged idea was that it would be a departure from the normal style of the artist. dashboard seems to be exaclty the kind of sound that would do this normally anyways.
okay, as far as the album goes, on several of the earlier tracks, (most notably, the kickoff track 'the swiss army romance'), you can barely hear chris over the crowd. i understand that it's part of the experience, but i guess the fans are just as rabid as me- they sing their hearts out on every note. it gets annoying.
that said, this album was absolutely a joy to listen to- many of the songs were masterfully done... 'places that you have come to fear...' is perfect live, 'hands down', possibly dashboard's best track, is climactic and absolutely wonderful.
if you can stand the sing-along qualities of the first 2 or 3 tracks, it's quite a listen.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlike anything else, December 19, 2002

By 

John Ebert (Watertown, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mtv Unplugged (Bonus Dvd) (Audio CD)

First of all, this is a fantastic value. Of course you get the CD, but you also get the DVD of the performance... normally the DVD would run you the price of the CD! Anyway, onto the music. If you've never experienced Dashboard Confessional before, this live performance will certaintly be a suprise for you. All the fans sing along to every word, and sometimes take over completley, to an elegant effect you can't find on studio records. Every great song DC has ever done is compiled on this smoldering collection. Chris Carraba's songs are so heartfelt and stunningly well crafted it's hard not to be drawn into the lyrics and music. Highlights among the already great collection include "Swiss Army Romance" "The Best Deceptions" "Screaming Infidelities" "Saints & Sailors" and "Hands Down." If you're new to the genre of emo, immediatley pick up this collection, and if you're a fan already, you probably already own it.