Watch MTV Unplugged

MTV Unplugged from MTV is a music series that brings together some of the best talents across the industry to perform stripped-down, acoustic renditions of their hits live in front of an intimate audience. The show first premiered in 1989 and features iconic performances from artists such as Nirvana, Eric Clapton, and Pearl Jam.

One of the most memorable episodes of MTV Unplugged aired in 1993, featuring alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. The band members, who were known for their edgy, guitar-driven sound, took the opportunity to showcase their songwriting skills in a more raw, acoustic setting.

The episode was filmed in a small, dimly-lit venue in New York City, with the band members sitting on stools surrounded by an attentive audience. The music was beautifully arranged, with intricate acoustic guitar work and subtle percussion complementing the soaring vocals of lead singer Natalie Merchant.

The episode opened with an ethereal version of "These Are Days," a track from the band's 1992 album Our Time In Eden. The song, which celebrates the joy of living in the moment, was given a new lease of life in the acoustic setting, with the band members harmonizing beautifully and the audience singing along.

Perry Montague-Mason, a renowned orchestral conductor and arranger, worked with the band on their unplugged set, adding strings and woodwinds to several of their hits. His arrangements added a haunting quality to tracks like "Planned Obsolescence," which explores the theme of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life.

The episode also featured several rarely-performed tracks from the band's back catalog, including "The Latin One" from their debut album Secrets Of The I Ching. The song, which was a favorite of long-time fans, was given a new lease of life in the acoustic setting and showcased the band's versatility.

One of the highlights of the episode was the band's cover of the classic jazz standard "My Funny Valentine," which was made famous by Chet Baker in the 1950s. In 10,000 Maniacs' hands, the song became a haunting, melancholy meditation on lost love, with Merchant's vocals conveying a sense of heartbreak and yearning.

The episode closed with a rousing rendition of "What's The Matter Here," a song that has become an anthem for the anti-child abuse movement. The song, which tells the story of a child living in an abusive household, was given added weight in the acoustic setting, with the band members using their voices and instruments to drive home the message of the lyrics.

Overall, the 10,000 Maniacs episode of MTV Unplugged was a masterclass in musicianship and songwriting. The band members showed that they were more than capable of stepping outside of their comfort zone and delivering powerful, emotional performances in a more intimate setting. The addition of Montague-Mason's orchestral arrangements added a new dimension to the music, giving fans a fresh take on some of their favorite songs. This episode remains a highlight of the series and a must-see for fans of 10,000 Maniacs and acoustic music in general.

MTV Unplugged is a series that is currently running and has 23 seasons (100 episodes). The series first aired on November 25, 1989.