Bruce Springsteen: In Concert/MTV Plugged

'In Concert/MTV Plugged is Springsteen's 1992 live recording as part of the popular 'MTV Unplugged' format of the 90's, except being the Boss he keeps it all electric, bar the first song.

For me this solo period for Springsteen gets unfairly maligned by many, and I feel there are some very strong songs that come from it, and a fresh feel to the music. Here with a more ethnically diverse backing band we get a much more Soul and R'n'B type rhythm, plus backing vocals and some extended vocal arrangements to the newer songs and some interesting reinterpretations of a handful of his back catalogue.

Most of the tracks come from his recently released two albums, and personally I feel if he had combined 'Lucky Town' and 'Human Touch' into one album of the strongest songs it could have been one of his best ever albums. I would also argue that by taking a break from the E-Street band (whether it is an acoustic album or these solo efforts), he constantly keeps things fresh and energised, both in the songwriting or the live performances.

This live DVD differs slightly from the CD release with 5 more tracks ('Local Hero, 'Growin Up', 'The Big Muddy' and 'Glory Days'' and the weak '57 Channels') and omitted are 'If I Should Fall Behind' and 'Living Proof' (released CD only).

Springsteen and the band look like are having a great time here and obviously being freshly in love with Patti has helped him move beyond the sombre period, experienced by the listener via the downbeat 'Tunnel of Love' album. Of the new songs on show here 'Lucky Town' and 'Better Days' really express this new found optimism and are as strong songs as he has ever written, in my opinion.

This live performance is really worth a visit for any Springsteen fan, or for that matter, rock music fan.

9/10.

Bruce Springsteen: MTV Unplugged (1992)

**** (out of 4)

When you look back on the MTV show Unplugged you can't help but get somewhat excited because it gave us a chance to see some very big names doing acoustic music. Well, unless you were Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen and you brought the band with you.

While this might not be a "true" unplugged performance, there's no question that fans of Springsteen will love this concert as it features some great tracks. Yes, it's true that the E Street Band aren't backing him but members do appear throughout. The concert gets off to a terrific start with an acoustic version of Red Headed Woman, which gets everything off with a nice punch. The at the time current tracks of Better Days and Local Hero are both extremely good and then we get into classics like Atlantic City, Darkness on the Edge of Town and Growin' Up.

There's a great and rare performance of Man's Job and I Wish I Were Blind as well as a duet with his wife on Human Touch. Throw in a rocking version of Glory Days, a touching Thunder Road and a loud and insane LIght of Day and you've really got a terrific concert. Those who buy the DVD will also be treated to three songs that weren't originally shown on the television show including a terrific version of If I Should Fall Behind.

At just under two hours there's no question that Springsteen fans will enjoy this. If you're new to Springsteen it's not going to give you that legendary E Street show but there's still a lot of great energy and power from the legend and it's a great place to start.