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Track Listings
| 1. Only If For A Night |
| 2. Drumming Song |
| 3. Cosmic Love |
| 4. Breaking Down |
| 5. Never Let Me Go |
| 6. Try A Little Tenderness |
| 7. No Light No Light |
| 8. Jackson (feat. Josh Homme) |
| 9. What The Water Gave Me |
| 10. Dog Days Are Over |
| 11. Shake It Out |
Product Description
Review
When MTV’s Unplugged series started in the late 1980s, the idea of stripped-back acoustic versions of popular songs was relatively fresh. Now, more than two decades on, it seems you can’t move without stumbling over one, be it on Radio 1’s Live Lounge or a TV talent programme. “Wow,” the judges crow, “you really made that song your own.”
The problem here is that Florence is all about the show. She’s all about the histrionics, the flights of fancy, the vocal acrobatics. And when she nails it, her music becomes euphoric: the strings crescendo, the drums crash and Florence’s voice powers outwards and upwards in a rush of emotion. It is these anthemic moments that have made her such a success.
But MTV Unplugged is about restraint. So here, Drumming Song features no drums; and whereas No Light No Light usually thumps into life at the one-minute mark, on this disc it appears as a steady, almost atonal, piano-led ballad. The platform is thus laid for Florence’s vocal to come to the fore, but when the backdrop is so simplified, she has to rein that in too. Her voice sounds pretty and she hits all the notes, but any chance of euphoria is nullified. On Dog Days Are Over, in particular, you can hear her pulling back. It feels uncomfortable.
As a result, this collection will appeal most to people who find Florence’s penchant for melodrama a bit too much; people who want her to calm down a bit. But will they come anywhere near this? Probably not. They’ve already made up their minds. MTV Unplugged albums are usually sought and bought by hardcore fans, and the restraint here may not satisfy them.
Still, there’s plenty to enjoy – not least a cover of Jackson, Florence’s duet with Josh Homme, which gets the audience clapping and stomping along. The delicate reinterpretation of Only If For a Night works beautifully, allowing the melody to shine, and the same is true of Shake It Out. This chilled-out collection is an easy, pleasant listen, but it is far from an essential purchase for anyone except Florence completists.
--Mike Haydock
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
CD Description
Recorded with MTV in New York, Florence + the Machine follow in the footsteps of countless musical legends, from Bob Dylan to Nirvana, in releasing their own MTV Unplugged album. The album features acoustic renditions of nine original Florence tracks, along with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure: Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" and a duet of the Johnny Cash/June Carter classic "Jackson" with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By manicbunny
Format:Audio CD
There - that got your attention!
There are many out there who think that Florence only has one voice setting, this is the perfect response. Stripped of many of the layers of instrumentation, Florence's voice displays a subtlety which is not always apparent on the two studio albums, and as a result many of the songs display a different character to the original versions.
My personal favourite tracks on this album are 'No Light, No Light', and a beautiful cover version of the Otis Redding classic 'Try A Little Tenderness'. For me it's also worth the extra to buy the CD/DVD version, the cover of 'Jackson' with Josh Homme works much better when you are actually watching the performance rather than just listening.
This is an excellent album, showing a different side to Florence's voice. Dare I say it, more than a few who don't like the studio albums may be tempted to check this one out. To anyone in this category I would unequivocally say do it - you won't be disappointed.
There are many out there who think that Florence only has one voice setting, this is the perfect response. Stripped of many of the layers of instrumentation, Florence's voice displays a subtlety which is not always apparent on the two studio albums, and as a result many of the songs display a different character to the original versions.
My personal favourite tracks on this album are 'No Light, No Light', and a beautiful cover version of the Otis Redding classic 'Try A Little Tenderness'. For me it's also worth the extra to buy the CD/DVD version, the cover of 'Jackson' with Josh Homme works much better when you are actually watching the performance rather than just listening.
This is an excellent album, showing a different side to Florence's voice. Dare I say it, more than a few who don't like the studio albums may be tempted to check this one out. To anyone in this category I would unequivocally say do it - you won't be disappointed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By litebulbs
Format:Audio CD
I'm 43, so trying to get down with the youth, OMG this record is, like amazing.....
Seen them live and both albums are outstanding, with the MTV version setting a new level. Now, if you don't like them, don't buy it cause it is a raw version of F+TM, without any poptarts added, just a voice and a few "unplugged" stringy things.
This has set a new level; enjoy!
Seen them live and both albums are outstanding, with the MTV version setting a new level. Now, if you don't like them, don't buy it cause it is a raw version of F+TM, without any poptarts added, just a voice and a few "unplugged" stringy things.
This has set a new level; enjoy!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By K Pieroni
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having had the pleasure to see Florence live in person during the recent Ceremonials Tour, I was hardly surprised that this album knocked everything out of the park. Florence has great range here and shows it especially in "Try A Little Tenderness". The band and background singers are sublime, complimenting Florence's style effortlessly. Special mention goes to the acoustic guitarist who really shines throughout the set.
Once again Florence proves she performs just as well in duets as she does solo. "Jackson" with her and Josh Homme is a delight to listen to but even better when watched. The DVD is worth it just for that song alone, not to mention the brilliant set design and actually seeing Florence perform with such grace and emotion.
In conclusion, this album is nothing less than fantastic. It's a must have for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Also features possibly the best renditions of "Never Let Me Go" and "What The Water Gave Me" I have ever heard.
Once again Florence proves she performs just as well in duets as she does solo. "Jackson" with her and Josh Homme is a delight to listen to but even better when watched. The DVD is worth it just for that song alone, not to mention the brilliant set design and actually seeing Florence perform with such grace and emotion.
In conclusion, this album is nothing less than fantastic. It's a must have for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Also features possibly the best renditions of "Never Let Me Go" and "What The Water Gave Me" I have ever heard.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unplugged by Florence and the Machine
As always Florence produces more good songs easy listening recommend to purchase good present to give anyone who likes Florence
Published 3 months ago by Oksana Heanes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Still as brilliant!
This is Florence + The Machine's 3rd album and, although not as good as the first two, it's still brilliant. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Downes55
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant....
I enjoyed this very much.......thanks Florence..this CD will be listened too many times,Im impressed so much that i will now purchase some more music by this band
Published 5 months ago by Bruce
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing
Hard to believe but this live recording is better than the studio recordings. Only proves how great her voice is!
Published 8 months ago by Elizabeth Kennedy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not full blast
In contrast to her other studio albums, this one is almost melancholy, but wow, does the power of her voice really shine through. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Dave M
4.0 out of 5 stars
florence + the machine - unplugged
had already got the two previous cd's from florence and only bought this for the sake of the accompanying dvd, this was good if only to see the choir which builds up the wonderful... Read more
Published 10 months ago by mealone
4.0 out of 5 stars
Florence Unplugged
Bought on the basis of other reviews and not disappointed, excellent album and Florence is as ever very impressive, if you are a fan I would recommend
Published 11 months ago by J. E. Fillis
4.0 out of 5 stars
very good
I really liked this CD. Generally live versions are boring in my opinion, but I love the unplugged versions and this one is no exception. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Juliana De Carvalho
4.0 out of 5 stars
A very different Live album.
As like many in the 'Unplugged' series before, this album showcases Florence's undeniable talent and range. Featuring some of the more obvious recent hits ( no rabbit heart? Read more
Published 12 months ago by Kev
5.0 out of 5 stars
great album
Florence and Machine keeps getting better. Florence really captures the live atmosphere (where she is best). Her vocals really drive the album. Read more
Published 12 months ago by J. Round
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