On October 22nd Courtney Barnett performed a unique and special show at the invitation of MTV Australia in her hometown of Melbourne. The “Unplugged” performance features Barnett as you’ve never heard her before, warm, vulnerable and emotional. Under a garland of lights and a canopy of florals in the outdoor courtyard of Howler, Barnett performed a stirring set of eight songs to an intimate audience including “Depreston”, “Avant Gardener” and “Sunday Roast”. Joined by her usual band Dave Mudie and Bones Sloane, she also enlisted cellist Lucy Waldron. MTV Australia Unplugged Live in Melbourne will be available physically on February 21.Barnett made the night even more iconic by inviting some of her favorite musicians to collaborate including legendary songwriter Paul Kelly, angelically-voiced New Zealander Marlon Williams and Milk! Records label-mate Evelyn Ida Morris. The performances included covers of Leonard Cohen, Archie Roach and Seeker Lover Keeper as well as a never-before-heard original track from Courtney herself titled “Play It On Repeat”.
M**
Courtney & friends entertain themselves
Let me state this upfront, 'I LOVE CB!' so very little she does disappoints me. Unfortunately this show does. The cover versions are unusual, but don't make much impact. Her own material is slowed down to the point where her vocals lose the unusual phrasing that makes her unique among Indie rock artists. I have heard her cover INXS songs and make Michael Hutchence seem cheerful, so mores the pity she didn't choose to do one of theirs on this outing. She misses out on possible Pattie Smith ( & dare I suggest Lou Reed ) covers that would have gone down a treat. This is strictly for her friends in the audience, but I'll still buy her next album! Oh, the colored vinyl is pretty, if that is what rocks your world!
C**S
Uninspired
Very boring and perhaps lazy concert set. I like many of the unplugged albums but this one is too simple. Sounds more like a impromptu concert at someones BBQ. Not bad but nothing worth purchasing or listening to more than once or twice.
R**O
love this record
sounds great
A**D
I’d rather hear something else, please!
This live set is dull and virtually dead on arrival. Between songs, CB is very obviously nervous and awkward, so much so, that she even turns particularly self conscious by directly addressing her stage fright and fears of being disappointing to the audience. This type of atmosphere pervades the entire concert. And, what of the songs? They tend toward being lesser versions of their studio brethren...as another reviewer mentioned, they are uninspired. Overall, I cringed more than once listening to this record. Best to skip it all together.
R**N
Nice live album
Great album, it brings back memories of Australia. Courtney Melbourne never disappoints.
D**A
Great Album
Great album and love the aqua blue coloured vinyl.
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