In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

MTV Unplugged had been going for a few years, but Nirvana’s appearance for the acoustic series at Sony Music Studios in New York City felt like a reboot. Just five month’s before Kurt Cobain’s death, they translated the sonic grunge of Nirvana into an unplugged setting. One of Cobain’s finest songwriting showcases, “Polly” was played quieter, slower, moodier. But it wasn’t even an ounce less powerful than the recording on Nevermind.

“I think she wants some water to put out the blow torch.”