MTV Unplugged is a 1993 live album and video by American alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, recorded for the MTV Unplugged series. The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and spawned the hit single "Because the Night", a cover of the song written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen. Between the recording and release of the album, vocalist Natalie Merchant left the band to pursue a solo career.

Outtakes

Many songs were recorded during the performance that were not included on the album. These included four takes of "How You've Grown" and a brief take of "Puff the Magic Dragon". In addition, three songs were performed with David Byrne as a guest singer: two takes of "Let the Mystery Be" (one of which was released as a B-side to "Few and Far Between" and reissued on Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings of 10,000 Maniacs), Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "Dallas".

Reissue from Rhino

The album was re-released by Rhino Entertainment on CD (digipak) and vinyl (double LP, first time on vinyl) in September, 2024. This version includes remastered versions of the songs from the original album, and three bonus tracks featuring David Byrne (described above). The bonus tracks are: "Let the Mystery Be", "Jolene", and "Dallas".

Reception

The album debuted at its No. 13 peak and spent 45 weeks on the Billboard charts. In December 1997, it was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA. The single release "Because the Night" reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, two positions higher than Patti Smith's original version in 1978. It remains the band's biggest hit.

Track listing

Cassette/CD CD reissue and LP from Rhino LaserDisc/VHS

Personnel

10,000 Maniacs Additional musicians Technical For MTV

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts