Five Latin MTV Unplugged to rock your world

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August 24, 11:11 AM

by Ian Malinow, Latin Music Examiner

 

 

My DVD collection includes dozens of live concerts that I watch on a regular basis, particularly "Celia Cruz and Fania All-Stars in Africa," "Cultura Profética Live: Tribute to the Legend Bob Marley" and "Serrat y Sabina: Dos Pájaros de un Tiro."

But when it comes to appreciating top-notch material performed in an intimate setting, I usually turn my attention to the stack where I keep the MTV Unplugged concert series DVDs, for their acoustic mastery and stellar song selections make them solid works of art.

Since the early '90s, many well-known Latin groups and singers have taken on the MTV 'desenchufado' challenge, but like it happens in its U.S. version, some are obviously better than others. Think Bob Dylan vs. Jewel. Okay, never mind Jewel fans. I would still pick Dylan's effort over your singing sensation.

My top five list includes albums released in the late '90s as well as the most recent one to hit the market in July. You can't go wrong with these selections. If you're of Latin heritage and love "rock en espanol," chances are you already own them, but if Latin music to you means Gloria Estefan or Ricky Martin then you're in for a surprise.

1. "Comfort y Musica Para Volar," Soda Stereo (1996)

2. "Maná - MTV Unplugged" Mana (1999)

3. "La Ley - MTV Unplugged" La Ley (2001)

4. "Shakira - MTV Unplugged" Shakira (2000)

5. "Julieta Venegas - MTV Unplugged" Julieta Venegas (2008)

As I was doing the list, there were other great picks that didn't make the final cut, but here are the names of the artists so you can decide for yourself: Alejandro Sanz, Aterciopelados, Babasónicos, Café Tacuba and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. Enjoy!

To see the entire list of Latin artists who have been showcased on the MTV Unplugged concert series go to:

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