MTV Unplugged Season 1 Episode 1 Squeeze (With Syd Straw & Elliot Easton)

MTV Unplugged is a show that revolutionized the music industry in the early 90s. It brought together famous musicians to perform rare acoustic sets, taking a departure from their usual loud, electric performances on stage. In the first season of MTV Unplugged, we see a beautiful lineup of artists, and the very first episode welcomed Squeeze, a British band to perform their set in front of a cozy audience.

The stage setup is a simple one, with wooden flooring, lamps, and some stage props. The lights are dimmed and the audience is seated, eager to hear Squeeze perform acoustically. Squeeze members- Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford take their positions, with Syd Straw, an American musician, and Elliot Easton from The Cars joining them for this episode. The combination of the British band with two American musicians results in a unique sound that is refreshing and appealing.

The show starts with some light banter between the musicians and the audience, and then it's time to get started. Squeeze launches into their first song, "Tempted," a classic number that has garnered millions of fans worldwide. The guitar strums are mellow, the voices softened, and the lyrics take on a new meaning as they are stripped of their usual electric force. This acoustic version of "Tempted" is enough to convince viewers that Squeeze belongs in the unplugged hall of fame.

Squeeze then transitions to another classic, "Take Me I'm Yours," a song that dates back to their early years in the 1970s. The mixture of Glenn Tilbrook and Syd Straw's voices create a soulful rendition of the hit song, and Elliot Easton's guitar solo is nothing short of masterful. The song ends on a mellower note, yet it still manages to prompt applause from the audience.

As the show progresses, we witness the personalities of the musicians shine through. The jokes, laughter, and friendly jabs at each other's expense are apparent, which shows that they are there to have a good time as much as their fans are. The melodies and lyrics only get better, including "Black Coffee in Bed," " Annie Get Your Gun," and "By Your Side."

The artists also take an opportunity to introduce some new songs to the audience, such as "Heartbreaking World," which Glenn Tilbrook explains is "not in the shops yet." The new song is a hit and is well received by the audience. Syd Straw and Elliot Easton also showcase their solo skills with "Hard Times," a beautiful and poignant song that highlights Syd Straw's awe-inspiring voice.

As the show comes to a close, the interactions between the musicians are still as jovial as ever. Squeeze wraps things up with "Understanding and Overreacting," a song that encapsulates the overall theme of the whole performance- the importance of understanding and finding common ground with each other.

MTV Unplugged season 1 episode 1 with Squeeze (With Syd Straw & Elliot Easton) is a treat for fans of the British band. It is an acoustic performance that showcases their talent and versatility, as they move seamlessly through their discography and even introduce new songs, all while accompanied by the stunning vocals of Syd Straw and Elliott Easton's guitar mastery. It's a show that proves the value of music in its purest, most stripped-down form.