When I first heard that Katy Perry was releasing an MTV Unplugged album, I have to admit...I was a shocked. It's not that I don't think Katy Perry is untalented...it's just that Katy Perry has ONE album under her belt...well one MAJOR STUDIO album anyway. Previous 'Unplugged' sets have been released by the likes of Tony Bennett, Nirvana, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton, whose live performance of "Tears In Heaven" won him three Grammy Awards. Katy Perry has a lot to live up with this live set.
The album is due out on November 17th and will include both a CD as well as a DVD. The performance itself was recorded on July 22nd 2009 in New York City and includes special live arrangements of her hit singles "I Kissed A Girl" and "Waking Up In Vegas" as well as "Thinking Of You," "Ur So Gay," and "Lost," all off of hit album One Of The Boys. Also included on the 7-track set are an un-plugged cover version of "Hackensack," originally performed by Fountains Of Wayne as well as a brand new song "Brick By Brick."
Again...let me reiterate...I do NOT think Katy Perry is untalented - I have just been left unimpressed by her live performances. While energy and stage presence certainly go a long way, Perry's vocals are often all over the place, especially when you add movement and simple choreography. The live performances I've seen on TV have been "pitchy," as Randy Jackson might say. I do applaud Perry for insisting on singing live without lip-syncing, but I'm hoping this set showcases her true talent. No descending on stage on a giant banana, no strutting back and forth across the stage...just a good stripped down acoustic performance, showcasing Perry's vocal talent. I know she's got it in her.
MTV will be airing individual video performances from the live set starting on November 16th, during the morning all-music video block, AMTV. The interview material is set to air on November 27th on Palladia, MTV's high-def music channel at both 9 PM and 12 AM.
Check out Katy Perry on the Web: