This week, I’m joined by guest curator Jason Whissell, host of both It’s Not That Bad and There Can Only Be One, for a stripped-down episode celebrating the best acoustic performances of the 1990s. We’re unplugging the pedals, turning the amps off, and revisiting the songs that proved great rock music didn’t need distortion to hit hard.

Together, we dig into iconic acoustic renditions and unforgettable live performances made famous by MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers, and other intimate ’90s-era sessions. From raw reinventions of alternative rock staples to emotional performances that revealed an entirely new side of familiar songs, we break down what made these unplugged versions so powerful — and why they’ve endured decades later.

Whether you grew up glued to MTV, discovered these acoustic classics later, or just love hearing songs stripped to their core, this episode is a deep dive into the performances that defined ’90s acoustic rock and changed how artists approached live music.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode. 👇

Alice In Chains – Nutshell

Tesla – Signs

Firehouse – Don’t Treat Me Bad

Oasis – Round Our Way

Silverchair – Anna’s Song

Soul Asylum – Somebody To Shove

Nirvana – Something In The Way

Pearl Jam – Black

Roxette – Dangerous

Metallica – Tuesday’s Gone

KISS – Coming Home

10,000 Maniacs – Because The Night

Counting Crows – Rain King

Chris de Burgh – The Snows Of New York

Eric Clapton – Layla

Peter Gabriel & Youssou N’Dour – In Your Eyes

Stone Temple Pilots – Plush

Alanis Morissette – Head Over Feet

Heart – Alone

Tori Amos – Precious Things