Crucial Track for February 25, 2026

"The Man Who Sold the World (Live Acoustic)" by Nirvana

Listen on Apple Music

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What’s a remix or cover you like more than the original?

I wouldn't necessarily say it’s better than the original—let's be honest, covering Bowie is a tall order. That said, I love Nirvana's take on The Man Who Sold the World. Despite being a fairly straightforward rendition, this song and the entire Unplugged set revealed a tender, vulnerable aspect to the band not immediately apparent on their studio albums. Live and acoustic, recorded in a single take—astonishing, really. I watched the performance on MTV at a friend's place around the time it was originally broadcast because cable never reached as far into the suburbs as I lived. When it was over, I remember being stunned into silence. The album has lost none of that arresting power over the years.