The MTV Unplugged concept was probably invented with someone like Florida singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba (a.k.a. Dashboard Confessional) in mind. Carrabba's relentlessly sad, impossibly frail acoustic songs--which effectively spawned the emo-core genre--have given alienated, cardigan-wearing guys and gals a snappy soundtrack to their pain. Dropping the heavily-inked guitarist amid his flock captures both the intimacy and awkwardness propelling Dashboard Confessional's best songs. Indeed, whether Carrabba is flying solo or is joined by a band, his MTV Unplugged--presented as a CD with an accompanying DVD--ranks as one of the most interactive sets ever; the fans know every single word to every single song and gosh darn if they don't sing their hearts out, sometimes completely hijacking the choruses. From opening number "Swiss Army Romance" through to the modern-rock hit "Screaming Infidelities," the assembled holler themselves hoarse in a glassy-eyed solidarity that would be eerie if it weren't so sweet. The sing-along aspect might be a drawback for fans searching for pristine live versions of studio recordings, but then again, Dashboard Confessional’s music is nothing if not communal. --Kim Hughes
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