All Time Low - Unplugged: MTV (CD / DVD)

The idea of an emo-pop band doing an Unplugged set takes some getting used to. Would stripping the electric energy away from the tunes take the guts out and leave them stranded too far on the pop side of the equation? All Time Low put the question to the test on their MTV Unplugged EP and find that the answer turns out to be irrelevant. Their records were all pop to begin with, and removing the volume and drive leaves the songs sounding like happy, summery acoustic ballads that succeed by focusing Alex Gaskarth's clear and sweet vocals. The six songs are taken from a variety of the band's releases and show that while they aren't really that unique of a band, they know their way around a decent hook. Along with the CD, the package comes with a DVD and a booklet with photos from the gig. It's a set designed for fans and they will come away satisfied. Tim Sendra.