Mando Diao – Above And Beyond, MTV Unplugged

Releasedate: 12-11-2010; Label: Vertige BE (Universal)
By: Nina Mende

Mando Diao is an alternative rock band from Borlänge, Sweden. The band got their breakthrough with the release of the album Hurricane Bar. The song “God Knows” was featured in FIFA 06. Their main fan base is in Sweden, Germany, and Japan although their influence has recently spread to Western Europe, most notably the UK. Much of the UK fan base has dropped off in recent times.

Now they have released a best of album, but not a regular one. It is an MTV Unplugged Live recording called “Above And Beyond”. An acoustic set with a somewhat private atmosphere where you can hear the audience cheer and sing along and the band having fun on stage. All in acoustic! Some songs were rearranged to fit the acoustic set, “Dance With Somebody” for example was completely different. “Chet Baker” and “Gloria” are accompanied by a female singer. But also Juliette Lewis and Ray Davies sing some songs with Mando Diao. The music of the Swedes played as an acoustic set reminds a lot of country music. Accompanied by an orchestra for some songs, the songs sound very deep. Other songs are fast and danceable so you can hardly tell that they were actually played during an acoustic set. Mando Diao’s best of album “Above And Beyond” is a one of a kind. Be sure to check it out

Line-Up:
Björn Hans-Erik Dixgård – Vocals, Guitar
Gustaf Erik Norén – Vocals, Guitar
Carl-Johan Fogelklou – Bass, Backing Vocals
Samuel Giers – Drums
Mats Björke – Keyboard, Backing Vocals

Tracklist: 01. Long Before Rock’N’Roll 02. Sheepdog 03. Losing My Mind 04. Chet Baker 05. Gloria 06. Song For Aberdeen 07. All My Senses 08. Dance With Somebody 09. High Heels 10. Down In The Past 11. How We Walk 12. No More Tears 13. You Can’t Steal My Love 14. Ochrasy 15. The New Boy 16. Ringing Bells 17. Mean Street 18. Your Lover’s Nerve 19. Mr. Moon 20. Hail Your Sunny Days 21. Victoria 22. Bleecker Street 23. If I Don’t Live Today, Then I Might Be Here Tomorrow 24. God Knows

Links:
Mando Diao Official