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What does “unplugged” even mean anymore?
I read library books on Libby or Kindle, I swim with my Apple Watch, I meet with faraway friends on Zoom, I go for walks with my phone and AirPods. People even meditate online now.
If the power (and therefore the WiFi) gets knocked out by a storm, I just switch to cell phone data and charge my phone in the car.
If I’m truly unplugged (without electricity and cell coverage), something bad has happened. I’m scrambling for D batteries to put in my boombox, which also gets AM/FM radio. We’re bringing in firewood from the garage and heating water on a camp stove.
In the olden days, “unplugged” simply meant that a band did a set with acoustic instruments, instead of electric. The results were mixed. This one was cool: The Cure’s unplugged “Just Like Heaven” from 1991.
50 Happens 
Oh wow, you’re taking me back to a time when MTV actually meant music. Loved the Cure unplugged and used to listen to the 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant’s unplugged album all the time in the early 90s. Yes, it definitely has a new meaning today. Of course, as you say, I think the definition of unplugged is still evolving. Maybe in the future it will mean simply putting your phone down and taking five minutes to meditate. Who knows? 🤷♂️😎😎😎😎😎
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Oooo right, 10,000 Maniacs made that whole unplugged album. So good! “Like the Weather” was my favorite. Got me out of bed many times. Thanks for commenting Brian! 😃
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I’m not getting any work done, but I had to pull up that album for my work music this morning. Yes, a favorite.
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MTV unplugged was the best!
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It always seemed so special and intimate. I always fantasized about being in the studio audience.
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Me, too. I saw your comment about 10,000 maniacs unplugged. For the longest time, that was my favorite cd.
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I remember the blackout that hit the Northeast in 2001 (02?) and how everybody was firing up their generators and scrounging for batteries.
As far as MTV Unplugged, there were lots of great episodes; but I remember an early rap episode that featured LL Cool performing an “unplugged” version of “Momma Said Knock You Out” that had the entire audience on their feet!
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We had an ice storm in December 2008 that caused many days without power and heat. Lots of people installed generators after that one. We fled to my parents’ house.
Pretty bad ass unplugged! “Leave that crack alone”
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So true. One time a client couldn’t reach me while I was on airplane mode. She literally thought I died. She called my assistant asking where I was like crazy
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