KoRns Unplugged Blundering

MTV Unplugged holds a special place in our acoustic-strumming hearts. While the series may not have any type of predictable schedule--the last one, starring Alicia Keys, aired two years ago--it has a knack for bringing the best out of its subjects. Through the years, Unplugged picked unparalleled artists like Mariah Carey, Nirvana, Neil Young and Jay-Z, and the results usually lived up to their billing. But, based on a preview clip (below), the upcoming KoRn Unplugged looks like an especially wrongheaded attempt at fish-out-of-water gimmickry. On "Freak On A Leash," band members wear "creepy" animal masks, Evanescence's Amy Lee wails away for no reason and Jonathan Davis keeps repeating "go" during the overwrought tantric freak-out section like he was a high school track coach. It would be funny if everyone involved didn't take themselves so damn seriously. Watch the train wreck below, along with a few inspired Unplugged moments:

KoRn: "Freak On A Leash" (MTV Unplugged) [ft. Amy Lee]

Nirvana: "Jesus Don't Want Me For A Sunbeam" (MTV Unplugged)

Mariah Carey: "I'll Be There" (MTV Unplugged)

R.E.M.: "Fall On Me" (MTV Unplugged)