Foo Fighters - Skin and Bones (MP3 Download) [2LP]

Recorded during Foo Fighters' 2006 acoustic tour, SKIN AND BONES finds the perennially popular alternative-rock band drawing from its decade-plus history, even going so far as to include a spare rendition of "Marigold," a tune by frontman Dave Grohl that was originally issued as a Nirvana B-side. Augmenting the group's usual guitars/bass/drums line-up are pianist/organist Rami Jaffee (the Wallflowers), violinist Petra Haden, and additional percussionist Drew Hester, who add subtle flourishes to the stripped-down renditions of revered FF tunes such as the emotive "My Hero." While this concert release (also available on DVD) inevitably showcases the more sensitive side of the typically revved-up ensemble, it also reinforces Grohl's status as one of the most sincere and committed rock performers of his generation, as best revealed on the Foos' raw, intense take on "Best of You." Though SKIN AND BONES is a must-have disc for fans, its unplugged setting makes the album inviting to newcomers not as partial to Foo Fighters' rocking sound.