Why this New York City band used British spelling is no mystery to me - guitarist and principal songwriter Vernon Reid was from London.
This 1988 single - a top 30 hit - was a biting rebuke of those who were caught up in fashion and lifestyle. The best part? Produced by Mick Jagger - from a little British band himself - who was instrumental in getting the band signed to a record deal.... a fact the band found bittersweet. In the 1980s, there weren't all-black rock bands getting major label deals, but the fact that Mick Jagger happened to see them live and "endorsed" them got Living Colour signed.
Still, I'm grateful. This unique, funky band got real MTV airplay and attention thanks to a chance meeting with a rock and roll legend.
Let's get to this song. The verses are clearly reggae-influenced, with an "island" feel. The chorus, however, ramps up the heavy and rocks hard.
The band briefly broke up in the 1990's, but got back together. Here they are in 2019, performing this song. Personally, I don't think Corey Glover has lost a bit of his vocal power.
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