[.ca] Vivid (Rm) (Expanded)

From Amazon.com:
Living Colour's exceptional debut is strong all the way through--there simply isn't any weak material on this album. Generally classified as hard rock, Vivid also contains touches of funk and jazz to keep things interesting. Living Colour were also one of the few bands of their time to write politically conscious songs that never sound preachy. They take on politicians ("Cult of Personality"), slumlords ("Open Letter"), modern life ("Desperate People," "Glamour Boys"), and the gap between rich and poor in America ("Which Way to America?"). Outstanding music and lyrics, and Corey Glover's strong singing, make these songs simultaneously entertaining and thought provoking. The 2002 reissue is fleshed out with five bonus tracks, including a live version of "Cult of Personality" and a cover of the Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go." --Genevieve Williams

great remaster of a memorable debut by an excellent band:
The liner notes on this remaster make references to later-era "rap/metal hybrids" like Rage Against the Machine and Linkin Park. Stylistically, this debut record from one of the most successful all-Black rock bands owes more to the funk and punk and Bad Brains and Red Hot Chili Peppers than to Run DMC or Public Enemy. Here's a song-by-song review: 1. Cult of Personality. Unless you were living under a rock in 1989, you know this signature tune and hard rock classic - the powerful vocals of Corey Glover, the metal/jazz guitar explosion, the Zepplenesque drumming. 2. I Want to Know. If there is a single weak track on this record, it is this very simple pop-rock tune. 3. Middle Man. Although often forgotten, this funky rocker was actually the first single and breakthrough to rock radio. 4. Desparate People. A dose of punk, an lyrical omage to Led Zeppelin, and a whole lotta hard rock make this one a live staple. 5. Open Letter (to a Landlord). This was one of their breakthrough hits, a social commentary backed up by simple balladry versus punk sensibilities. 6. Funny Vibe. On comes the tongue-in-cheek funk with "social commentary" by Chuck D and Flava Flav. 7. Memories Can't Wait. The fact that they would cover Talking Heads on their debut is not so suprising given their CBGBs background, but the blistering guitar work is shockingly good. 8. Broken Hearts. With a little help from their friends (Mick Jaggar on harmonica), the band combines the blues with some hip-hop beats. 9. Glamour Boys. As perhaps the most infectious hit from the summer of 1989, on this one, they combine elements of reggae, funk, and metal and a little help from Mick Jaggar (who contributed background vocals and production). 10. What's Your Favorite Colour? Clocking in at under 2 minutes, this is simply the funky theme song for the band and is just fun filler. 11. Which Way to America? A heavy-handed bass line drives the indicting lyrics into your conciousness as a perfect end to the original record. Although I am not usually a big fan of remixes, the remix of "Funny Vibe" one, accompanied by additional production of Prince Paul and a horn section, is arguably better than the original. Furthermore, having seen them do this metal/punk laden Clash cover tune, "Should I Stay or Should I Go", on their first tour, I was glad to see it on the first single from their second record and it is a welcome addition here. The other bonus tracks (remix of "What's Your Favorite Color" and live versions of "Middle Man" and "Cult of Personality") are disposable. Overall, this is a great package, and comparing it to the original CD release, benefits from remastering. I just hope Epic sees fit to do the same justice to their second record, 'Time's Up' (1990), which yielded classics "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" and "Solace of You".

This album still feels fresh 15 years later!!!:
I was 18, in the army when I first heard CULT OF PERSONALITY on the radio. I was blown away. I had never heard music like that before and the first chance I got, I went out and got a copy of VIVID. Now this is the third time I have bought this album and I still believe I get my money worths. These guys really know how to play and I think its a shame that they cant get played on the radio today. The songs on this album are so much better than everything in todays music scene. You want great tunes, than this is a great album to start. Beside PERSONALITY, we have the killer songs: MIDDLE MAN, I WANT TO KNOW, GLAMOUR BOYS, OPEN LETTER(TO A LANDLORD), WHICH WAY TO AMERICA, and DESPERATE PEOPLE. This album benefits from being remasted and the sound quality is so great. I can still put this album on and never get tired of listening to it. That my friends is a sign of how good an album is. Even the bonus songs are worth listening to, I enjoy the cover of SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO. If you are looking for good music, than pick up this album. I dont think you will be disappointed.

An improvement on their great debut.:
This is another band that early on meshed genres for a good and unique sound. When I think of "Vivid", I think pop, funk, metal, punk, and meaningful lyrics. But most of all I just think it rocks. Between "Corey Glovers" singing, and "Vernon Reids" guitar, it's a really impressive and tight album. I suspect their best. Plus now we get it with bonus tracks, and remastered. Other than the huge hit "Cult Of Personality", this includes "Open Letter (to a landlord)", "Glamour Boys", and "Memories Can't Wait", which is a "Talking Heads" song. Overall an excellent album, and now even better than before.

Amazing!:
This cd totally blows away sterotypes of african-americans having to do hip-hop and rap. This is an amazing HARD ROCK album. "Cult of Personality" absouletly blew me away when I first heard it. These guys also have a great style and attitude. I would recommend this cd to anyone who is looking for something different in a hard rock funky way!

A treasure:
One of the first disc's I ever bought was Living Colour's Vivid. It still remains one of my favorite. A friend had gotten tickets to see them right around the time this disc was released, and at that point the only song I knew of the album was Cult Of Personality. So, I figured since I was going to be seeing them live I better hear what they sound like. I bought the disc for my new cd-player that I just got for X-mas and I was blown away. It, rocked, was funky got slow and had this electricity about it. I saw them live a couple of weeks later and I can honestly say they rocked the joint and they knew it. Still one of the best live shows I've ever seen. I put it in just the other day and was rocking out to Middle Man like it was 1989 all over again. So many great groves on this disc with the cover of Talking Head's these Memories Can't Wait being at the top of my list. All the Living Colour disc's rock but the original Vivid still has that place in my heart because it is what brought me to the band.

• Cult Of Personality
• I Want To Know
• Middle Man
• Desperate People
• Open Letter (To A Landord)
• Funny Vibe
• Memories Can't Wait
• Broken Hearts
• Glamour Boys
• What's Your Favorite Color?
• Which Way To America
• Funny Vibe (Funky Vibe Mix( (Bonus Track)
• Should I Stay Or Should I Go (bonus Track)
• What's Your Favorite Color (LeBlanc Remix) (Bonus Track)
• Middle Man (Live) (Bonus Track)
• Cult of Personality (Live( (Bonus Track)