Despite 'Cult Of Personality' being a big hit for the funky four-piece, Living Colour were always, a little too clever for the mass market. Their recorded output never enabled them to enjoy the success of say the Red Hot Chili Peppers, although Living Colour were as equally, if not more talented. Corey Glover and co produced a handful of quality, groove-based records which passed many by, and I think the band's reluctance to play ball with the corporate machine eventually destroyed them. Sure, the grooves were at times infectious, i.e. 'Middle Man' and the hit 'Cult...' but there was always something awkward, possibly inaccessible about their sound. They brought to mind the jerky rhythms of say prince, but Like Fishbone, 24-7-Spyz, only a certain individual appeared to pick up on the talent within. Some were confused by the messages, aggravated by the licks, and unmoved by the funk-rock, even though a metallic streak ran through it. Despite the likes of Chuck D, Flavour Flav and even Mick Jagger involved with the recording, 'Vivid', even through its diversity, hit home. The bass bubbly 'Funny...', and happy-go lucky jangle of 'Glamour Boys' left many, including myself, a little bereft. Follow up record 'Time's Up' was more bolshy and hip, but again, those jagged edges still hurt. For me, Living Colour will always remain a bit of a mystery, despite enormous potential, and enough splashes of colour to survive several fads, 'Vivid' has cult written all over it, but the personality is a little straight-laced for my liking.
6.5/10
6.5/10
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