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Class 6(66)

Living Colour: Stain

08/04/11  ||  InquisitorGeneralis

Introduction

We all know Living Color as the band of black dudes who come out of nowhere in the late 80’s with the legitimately awesome “Cult of Personality” and became instant rock stars. They had a distinct funk/metal/rock sound and, along with Fishbone, were one of the few commercial successful all African-American rock bands. As influential as they were, Bad Brains should have been international stars. Sadly, a hitting concert goer with mic stands doesn’t rake in the big bucks or accolades. Praise fucken Jah though, HR is one crazy bastard. I love “Cult of Personality” but I have never been too enamored with all of the multiplatinum “Vivid”. It is a good record, but I lose interest about halfway in. Their next release “Time’s Up” featured “Pride”, another awesome tune, but also fails to completely hold my attention.

Ironically, it is Living Colour’s third, lesser known, and now out of print album “Stain” that gives me a complete sense of satisfaction. Some records just stick with you immediately and never get old. Since I stole “Stain” from my sister sometimes in the mid 90’s, it has been one of my favorite alternative metal records. When I say “alternative” I don’t mean bullshit anal discharge like Mudvayne or Stone Sour. I am talking about a rare, brilliant, and way to brief period during the late 80’s and early 90’s when bands like Living Colour, Faith No More, Primus, The Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Mother’s Milk” specifically) and Rage Against the Machine were integrating funk, metal, and rock elements into music that was unique and groundbreaking. Fuck the nu and rap metal that came after, albums like “Stain” were the real fucking deal.

Songwriting

9. The tunes on “Stain” are simple but creative and enjoyable. They don’t feature fifteen tempo changes a piece though, so if you expecting Soreption-like technicality you will be disappointed. However, if groove and funk flavored hard rock is what you like, winning songs like “Leave it alone”, “Ignorance is bliss” and “Wall” will please you faster than a toothless hooker on crack bender. Living Colour also toss in a few faster, almost thrash-sounding tracks like “Go away” and “Auslander”.

“Nothingness” is the only track that really slows down the pace and enters balladland. It is not bad, but I usually skip it in favor of the heavier material. “Bi” is not a bad song at all, but lacks the zip of the more aggressive material that is the real strength of “Stain”. For the most part Living Colour dropped the more R&B style material in favor of heavier stuff on “Stain”. That is probably why I rate this as my favorite record by the band.

Production

10. Really, I’m not kidding here; “Stain” sounds fantastic. Each of the band’s impressive elements shines through but does not overpower any of the others. With a big label like Epic behind them and several previously successful records, you would expect a solid production from Living Colour. The guitar and bass both sound fantastic while not overshadowing one another. You would expect a great sound with a label like Epic underneath the hood.

Guitars

9.5. Vernon Reid is a fucking beast and only a slight lack of variety keeps him from earning the big one-oh in this category. Mr. Reid can shred with the best and there are definitely some thrash influences in his solos. His riffs are also ace and show his funky side. All of “Ignorance is bliss” is pure guitar gold. There are few moments on “Stain” where the impact of Reid’s playing is not immediate and impressive.

Vocals

9.5. Corey Glover was (and somewhat still is) a fantastic vocalist and front man. Thankfully, he has dropped the Body Glove suits these days. Besides the theatrics, the dude could sing and he mixes up melodic and aggressive styles well on “Stain”.

Bass

9.5. The bass is right up in front on “Stain” and Doug Wimbush’s playing is one of the key aspects of this record’s awesomeness. Think Flea; but black, in band that did not pussy out, and not a royal douche.

Drums

9. Will Calhoun did not win numerous drumming awards and accolades for being a slouch or a poser. Without the use of the double bass (something I usually demand in my metal), blast beats, or time change insanity he still manages to be a force on “Stain”. Perfect, not overdone fills are featured on “Stain” along with plenty of rock and funk grooves. Overall, the record features a great drum sound and performance.

Lyrics

9. Normally, politically-based lyrics turn me off because they are either to whiney or just plain fucking stupid. This is not the case with Living Colour who managed to address topics like racism, sexuality, depression, and politics without sounding like obnoxious celebro-douchebags. Clearly, there is intelligence behind songs like “Bi”, which addresses sexuality, and “Ignorance is bliss”, which takes a more political tone. You can guess what “Hemp” is about.

Logo

5. The logo screams early 1990’s and is not metal at all. But, since Living Colour abandoned playing progressive power grind after their first demo, I can accept a logo that does not features dripping blood or eviscerated Christians dotting the lower case j’s.

Cover

9. The red-washed cover of “Stain” instantly drew my attention the first time I saw it. The image of the women, a pretty creepy looking one I might add, wearing a brank (slave head-cage thingy) is also eye-catching. It definitely backs up the themes and lyrical content of the album perfectly.

Booklet

N/A. Lost eons ago.

Overall and Ending Rant

While “Stain” is far from the most extreme album ever covered here in the Class 6(66) section, it certainly is one of the most consistent and creative. I know you are thinking this is way too high of a score for a funk/rock/metal album on a review site that prides itself on extreme insanity. I’m telling you though, “Stain” is a great fucking album and I know there are people who dwell here at Global D that have a taste for things that are not always brutal beyond imagination. If you like “Cult of Personality” but have never really checked out anything by Living Colour beyond it, this is the album to get your hands on.
9,5

  • Information
  • Released: 1993
  • Label: Epic
  • Website: www.LivingColour.com
  • Band
  • Corey Glover: vocals
  • Vernon Reid: guitar
  • Doug Wimbish: bass, ambiance
  • Will Calhoun: drums
  • Tracklist
  • 01. Go Away
  • 02. Ignorance is Bliss
  • 03. Leave It Alone
  • 04. Bi
  • 05. Mind Your Own Business
  • 06. Ausländer
  • 07. Never Satisfied
  • 08. Nothingness
  • 09. Postman
  • 10. WTFF
  • 11. This Little Pig
  • 12. Hemp
  • 13. Wall

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