Justin Case Listen to Go Away, Auslander, or Postman from the Stain album....even Type or This is the Life from the Time's Up album. Good stuff right there.
Who ever called them black metal. Black metal is a type of metal but not based on race but rather music style and lyrics. This group is a rock band. Would anyone say ACDC is white rock? That's silly. This group truly rocked
They are awesome, but didn't have the body of work to be considered. Look how long it took Rush and they are still relevant in the so called music world.
the labour union of the automakers made possible that the City of the Motor sank in the shit. All the leftist policies can "destroit" (like the damn documental for the TV) even the best city with the best expectations to be a powerful city , plenty of richness. They destroyed Detroit and now it's the turn for Seattle, , Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Portland.
Me too Keith where is this from? brightmoore? I don’t recognize but believe you and interested. This band was so great to see brothers embracing funk metal melodys imo.
I was a midwestern White Boy who loved Metal when Cult of Personality came out. I, of course, loved that song... for it's amazing sound. So, I bought the CD... and found out that THIS was the best song on the album. This is the song that made me start asking questions about the world outside of my narrative. This is the song that made me ask questions about people born into less fortunate circumstances than me. And this song is what made me realize that art... can change the world. Vernon, Corey, Will and Muzz.... thank you. Thank you for being great musicians.... and thank you for being even better story tellers. You changed my life.
@potn586 Amazing post!! It's immeasurable how much moving, inspirational music can affect change in the world, one person at a time. Personally, I lived in one of those neighborhoods in the video (near Hope St. in Williamsburg Brooklyn). As a kid I always felt "less than" because I was poor and lived in a ghetto. It felt like the world had an opinion about all people who lived there. Like we're lazy, don't wanna work, uneducated, living on welfare. This song moved me because it talks about a neighborhood having heart, even though outsiders only see dilapidated buildings. Ugh... these guys are DEEP!!
Absolutely one of the most underrated songs and BANDS of all time!! This album is just amazing today in 2023 as it was in 1988. Saw them on Monsters of Rock stadium shows that summer!!!! All I can say is WOW! Great comment and post, I was in Denver then and just outside areas like that with friends living inside with gangs and crack epidemic........rough frickin times
IKR? I totally love this vid, loved the band when they 1st came out. I just revisited them and was struck by the way nothing has changed; in fact, it's even worse than portrayed in this video. Killer song about times that kill - kill people, cities and dreams. And break your heart
Awesome. Someone like you needs to do that at FYE or wherever their music is sold, if they are sold in stores. It's a travesty that they aren't still as famous that were when Vivid came out.
+scott sillen: First off, I love your avatar. I fell in love with Living Colour before I'd even HEARD a note of their music, just from reading the review of "Vivid" in the June 1988 issue of SPIN Magazine (Morrissey was on the cover), which was the first issue of SPIN I'd ever read. (I hadn't heard of it until I saw a commercial on MTV. We got cable that same year. I joked that there were tribespeople in the Amazon rainforest who probably got cable before we did.)
There were multi racial bands and bands, period... that introduced their music to all people long before In Living Colour did. This song just freaking rocked !
That song by this group Living Color open letter to a landlord it's a true story I can relate to that you tear a building down but you can't erase the memory by my experience on my old block they tore down two houses that one worth tearing down but you got a house on the corner been ragly about to fall down for 20 years they didn't tear that down but you going to tear down a good house that would never happen in a nicer neighborhood we black folks can't win for losing
Living Colour was simply a victim of timing, they hit it big right at the introduction to Grunge and their popularity faded faster than it should have. This music holds up as strong as when it came out in the late 80’s. Very progressive
Hello Grunge Sucked and my own wife claimes to be a be Grunge baby! Whiny white kids! I lived this shit! In NYC BRONX stoll the last place of regentrofication!
I was on my 10 minute drive home from work this morning (night shift life) and right before I got to my street this song came on the radio 90.5 WBER ROCHESTER, NY and I cranked it up and kept driving to hear it!!! One of the coolest songs ever written!
The lead singer co-starred in the movie "PLATOON" he is in the foxhole with Charlie Sheen and stabs himself in the leg to get off of the front lines he makes the comment "We gonna get HIIIIGGGHH" as they take him to the helicopter
I was 12yrs old when this album came out. I worshipped this band. As a 12yr old white kid I listened with my heart and they've made me the man that I am today. Thank you Corey!
All I see is four talented musicians passionately playing music for the love of it and speaking meaningful messages. The 21st century needs bands like this again!
Great first album. Great guitarist & vocalist. Plus loads of talent/virtuosity. But they lost their way when grunge came around. I think focusing more on the urban themes from this song, and some hip-hop fusion (i.e., like their current Biggie cover, Beastie Boys & Faith No More) was the path for them. But it didn't happen.
I just met one of the band members today. Outside of Tropicana in Atlantic City.I was doing Uber and their buses outside unloading.I just happen to be listening to them while in dialysis,and check to see if they were touring .And just my luck in Atlantic City tonight.
You cant imagine how DOPE this was when it came out. It was so on point. So relevant. So fly. It wasn't a gimmick or a novelty although during this time period it was hard to remind people that rock and rock n roll started with Berry and Little Richard and the gospel electric guitar. These men will always be #1 in my book. Thanks for the gold memories.
Extremely underrated song. Reminds me of my childhood in the South Bronx and the lower East Side. "You can tear a building down, but you can't erase a memory" is up there with the best lyrics of American literature.
Love this song, and I especially love the instrumental break just before Vernon Reid goes into his guitar solo! Man, it gets my blood going! Just perfect!!
I saw living colour and fishbone at UCSD in ‘92 just days after the LA riots. Two mega talented, underrated black rock bands infused with high energy and social purpose. I recall how righteously angry and heavy hearted they were over what was happening. They need to tour together again, I would go in a heartbeat even now in my 50s.
..Exactly ! 👏 I moved to Orange County CA. in 1990 from Philly - - The "Rodney King" L.A. Riots were in 1992, to be followed by the 1994 6.7 mag L.A.-Northridge Earthquake 😢 ~ I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into !! 😅 ... Fishbone are So 🆒️ !, ..and Living 🎨 Colour--goes without saying !! 😀 . . I'm 62, and I am going to see both Living Colour and Extreme w/Nuno Bettencourt at the Anaheim HofB=🏠of🟦s on August 24th ! ~ I can't freekin' WAIT !! 🤪 I saw LC once before there, in like 1999(?)....Corey 🎤 and Vernon 🎸 were absolutely I-N-S-A-N-E 😲 that night !! ... I first learned about Fishbone off of the 1989 "Say Anything" film soundtrack = "Skankin' to the Beat" and "Party at Ground Zero" will *certainly* get your feet 👣 movin' and your ❤ pumpin' !! 😆 . . *They (LC and Extreme) are touring together thru August, and then on to Australia 🐨 . . ENJOY it, if you catch a show !! 🤘🍻 ..I want to wear a super-sweet Fishbone t-shirt to the show,, ..if I can *find* it !! ..lolz. 😊 ☮️
This song gives me chills, you can feel the pain and sweat and tears in this song! The saddest part of this song is that it's even more relevant today.
Even to this day, nearly 3 decades later, these issues still exist and Living Colour still punches harder than many bands today. They have talent, skill, drive, and a message. Great stuff!
Walter Mirren Kids today are way too fucking chill for my comfort level. When they do pop off it's overkill, likely because they are way too sedate up until that point. What's the point of playing rock n' roll if you aren't pissed off about something, or at the very least looking to shag like a bunny rabbit? Even the Go-Go's were in it for the sex and drugs when I was a much younger man.
***** Anger is just one of the pieces of the puzzle that the children must solve. The quietest, calmest and most peaceful ones seem to think the most. Also, sex serves no purpose other than making more humans and pleasure (except for some spirirual purposes)
Dafoodmaster More power to the kid who works his anger out on a Gibson than the kid who works it out by hitting people in the head with bricks. I didn't say that kids were quiet and calm, I said that they were too chill for my liking. There's no indication of the peace that comes with those who are quiet and calm. Regarding sex: I know that and you know that. I acquired that somewhere along the way, it certainly wasn't instinctual. I'm pretty sure that a woman had to tell me about it. The 15 year old me didn't know that. I don't know that my hormones would have even let me learn that, they were so preoccupied with how girls were soft and smelled good.
This song is nearly thirty years old yet both musically and lyrically it could be released today and it wouldn't sound at all out of place. Living Colour was so far ahead of their time they're still ahead of their time.
This song used to bring me to tears as a teenager. I could feel the pain of the lyrics in the voice and music. Hahaha I would play it with the lights off and loudly through headphones and just listen to the whole album on repeat. This song is heavy and totally relevant to this day. I guess at this point in my life I must have watched less MTV and instead listened to my favorite CDs on repeat
These guys are one of the last great black rock groups, along with Fishbone. I think the Roots are now the only all black group with a major contract... sad. I think alot of black youth are disconnected from their musical birthright, an incredible legacy of the greatest music ever made... jazz, rock, soul, R&B, etc...
Not really. They put out a record several years ago but they're not active. I did sound for HR's reggae band a couple years ago, the dude is TOAST.... I literally had to run to the parking lot across the street so he would get on stage because he was singing and dancing by himself. Gonzo.
Last night I had a dream that I had a young son and we visited a shopping mall in another city, which my late dad and I used to visit when I was a kid. I hadn't thought about this mall for years so I looked it up on Google maps only to see they've recently demolished it. Incidentally, I'm still lying in bed thinking about this dream while listening to music, when I hear Living Colour for the first time in over a decade. As a big fan of urban exploration, the memories and feelings in the walls of abandoned buildings always get to me. With my dream still lingering in my mind as well, this song hit right at home.
I remember this song very well and I agree with it as well this is definitely for the rich people that has definitely ran us poor and low-income people out of New York City I agree with this song a lot.
Very powerful song and heart felt and full of truth when landlords in the 70s burned there're own buildings down just to collect insurrance leaving families out in the cold back in the 70s very sad song!
Metal meets Funk. This song kicked ass back in 1989 & still kicks ass now. The guitar solo🎸 the bass, the drums and, of course, Corey Glover’s powerful vocals made this an instant Hard Rock classic. I just wish it had gotten played half as much as “Cult of Personality” did on the radio.
When we talk about Living Colour we should forget about tendencies, sales, timing or any other crap. Living Colour is about the music and the message, and that's what makes them eternal. Musicianship and talent. Immortals.
Kicks Ass! Wish more of the black artists embraced hard rock because they have the mindset it needs. Suburban hard rock just comes off a little light. Pretentious is the word. If I hear another white rocker say "If I didn't play music I'd be in prison" my head will explode. These guys have much respect.
Greg Verity Let's see. I've played drums for 40 years. My bands played alongside the likes of Van Halen and Quiet Riot; Martha in an early version of the Motels. And I played with Preston Epps and Richard Berry. I also play keyboards and a little guitar. And I sing and usually do all the arrangements for my bands. I've written 2 rock operas. I wrote a novel based on one of them where the protagonist actually writes the rock opera in the novel and finds his life basically following the story line which is not good because it has a tragic ending. And yes, I've done 7 years in prison. I also have a degree in English so I know the meaning of pretentiousness. What's your point other than you're an angry young man?
Sorry mate. Don't know what I was saying. I play drums aswell and got out of jail 3 years ago so we problably have a lot in common. Like I said sorry my mouth was running faster than my brain. Hope u can forgive me?
Greg Verity Of course. Even though I have a degree in English (and I really do), I don't always communicate my point well. I'm often misunderstood. Anyway, most people don't know that it's drummers who run things.So I don't trip. We're cool. Now, if you were a guitarist. it might be different . . . .: )))). Rock comes from the blues and is the music of the rebel. These guys get it because they lived it and rock always needs it. Slainte.
No. I assaulted an officer at at a protest. Threw a tear gas canister at them too. Another charge. What have you done? Surf? anyway: you're missing the point. The inner city is where true rebellion lay. Rock is rebellion. Long live rock and bands like Living Colour.
an old friend sent me a pic of what my childhood home looks like now. its all abandoned and showing many years of neglect. this song came to mind when i was remembering my childhood and the good memories at the home. love this song.
Seriously, one of the best bands of the late '80's... Loved them to bits. This song was my all time favorite of theirs. :) Also, side note, saw Corey Glover playing Judas in a Ted Neely version of Jesus Christ Superstar in San Diego, in 2008, and pretty much thought he kicked ass. :)
Wow been 31 years since I heard this album and seen these guys they opened for The Rolling Stones on miami 1989. I remember getting album blown away bought their music book ( I played bass back then ) could Not compete bass line are incredible hard to learn but over all amazing album the band should have been bigger. Thank you guys for the memories
My late preteen years we couldn't afford many luxuries especially cassette tapes but I begged my mother for this it got plenty of play It was one of the few cassettes I had that weren't radio mix tapes.
Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see... This is my neighborhood This is where I come from I call this place my home You call this place a slum You wanna run all the people out This is what you're all about Treat poor people just like trash Turn around and make big cash Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see Last moth there was a fire I saw seven children die You sent flowers to their family But your simpathy's a lie Cause every building that you burn Is more blood money that you earn We are force to relocate From the pain that you create Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see We live here for so many years Now this house is full of fear For a profit you will take control Where will all the older people go? There used to be when kids could play Without the scourge of drug's decay Now our kids are living dead They crack and blow their lives away Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see You've got to fight You've got to fight You've got to fight For your neighborhood... You've got to fight For your neighbor
Yes. Underrated band and I don't know why because they make great music and they are very great musician. I listen to Living Color a few times in the week. No, to me it IS, one of the BEST band I ever heard and that's no lie. Great musicians that make great music. I mean, GREAT MUSIC !
As an autistic person it's amazing how much our struggles and the struggles of Black people are similar. Both born into a world designed for us to fail, and punished for something we can't control. Overlooked for jobs and loans. Killed by the police unjustly. This is why I stand by you. It's more than White guilt. It's true empathy.
I saw them in the 80's when this sing came out, they supported another major band, can't remember now, but I bloody remember them, they were absolutely amazing, went out and brought the vinyl next day.
0:22 ... first sight of those 2 beautiful buildings. R.I.P. to so many top to bottom. my friend John... Navy vet & 40 year (kid u not) carpenter-he just told me this week he now has rectal cancer from being in the pit from the toxic dust. bless you all who have fallen & to those experiencing your biggest battles as we speak. shout out to mike who signed 10 year air force commitment following 9/11 -cheers
No disrespect to those who lost their lives (or those that continue to do so), but they were not "beautiful buildings". They were big, tall, rectangles. No beauty in them at all.
They were ahead of their time and should still be performing and making records. Black rock bands are everything. Black people are everything. I just love us❤❤❤❤
2021 NYC GOING THROUGH IT AGAIN. Word this song and band rocks. Period. Timeless. Grew up on this. ROSELAND BALLROOM a parking lot. I will never forget your show!! Kudos 👏 guys you ROCK !!
I was at Rockville a few years back & walked by a guy walking the other way. I thought "he looks like Vernon Reid" & I noticed an entire crowd of people shadowing him from maybe 30' behind him, some of them calling out "Vernon!". Pretty sure it was actually him; if I'd have known I would have turned around and sang the intro to this song in tribute. Maybe someday my band will play at Rockville, and he'll be there again. :) Many years ago, while serving in the Army in West Germany, I tested a sound system with Cult Of Personality. I operated a pirate radio station there playing rock music, and Living Colour made the playlist more than once. I'd like to think some German kid was influenced by this great American rock.
the lead singer on open letter to a landlord, seems like he wrote the song because he went through that experience. look at his reaction on the microphone towards the end of the song.sincere. love u living coulor.
Living Colour was so underrated. They should have been bigger than just Cult Of Personality!
no. shit ¡!!
You make it sound like "gay" is a bad thing...
I'm straight and I know it's lame to use "gay" as a term for lame.
Justin Case Listen to Go Away, Auslander, or Postman from the Stain album....even Type or This is the Life from the Time's Up album. Good stuff right there.
They'll be remembered. That's the most important part.
All The Dislikes Came From Landlords & Politicians.
And corporate jackoffs 👿
INDEED!
Or people that saw the WTC getting hit by a swing before 9/11 even happened, frustrated that living meme airheads like you can't even see it?
Vernon Reid is the fucking man.
And racist
They're not black metal or black rock, they're simply one of the best rock bands of this era.
Of ALL time.
Thank you
10000% agree there!
Who ever called them black metal. Black metal is a type of metal but not based on race but rather music style and lyrics. This group is a rock band. Would anyone say ACDC is white rock? That's silly. This group truly rocked
True genius transcends classification.
Extremely underrated band (should be in the Rock & Roll hall of fame)
john jones
YES!!! I don't normally pay much attention to who's in and who isn't. But, seriously, why the fuck are they not already?
Absolutely deserve their spot.
They are awesome, but didn't have the body of work to be considered. Look how long it took Rush and they are still relevant in the so called music world.
Dude they rock,, thing is it all started with lil Richard Chuck Berry Elvis Etc.
+Fakename70: You want to talk crazy? How is LIONEL RICHIE, one of the biggest, most successful people ever in pop music, not in the Hall of Fame?
This song is so relevant. I'm from Detroit and my neighborhood doesn't exist anymore. Our history, our legacy buried under bureaucracy and greed.
its everywhere keith and in all neighborhoods except politicos
the labour union of the automakers made possible that the City of the Motor sank in the shit. All the leftist policies can "destroit" (like the damn documental for the TV) even the best city with the best expectations to be a powerful city , plenty of richness. They destroyed Detroit and now it's the turn for Seattle, , Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Portland.
And also riots that’s caused businesses to no longer want to operate there. Cuz, ya know, why would they if some dickheads are just gonna destroy it?
Ain't it something when a 30+ y/o song is as relevant today as it ever was?
Me too Keith where is this from? brightmoore? I don’t recognize but believe you and interested. This band was so great to see brothers embracing funk metal melodys imo.
I was a midwestern White Boy who loved Metal when Cult of Personality came out. I, of course, loved that song... for it's amazing sound. So, I bought the CD... and found out that THIS was the best song on the album. This is the song that made me start asking questions about the world outside of my narrative. This is the song that made me ask questions about people born into less fortunate circumstances than me. And this song is what made me realize that art... can change the world. Vernon, Corey, Will and Muzz.... thank you. Thank you for being great musicians.... and thank you for being even better story tellers. You changed my life.
..AND (later & now) Doug Wimbish on bass 🎸! 🙂
Such a beautiful comment. Very similar for me. Thank you for sharing.
@potn586 Amazing post!! It's immeasurable how much moving, inspirational music can affect change in the world, one person at a time.
Personally, I lived in one of those neighborhoods in the video (near Hope St. in Williamsburg Brooklyn). As a kid I always felt "less than" because I was poor and lived in a ghetto. It felt like the world had an opinion about all people who lived there. Like we're lazy, don't wanna work, uneducated, living on welfare.
This song moved me because it talks about a neighborhood having heart, even though outsiders only see dilapidated buildings. Ugh... these guys are DEEP!!
This comment rings true for me. Shared this song with my daughter a couple of years ago and she added it to one of her playlists.
Absolutely one of the most underrated songs and BANDS of all time!! This album is just amazing today in 2023 as it was in 1988. Saw them on Monsters of Rock stadium shows that summer!!!! All I can say is WOW! Great comment and post, I was in Denver then and just outside areas like that with friends living inside with gangs and crack epidemic........rough frickin times
Living Colour deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Period. Soooo much talent....sooooo much truth!
Right, people in there for much less contribution!
Perhaps too much truth for that hall
Ha ha
Deborah Harry and Blondie are in with "The Tide is High" and these guys aren't. Cmon
The saddest part of this song is that it's even more relevant today.
IKR? I totally love this vid, loved the band when they 1st came out. I just revisited them and was struck by the way nothing has changed; in fact, it's even worse than portrayed in this video. Killer song about times that kill - kill people, cities and dreams. And break your heart
Yeah, except now they tear down their neighborhoods themselves.
BloomingdaleTN "they" ?
I think Vernon Reid just made me pregnant.
Uhh yeah, "they", it sure as Hell ain't "us"
This is one of the baddest basslines ever... this band was so talented it was not fair to everyone else...
tom castlebury That bass line is fucking epic.
tom castlebury Agreed. I could listen to that bassline all day!
they won a grammy. Motley Crue never did lol
tom castlebury true
That bass is sick as hell.
I worked at a record store in the Bronx when this came out and recommended it to EVERYONE and they ALL came back to thank me after listening to it...
Awesome. Someone like you needs to do that at FYE or wherever their music is sold, if they are sold in stores. It's a travesty that they aren't still as famous that were when Vivid came out.
Awesome
+scott sillen: First off, I love your avatar. I fell in love with Living Colour before I'd even HEARD a note of their music, just from reading the review of "Vivid" in the June 1988 issue of SPIN Magazine (Morrissey was on the cover), which was the first issue of SPIN I'd ever read. (I hadn't heard of it until I saw a commercial on MTV. We got cable that same year. I joked that there were tribespeople in the Amazon rainforest who probably got cable before we did.)
Yes the days when you can go to a record store and the person that works there recommend some Great music. Good time Good times.
I worked in a local record shop in Lawton,Ok . Brothers and Sisters and yup recommendrd this and everybody loved this band.
This band broke barriers, great musicians! And they will always rock!
There were multi racial bands and bands, period... that introduced their music to all people long before In Living Colour did. This song just freaking rocked !
That song by this group Living Color open letter to a landlord it's a true story I can relate to that you tear a building down but you can't erase the memory by my experience on my old block they tore down two houses that one worth tearing down but you got a house on the corner been ragly about to fall down for 20 years they didn't tear that down but you going to tear down a good house that would never happen in a nicer neighborhood we black folks can't win for losing
great musicians
Living Colour was simply a victim of timing, they hit it big right at the introduction to Grunge and their popularity faded faster than it should have. This music holds up as strong as when it came out in the late 80’s. Very progressive
Sounds just RIGHT in 2021 👍😎
and let’s be honest grunge is really just a bunch of crap, and for Living Color to fall by the wayside for the grunge scene is an absolute travesty
This is the time … -type
Hello Grunge Sucked and my own wife claimes to be a be Grunge baby! Whiny white kids! I lived this shit! In NYC BRONX stoll the last place of regentrofication!
The wipers are another absolutely brilliant band from that time that seem to be completely overlooked,
True, New York City heavy-metal legends... these men need to be in the Hall of Fame NOW!
Mate, they are full on Metal.
Rock not metal
@@andyistilt1983They are alternative metal, like Faith No More and Helmet
I was on my 10 minute drive home from work this morning (night shift life) and right before I got to my street this song came on the radio 90.5 WBER ROCHESTER, NY and I cranked it up and kept driving to hear it!!! One of the coolest songs ever written!
Their bassist is the epitome of groove.
chad88019 you should hear Sean Yseult
Aw yes, Vernon Reid
@@roger2bro Vernon's the guitarist. Muzz Skillings was the bassist on this album.
'Groovemaster'
Absolutely man!! 👍👍
This song gives me chills, you can feel the pain and sweat and tears in this song!
Word.
Scot M
Absolutely!! Pain. Gentrification. Loss. Death. And love of one's home, neighborhood. Powerful song.
word
Absolutely at 4:30 on...brilliant
Yeah this is a Black rock band and they rock so Rock with me no matter what color you are, it*s only rock and roll and I like it!
The lead singer co-starred in the movie "PLATOON" he is in the foxhole with Charlie Sheen and stabs himself in the leg to get off of the front lines he makes the comment "We gonna get HIIIIGGGHH" as they take him to the helicopter
OMG I didn't know about that James! Thanks for the info.
Veran Paolini Yep when you see the movie again watch for him
"We gonna get HIIIIGGGHH" I remember him well! Watched that movie more than just once :)
Veran Paolini Yeah that was one of my all -time favorite war movies
They spoke about gentrification back in 1989.
+RoninAli1 and in 1989 it still wasn't a new concept.
Sadly it wasn't.
+RoninAli1 Spielberg did a movie about it in the 80s. *Batteries not Included.
I love that movie
This soing could be aimed at Donald Trump.
I always cry when I see them play this live. What a beautiful song. Gentrification.
Amen
I was 12yrs old when this album came out.
I worshipped this band. As a 12yr old white kid I listened with my heart and they've made me the man that I am today. Thank you Corey!
They changed a lot. My High school was different after them, boys 2 men, 3rd base and tribe
They kicked ass!
Hands down easily one of the best breakdown riffs ever from a criminally underrated band.
All I see is four talented musicians passionately playing music for the love of it and speaking meaningful messages. The 21st century needs bands like this again!
Nothing makes me happier than this era of music. Living Color had so much personality & style.
And talent. Boatloads of talent.
You could say he was in the cult of personality
Totally fucking sic band. Unbelievably cool.
Great first album. Great guitarist & vocalist. Plus loads of talent/virtuosity. But they lost their way when grunge came around. I think focusing more on the urban themes from this song, and some hip-hop fusion (i.e., like their current Biggie cover, Beastie Boys & Faith No More) was the path for them. But it didn't happen.
Phil C - sic or (sic) means "copied directly from the original (including mistakes).
65 yearl old white lady here... And I still love listening to the Vivid album. Especially this song. Such a tight band, so underrated.
I just met one of the band members today. Outside of Tropicana in Atlantic City.I was doing Uber and their buses outside unloading.I just happen to be listening to them while in dialysis,and check to see if they were touring .And just my luck in Atlantic City tonight.
This is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. SO powerful!
One of the best debut albums in history
The story of their creation is amazing. At the Platoon wrap party...
You cant imagine how DOPE this was when it came out. It was so on point. So relevant. So fly. It wasn't a gimmick or a novelty although during this time period it was hard to remind people that rock and rock n roll started with Berry and Little Richard and the gospel electric guitar. These men will always be #1 in my book. Thanks for the gold memories.
Extremely underrated song. Reminds me of my childhood in the South Bronx and the lower East Side. "You can tear a building down, but you can't erase a memory" is up there with the best lyrics of American literature.
Love this song, and I especially love the instrumental break just before Vernon Reid goes into his guitar solo! Man, it gets my blood going! Just perfect!!
The funkiest part of this sadly and fiercely honest song
that bassline, though
Wau 👽!
I saw living colour and fishbone at UCSD in ‘92 just days after the LA riots. Two mega talented, underrated black rock bands infused with high energy and social purpose. I recall how righteously angry and heavy hearted they were over what was happening. They need to tour together again, I would go in a heartbeat even now in my 50s.
..Exactly ! 👏 I moved to Orange County CA. in 1990 from Philly - - The "Rodney King" L.A. Riots were in 1992, to be followed by the 1994 6.7 mag L.A.-Northridge Earthquake 😢 ~ I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into !! 😅 ... Fishbone are So 🆒️ !, ..and Living 🎨 Colour--goes without saying !! 😀 . . I'm 62, and I am going to see both Living Colour and Extreme w/Nuno Bettencourt at the Anaheim HofB=🏠of🟦s on August 24th ! ~ I can't freekin' WAIT !! 🤪 I saw LC once before there, in like 1999(?)....Corey 🎤 and Vernon 🎸 were absolutely I-N-S-A-N-E 😲 that night !! ... I first learned about Fishbone off of the 1989 "Say Anything" film soundtrack = "Skankin' to the Beat" and "Party at Ground Zero" will *certainly* get your feet 👣 movin' and your ❤ pumpin' !! 😆 . . *They (LC and Extreme) are touring together thru August, and then on to Australia 🐨 . . ENJOY it, if you catch a show !! 🤘🍻 ..I want to wear a super-sweet Fishbone t-shirt to the show,, ..if I can *find* it !! ..lolz. 😊 ☮️
This song gives me chills, you can feel the pain and sweat and tears in this song!
The saddest part of this song is that it's even more relevant today.
So powerful! That vocal range blows me away. If you get a chance see them live. They own the crowd.
Even to this day, nearly 3 decades later, these issues still exist and Living Colour still punches harder than many bands today. They have talent, skill, drive, and a message. Great stuff!
Pattorihanzo poor people ain't going nowhere that's. Why
Ever
This is the tune that this group SHOULD be known for, not "Cult Of Personality"...
This is the best of the best in commentary rock IMHO
Agreed Smurf431. Anyone who grew up urban where the gentrification is creeping in feels this song, and there are a lot of us.
***** Even if not - it is a SHAME that anger and defiance has been removed from music.
Walter Mirren
Kids today are way too fucking chill for my comfort level. When they do pop off it's overkill, likely because they are way too sedate up until that point.
What's the point of playing rock n' roll if you aren't pissed off about something, or at the very least looking to shag like a bunny rabbit?
Even the Go-Go's were in it for the sex and drugs when I was a much younger man.
***** Anger is just one of the pieces of the puzzle that the children must solve.
The quietest, calmest and most peaceful ones seem to think the most.
Also, sex serves no purpose other than making more humans and pleasure (except for some spirirual purposes)
Dafoodmaster
More power to the kid who works his anger out on a Gibson than the kid who works it out by hitting people in the head with bricks.
I didn't say that kids were quiet and calm, I said that they were too chill for my liking. There's no indication of the peace that comes with those who are quiet and calm.
Regarding sex: I know that and you know that. I acquired that somewhere along the way, it certainly wasn't instinctual. I'm pretty sure that a woman had to tell me about it.
The 15 year old me didn't know that. I don't know that my hormones would have even let me learn that, they were so preoccupied with how girls were soft and smelled good.
This band should have been bigger.
Good people know about them and it's enough!
They were huge between 1988-1991
Well I loved them then, and now as well.
Bands come and go. It is very hard to keep being mainstream for a longtime
Bands with politics views are not for the mainstream...
The first two albums of Living Colour are masterpieces.
Their third might be their best.
Saw these guys back in 89. They were the support act to the Rolling Stones at Shea Stadium. Best time of my life,
This song is nearly thirty years old yet both musically and lyrically it could be released today and it wouldn't sound at all out of place. Living Colour was so far ahead of their time they're still ahead of their time.
The rough guitar roars through this heart-wrenching work.
When I listen to this so do all my neighbors !! This band KICKS ASS !! I love this song !!
I agree 100%: Living Colour MUST be play it as loud as possilble!
This song used to bring me to tears as a teenager. I could feel the pain of the lyrics in the voice and music. Hahaha I would play it with the lights off and loudly through headphones and just listen to the whole album on repeat. This song is heavy and totally relevant to this day.
I guess at this point in my life I must have watched less MTV and instead listened to my favorite CDs on repeat
I am sixty...i am a player...this one changed me..from the inside.
if you like this try sunless saturday fishbone ,,, enjoy
***** fishbone are awesome
Now you can tear a building down but you can't erase the memories. damn straight there are photos
These guys are one of the last great black rock groups, along with Fishbone. I think the Roots are now the only all black group with a major contract... sad. I think alot of black youth are disconnected from their musical birthright, an incredible legacy of the greatest music ever made... jazz, rock, soul, R&B, etc...
They are still one of the best groups ever, whatever their skin color. I'm seeing them for the 3rd time in St. Pete next week!
There's TV on the Radio
100% true Poppa.
Not really. They put out a record several years ago but they're not active. I did sound for HR's reggae band a couple years ago, the dude is TOAST.... I literally had to run to the parking lot across the street so he would get on stage because he was singing and dancing by himself. Gonzo.
I thought they were white and knowing they are black hasn't changed a thing for me. Truly a great band.
Last night I had a dream that I had a young son and we visited a shopping mall in another city, which my late dad and I used to visit when I was a kid. I hadn't thought about this mall for years so I looked it up on Google maps only to see they've recently demolished it.
Incidentally, I'm still lying in bed thinking about this dream while listening to music, when I hear Living Colour for the first time in over a decade. As a big fan of urban exploration, the memories and feelings in the walls of abandoned buildings always get to me. With my dream still lingering in my mind as well, this song hit right at home.
Wow, song is so heart felt.
Such feelings much heart very touching wow
***** Epic maymay xD
Robertson Tirado it's the pain of poverty
I can't erase the memory of this album. Total fire.
Well said
One of the best bands to emerge in the late 80s/early 90s--hands down. Every guy was excellent at every position--and still is.
I remember this song very well and I agree with it as well this is definitely for the rich people that has definitely ran us poor and low-income people out of New York City I agree with this song a lot.
Very powerful song and heart felt and full of truth when landlords in the 70s burned there're own buildings down just to collect insurrance leaving families out in the cold back in the 70s very sad song!
A great band that has been overlooked, still speaking to this white boy from SC (and on my regular rotation in the car) 25+ years later..
Metal meets Funk. This song kicked ass back in 1989 & still kicks ass now. The guitar solo🎸 the bass, the drums and, of course, Corey Glover’s powerful vocals made this an instant Hard Rock classic. I just wish it had gotten played half as much as “Cult of Personality” did on the radio.
When we talk about Living Colour we should forget about tendencies, sales, timing or any other crap. Living Colour is about the music and the message, and that's what makes them eternal. Musicianship and talent. Immortals.
Kicks Ass! Wish more of the black artists embraced hard rock because they have the mindset it needs. Suburban hard rock just comes off a little light. Pretentious is the word. If I hear another white rocker say "If I didn't play music I'd be in prison" my head will explode. These guys have much respect.
Greg Verity Let's see. I've played drums for 40 years. My bands played alongside the likes of Van Halen and Quiet Riot; Martha in an early version of the Motels. And I played with Preston Epps and Richard Berry. I also play keyboards and a little guitar. And I sing and usually do all the arrangements for my bands. I've written 2 rock operas. I wrote a novel based on one of them where the protagonist actually writes the rock opera in the novel and finds his life basically following the story line which is not good because it has a tragic ending. And yes, I've done 7 years in prison. I also have a degree in English so I know the meaning of pretentiousness. What's your point other than you're an angry young man?
Sorry mate. Don't know what I was saying. I play drums aswell and got out of jail 3 years ago so we problably have a lot in common. Like I said sorry my mouth was running faster than my brain. Hope u can forgive me?
Greg Verity Of course. Even though I have a degree in English (and I really do), I don't always communicate my point well. I'm often misunderstood. Anyway, most people don't know that it's drummers who run things.So I don't trip. We're cool. Now, if you were a guitarist. it might be different . . . .: )))). Rock comes from the blues and is the music of the rebel. These guys get it because they lived it and rock always needs it. Slainte.
+Josiah Gariepy last great Watts white band?
No. I assaulted an officer at at a protest. Threw a tear gas canister at them too. Another charge. What have you done? Surf? anyway: you're missing the point. The inner city is where true rebellion lay. Rock is rebellion. Long live rock and bands like Living Colour.
Living colour is new York's finest!!!!!!!
For people in Canada (all over the world?), this song could not be more actual. A message from the 80's to the present.
You can tear a building down but you can't erase a memory
an old friend sent me a pic of what my childhood home looks like now. its all abandoned and showing many years of neglect. this song came to mind when i was remembering my childhood and the good memories at the home. love this song.
born and raised in Bed-Stuy in the 1970's this touched home to me, THANK YOU
Seriously, one of the best bands of the late '80's... Loved them to bits. This song was my all time favorite of theirs. :) Also, side note, saw Corey Glover playing Judas in a Ted Neely version of Jesus Christ Superstar in San Diego, in 2008, and pretty much thought he kicked ass. :)
Wow been 31 years since I heard this album and seen these guys they opened for The Rolling Stones on miami 1989. I remember getting album blown away bought their music book ( I played bass back then ) could Not compete bass line are incredible hard to learn but over all amazing album the band should have been bigger. Thank you guys for the memories
Song was before it's time....and in it's time.
My late preteen years we couldn't afford many luxuries especially cassette tapes but I begged my mother for this it got plenty of play It was one of the few cassettes I had that weren't radio mix tapes.
What an immense song. Everything about it is spot on: Corey's vocal, Vernon's guitar, Muzz's bassline, the lyrics. I could go on but there's no need.
I never get tired of looking at Corey Glover. His voice is amazing.
Same, girl. Same.
Yh great voice one of best I heard
Everything about this song rocks--love the bass line; the bridge is awesome, Vernon shreds, solid vocals from Corey; the band is tight!!!
Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory
These houses may look all run down
But they have a value you can't see...
This is my neighborhood
This is where I come from
I call this place my home
You call this place a slum
You wanna run all the people out
This is what you're all about
Treat poor people just like trash
Turn around and make big cash
Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory
These houses may look all run down
But they have a value you can't see
Last moth there was a fire
I saw seven children die
You sent flowers to their family
But your simpathy's a lie
Cause every building that you burn
Is more blood money that you earn
We are force to relocate
From the pain that you create
Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory
These houses may look all run down
But they have a value you can't see
Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory
These houses may look all run down
But they have a value you can't see
We live here for so many years
Now this house is full of fear
For a profit you will take control
Where will all the older people go?
There used to be when kids could play
Without the scourge of drug's decay
Now our kids are living dead
They crack and blow their lives away
Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory
These houses may look all run down
But they have a value you can't see
You've got to fight
You've got to fight
You've got to fight
For your neighborhood...
You've got to fight
For your neighbor
Real and touching.
Straight to the soul
@@ThePoob My Dad would say, "we were poor but never low class
I kindly thank you for the written lyrics to this masterpiece.
If only political hacks could speak truth, like so many musicians. The world would be better off. But the Devil is in the details!
They are still around. Still a great band. What I love about them the most is that they never sold out. They have always stayed true to their message.
These brothers kick some serious ass, saw them twice, great live band
I lived on 230th near Broadway most of the 80's. I would pass the neighborhood from the song on the 1 train. I feel close to this song.
BLM should make this song a hit again. It would piss Trump off bigly.
Damn these guys are talented!!! dat bass, dem riffs, dem vocals and dem drums
Yes. Underrated band and I don't know why because they make great music and they are very great musician.
I listen to Living Color a few times in the week. No, to me it IS, one of the BEST band I ever heard and that's no lie. Great musicians that make great music. I mean, GREAT MUSIC !
Hardly underrated just under appreciated
I love these Brothers ✌️ great rock and roll band. I've always loved Vernon style of playing guitar. and what a great blues singer
Extremely underrated band (should be in the Rock & Roll hall of fame)
One of the best debut albums in history
Beautiful song.
This is rock. Straight up, unfiltered classic rock.
This song is phenomenal, it's an epic story within itself
Just ran across this again... so underrated. Wish they come back. They outplay alot of current bands right now. Ahhh the memories....
Still makes my old bones dance.
Soul R&B Jazz and RRROCK!!
They are just amazing!!!
I've not listened to these guys for years and it comes back like it was yesterday!
OMG I can't believe I'm listening to this song again , absolutely love Living Color
As an autistic person it's amazing how much our struggles and the struggles of Black people are similar. Both born into a world designed for us to fail, and punished for something we can't control. Overlooked for jobs and loans. Killed by the police unjustly. This is why I stand by you. It's more than White guilt. It's true empathy.
Utter bullshit
I saw them in the 80's when this sing came out, they supported another major band, can't remember now, but I bloody remember them, they were absolutely amazing, went out and brought the vinyl next day.
0:22 ... first sight of those 2 beautiful buildings. R.I.P. to so many top to bottom. my friend John... Navy vet & 40 year (kid u not) carpenter-he just told me this week he now has rectal cancer from being in the pit from the toxic dust. bless you all who have fallen & to those experiencing your biggest battles as we speak. shout out to mike who signed 10 year air force commitment following 9/11
-cheers
Prayers to your friend John.
No disrespect to those who lost their lives (or those that continue to do so), but they were not "beautiful buildings". They were big, tall, rectangles. No beauty in them at all.
@@deadlyredly1 apparently you never were in them? just saying
They were ahead of their time and should still be performing and making records. Black rock bands are everything. Black people are everything. I just love us❤❤❤❤
As great as “Cult of Personality” is, I love this more.
Me too
Sometimes I gravitate towards this song for solace. I grew up poor. This song has such resonance.. sometimes it really hits me. Tears well up.
One of my favorites of all time--lot of soul to it.... Can listen to it over and over again....
Amazing band, so glad I got to see them live in the 90s.
great band, very powerful lyrics, top notch musicianship and vocals, flamboyant fashion sense, funky riffs
2021 NYC GOING THROUGH IT AGAIN. Word this song and band rocks. Period. Timeless. Grew up on this. ROSELAND BALLROOM a parking lot. I will never forget your show!! Kudos 👏 guys you ROCK !!
this band rockssss
I was at Rockville a few years back & walked by a guy walking the other way. I thought "he looks like Vernon Reid" & I noticed an entire crowd of people shadowing him from maybe 30' behind him, some of them calling out "Vernon!". Pretty sure it was actually him; if I'd have known I would have turned around and sang the intro to this song in tribute. Maybe someday my band will play at Rockville, and he'll be there again. :)
Many years ago, while serving in the Army in West Germany, I tested a sound system with Cult Of Personality. I operated a pirate radio station there playing rock music, and Living Colour made the playlist more than once. I'd like to think some German kid was influenced by this great American rock.
Criminally underrated band
I could listen to that bass line all day.
Awesome. This is one of those albums that will forever remind me of a certain time in my life when I listened to this every day.
the lead singer on open letter to a landlord, seems like he wrote the song because he went through that experience. look at his reaction on the microphone towards the end of the song.sincere. love u living coulor.
2021: fresh as only a timeless classic can be.
Good Lord when he sings "you ve got to fight for