I bought this CD when it first came out in 1993 and I couldn't LEAVE IT ALONE. I was already in anticipation of a new LC album at the time of its' release. This album had many songs on it that should have been hits. I was listening to it the other day at a used record store{my copy got misplaced back around 94' and never took the time to buy it again}. I recall hearing that Vernon Reid and other members of this great metal/funk/rock group wasn't too pleased with the outcome of this record. Addtionally,I also remember some LC fans not being too pleased. But this record is superb IMO. "Leave It Alone" the leadoff single was great. Then you had great unexpected surprises like the "Bi, the beautiful "Nothingness" and "Mind Your Own Business"{with its' unorthodox tempo changes during the choruses}.

The musicianship on this album is solid and full of flair{listen to the way Doug Wimbush slaps at the bass during the bridge on "Ignorance Is Bliss"} and Vernon Reid take very inspired solos throughout. And through it all you have the very compassionate vocals of Corey Glover. Living Colour is one of my very favorite groups of all time, because of the originality and inventiveness they displayed. You can hear the Led Zeppelin influence, but they pushed themselves to be more than just imitators of the Zep form.They made music metal/funk/rock the way I liked it ...HARD!!! Another reason I love LC is because of the great lyrical content of their songs. Beginning from Vivid, the lyrics have always been thought provoking and engaging. Ex: "Auslander" deals with the trials and tribulations of a foreginer, "Postman" deals with rage of a post office worker
and the amazing "This Little Pig" deals with the problems found in inner city living.

This album is a masterful effort and it was such a pity that this group disbanded. During the late 80's and early 90's few groups were were playing that high-powered rock/metal/funk at this level.

Pick it up, if you don't have it. If you have it already, pull it out and give it a spin. One of the best records of 93'.

I think I will go back down to that CD store today and repurchase this puppy.

BRO915

I got this album when it came out too. Living Colour came to my university in England in March '93 and off I went to see them in my Diamonds and Pearls tour t-shirt. The gig was good and they played a hard rock version of 17 Days! At the end of the song the singer screamed OOOIIWAH!

I agree Bi is a great groove. "Everybody loves you when you're bi"

OH MY GOD!!! i'm not alone!!! i keep flipping between Stain and Time's Up. but stain is OFF THA HOOK!!! Nothingness still giving goosebumps. they played letterman just after the release and played Ignorance Is Bliss and i almost fell off my chair. so fonky and heavy. wicked. anybody saw them summer 2001 in London? i could've just gone to heaven afterwards. it was like that. can't wait for the next album.
i had the chance to meet Vernon Reid in October leter that year and he was so cool and chilled. i found myself blathering that LC was my favourite band but before i could even say, "LC is my fav...", i stopped myself and said to him' "well you know". he was so cool. all he said was,"hey cool man thanks". he shook my hand and went about tuning his guitar. he was playing for Jack Bruce at the time in London. later at the afterparty, i bought him a redbull. i coulda died.

oh yeah...make sure you check out Biscuits EP. a few covers of hendrix, Al green (!), JB and the Talking Heads (!). sublime.

I have all of there Tapes&whatnot.I dug the New Drummer&Vibe going on.the Song "Bi" though created the most buzz&kinda down-played there Album but I listened too them with the New Lineup they had a Even Better overall Feel than before.they were as Badd as anything else going at the time then&now IMHO.

nothingness is the shit!!
/peace manki

Nothingness was done with a guitar synth. Neat, huh?

milty said:

Biscuits EP is masterful. Included along with the amazing remakes of James Brown "Talking Loud ANd Saying Nothing" Al Green's "Love And Happiness", Talking Heads "Memories Can't Wait" and Hendrix's "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp" is a jaw-dropping live performance of their own "Desperate People" that is classic. This EP is essential listening.

Good Morning Orgers!!!

nothingness really touched me. I love Living Colour, since the first disk. Vernon Reid.

Great band--currently recording new CD
for release this year.

Stain was a major disappointment...

Brother915 said:

I LOVE LIVING COLOUR I've met them twice. I have the Nothingness single and it has the acoustic version with just Corey and piano. So fucking great!!!

VinaBlue said:

Wow!!! That's a good item to have, I bet. I'm looking for a few of their CD singles!!!Time for a trip to my local used CD store.