This is my favorite Living Colour song! Another great song with a message from them is “Open Letter To A Landlord” But the best song that shows Corey Glover’s vocals has gotta be “Love Rears It’s Ugly Head”
@@ZacCostilla Yeah, Love Rears Its Ugly Head - the lyrics are a little more tongue in cheek, compared to Cult Of Personality, but it’s such a cool song. The music video is a lot of fun too. Great stuff.
I'm a retired professional drummer. I retired last year. I played a show with these gentlemen 2 summers ago. Not only are they still at the top of their game but, they are super fine human beings. Very cool guys.
When this song came out, I was an avid reader of "Guitar Player for the Practicing Musician" as I was a bassist/guitarist at the time. They would transcribe songs out so one could learn to play them. When it came to this song, I remember them giving a disclaimer that they could not figure out what Vernon Reid was playing during the solo of this song and told everyone to basically "wing it" the best they could. It's still my ultimate, most favorite guitar solo ever done!
I was a senior in high school when this band hit MTV. I was into thrash metal, but after seeing this video, I immediately went out and bought the cd. Every single song is perfection.
The opening was from Malcom X's speech "Message to the Grass Roots". The title was penned by Nikita Khrushchev in response to Joseph Stalin "On the Cult of Personality and Its Consequences". Other historical figures seen and heard in this video include JFK, FDR, MLK, Benito Mussolini, and Mahatma Gandhi. According to Vernon Reid, "a famous German" was originally also in the lyrics but was pulled due to fear that referring to him would be misconstrued and too controversial.
I think Vernon was right, and probably if his name was mentioned in the song, this song wouldn't have gotten radio play and none of us would know about it.
"One of the best rock songs ever ..." Yes, no argument there. I play guitar, and when I heard Vernon Reid play, I was blown away. I had this CD and played the hell out of it, playing it over and over again in my car. People kept telling me to play something else. I couldn't, I was addicted. Great song, a great album, great band.
Corey Glover delivers outstanding vocals and the whole band is very tight. Vernon Reid is a great guitarist because when you go father down the Living Colour rabbit hole you will find he is very versatile with his instrument and that is the mark of a great.
They rock! Wish they would have got bigger. They had a couple more; Open Letter shows of his voice and Glamour Boys is awesome energy. Vernon Reid is a killer guitarist. Ty for reaction good sir!
Some of us have eagerly been anticipating you discovering this band! I saw them twice in the late 80s. Once opening for Rolling Stones and again as headliners, then once more in the 90s. I opened a retail music store in 1988. There were 4 breakout artists that year that blew millions of people away. All 4 albums still sound great today: Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction; Melissa Etheridge - Melissa Etheridge; Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien; and this one Living Colour - Vivid. Well done JM. This was and is a monster song.
This band is just one example that music has no color. There is no "white music" or "black music" there's just music. Most genres have some amazing songs and talents. I opened up my heart and ears and gave rap an honest listen, just two years ago. Man, I'm so glad I did! There are some amazingly talented rap artists. Just as there are amazing rock artists and country artists. These guys are a great example of rock talent. I remember when it was released. Some people were saying how they were amazed at a "black metal band". But I reminded them of Jimi Hendrix. And many others . Music is just music. Intelligent music is the best. The kind that makes you think. Love the reaction bro.
"...only you can set you free...", what a great lyric...!!! By the way, I absolutely cannot disagree with you when you say "...one of the best rock songs I have ever heard..." GREAT tune, GREAT reaction! 👍👍
Me too! I went to see The Rolling Stones in Atlanta. They were great. I was blown away by Living Colour. I also used this song teaching the concept of the cult of personality in my high school history classes. The song resonated with students in a way the textbook never could… and I got cool points for knowing this band. 😎
I was a teen when this song came out and am psyched that I'll be seeing them open for Extreme in less than a month! I'm taking my teen son with me to that concert and am sure it'll create a fond lasting memory for both of us.
It's startling how little the truth of this piece was actually absorbed by the rock audience at large at the time of its initial release. There is nothing about this song that doesn't, in some way, kick tons of ass or tell several shocking truths. This band deserves far more love and attention than they've ever gotten. All of the musicians are awesome. The singer has a great set of pipes on him. I believe they're still active, and/or they were for a long time. They're well worth checking further into. Thank you for watching this.
If you are a fan of Pro-Wrestling you have heard this song many times over the past 23 years as the entrance music for Phillip Jack Brooks, better known by the ring name "C.M. Punk" Thousands of fans scream out the lyrics each week at events Punk appears at. They ROCK.
Awesomeness!! Rock out !! Phenomenal riff and vocals are 🔥🔥!! It was huge when it came out !! That solo is soo freakin crazy good!! Always in my playlist !!!
The wonderful time in America when racism was basically nonexistent...We respected each other and embraced our differences...Our music all joined together; Pre hip hop, pre rap...The destroyers of worlds...
I miss some of the greatest music ever created from the late 50;s though the mid 80's with MOTOWN and R&B artist that will never be duplicated. We were the luckiest generation.
@@AliasMark69 I see these young guys who don't know Stevie Wonder or Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye or Earth Wind and Fire...So many great artist with profound lyrics about everyone being together. The late 60's early 70's seemed to change the world...Sadly; the social engineers couldn't have us loving one another...They want us divided. Never thought it would come to that.
Your comments about this song would make me want to say.... We Agree Totally about every aspect of your analysis, but that's true with all your reactions. Just sayin'
New sub, old hippie. One of our first all black rock groups, which was an amazing break thru at the time. They werent how ever, the first black rockers. Such a great song with tons of meaning no matter what time period were in. Love the vocalist Corey Glover's and guitarist Vernon Reid's energy. Thanx so much, take care, Peace
Three iconic videos from "That Little Ol' Band From Texas" - ZZ Top. All three songs have their 1932 Ford Coupe and Babes....you want to add - "Legs"... "Under Pressure".... ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
I was amazed the first time I heard this song, too. Right? It's fantastic! Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't that many black metal bands or guitarists. This guy is unbelievable! It leaves you feeling drained, doesn't it? Me too
I’m surprised that opening riff has never been sampled. It’s so stellar! Singer Corey Glover is also an excellent actor- he had a big role in “ Platoon”.
Was it me who urged you to listen to this? I hope so. It is on my must-react-to list. The freakin drumming is insanely good on this track (on top of everything else). And the message is actually more relevant now than when it came out. You may be young, but it is actually one of the finer rock songs of the era. You aren't wrong.
Rock and Roll was invented by Robert Johnson, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Big Mama Thornton and dozens of other black musicians. White people don't hear it until people like Elvis and Bill Haley ripped it off.
Glad you loved it, man. I thought I remembered how hard it rocked, but it rocks harder than that. And you're right - it's awesome in so many aspects. I think they should've been much more big-time (although they did do well, as far as I know).
One of my favorites, I love Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Korn, Tool, Slipknot, and I still to this day watch Living Colour,I always come back to this, And Sevendust brings it back, check out Sevendust
Fun fact: The producer promised to give Vernon Reid $500 if he could play a solo that hit every single note on the fretboard at least seven times, regardless of song key. I expect he earned that $500 and then some. 😂
You right bro! Off the top of my head, I'd place this in the top 20 EVER. But,PLEASE,dig deeper! These guys have a Wide range of songs,covering all sorts of topics. Well worth a deep dive❤
They are still together and are touring right now. JMBoy check them out live if they come your way. I've seen them open for The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels tour and i've seen them in some small clubs. They kick ass straight up.
Still love this song that my daughter turned me on to back in the `80`s.I like your reaction videos partly because you respect the artists enough to NOT break into the song with comments. I would like your reaction to Kool and the Gang doing Open Sesame at the House of Blues in Chicago, Ridin`High by Faze-O. and Ain`t given`up no Love by the Isley brothers
They are a very good band. I saw them ages ago when they were touring as the opening act for The Rolling Stones (yeah...they are 100% 'opening for THE Stones' good).
Such a huge piece of Rock history, and so very, very important to listen to. As another commenter said it's as poignant today as ever. "You gave me power in your God's name!" Some people get elected on this even though every inch of them says they're lying. Still people eat shit every day.
This song has a message that is even more important today than it was back when it was released,
Yup
This is my favorite Living Colour song! Another great song with a message from them is “Open Letter To A Landlord”
But the best song that shows Corey Glover’s vocals has gotta be “Love Rears It’s Ugly Head”
@@ZacCostilla Yeah, Love Rears Its Ugly Head - the lyrics are a little more tongue in cheek, compared to Cult Of Personality, but it’s such a cool song. The music video is a lot of fun too. Great stuff.
When the song was released the Soviet Union were still around, I think it was needed way more back then
35 year ago!
I'm a retired professional drummer. I retired last year. I played a show with these gentlemen 2 summers ago. Not only are they still at the top of their game but, they are super fine human beings. Very cool guys.
Going to see them in February. Can't wait.
Band called death first punk rock band three brothers from Detroit song politician in my eyes
Vernon Reid is an incredible guitarist and Corey Glover's vocals are fire.
whole band is from another world man... bassist and drums are fantastic as well...
You are not wrong, this is one of the best well rounded rock songs ever written. Music, singer, lyrics, energy it has it all.
I went nuts for this one when it first came out. I never get sick of hearing it; especially these days
I love to see people react to it now.
It's amazing how well the lines fit today's political environment to a Tee
@@starlawilson9011
The guitarist is Vernon Reid. The lead singer is Corey Glover, who you may recognize from his work as an actor.
When this song came out, I was an avid reader of "Guitar Player for the Practicing Musician" as I was a bassist/guitarist at the time. They would transcribe songs out so one could learn to play them. When it came to this song, I remember them giving a disclaimer that they could not figure out what Vernon Reid was playing during the solo of this song and told everyone to basically "wing it" the best they could. It's still my ultimate, most favorite guitar solo ever done!
I was a senior in high school when this band hit MTV. I was into thrash metal, but after seeing this video, I immediately went out and bought the cd. Every single song is perfection.
The opening was from Malcom X's speech "Message to the Grass Roots". The title was penned by Nikita Khrushchev in response to Joseph Stalin "On the Cult of Personality and Its Consequences". Other historical figures seen and heard in this video include JFK, FDR, MLK, Benito Mussolini, and Mahatma Gandhi. According to Vernon Reid, "a famous German" was originally also in the lyrics but was pulled due to fear that referring to him would be misconstrued and too controversial.
I think Vernon was right, and probably if his name was mentioned in the song, this song wouldn't have gotten radio play and none of us would know about it.
Doug Wimbish is a monster bass player .....I remember him in Bass Player Magazine in the 90's
Muzz was the bassist in this video. I knew him at this time.
One of the most UNDERrated bands -- i remember when this first came out -- instant hit!
THESE GUYS ROCK "Only YOU can set YOU Free"
I remember when this song came out. Now thinking again about the lyrics in todays time.
I remember watching it on MTV. Great reaction . What a message. Love it.☮️
"One of the best rock songs ever ..." Yes, no argument there. I play guitar, and when I heard Vernon Reid play, I was blown away. I had this CD and played the hell out of it, playing it over and over again in my car. People kept telling me to play something else. I couldn't, I was addicted. Great song, a great album, great band.
Corey Glover delivers outstanding vocals and the whole band is very tight. Vernon Reid is a great guitarist because when you go father down the Living Colour rabbit hole you will find he is very versatile with his instrument and that is the mark of a great.
It is amazing that he was not really even considered who they were looking for as the lead singer. But I think they made the right choice.
YeahMan!! This song is in constant rotation in my world - since it hit the airwaves in 1988!!!!! Great reaction! ☮️❤️
They were brutal! Brutally honest, brutally talented and brutally hard. Vernon Reid was a wicked underrated guitarist.
They rock! Wish they would have got bigger. They had a couple more; Open Letter shows of his voice and Glamour Boys is awesome energy. Vernon Reid is a killer guitarist. Ty for reaction good sir!
At this time Vernon Reid was one of the Guitar Gods of the era. He was in the magazines all the time.
Living Colour were fire! This was essential music in my college years.
“When a mirror speaks, the reflection lies…” that’s a bar!
36 years after it's release, it still rocks. Glad you caught on. ✌🏿
great song! It speaks to how we are still voting!!!!
Vernon Reid on guitar. The man is a monster player
One of the top guitarist in the business Vernon Reid ....killer.
Yes, indeed - one of the best ever and hugely underrated. It's good to see that these guys are still going strong though.
One of the greatest songs and videos of all time. You can watch this 25 times in a row every time; and I likely have.
You were right, it is one of the best and hardest rock tunes ever.
Some of us have eagerly been anticipating you discovering this band! I saw them twice in the late 80s. Once opening for Rolling Stones and again as headliners, then once more in the 90s.
I opened a retail music store in 1988. There were 4 breakout artists that year that blew millions of people away. All 4 albums still sound great today: Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction; Melissa Etheridge - Melissa Etheridge; Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien; and this one Living Colour - Vivid. Well done JM. This was and is a monster song.
This band is just one example that music has no color. There is no "white music" or "black music" there's just music. Most genres have some amazing songs and talents. I opened up my heart and ears and gave rap an honest listen, just two years ago. Man, I'm so glad I did! There are some amazingly talented rap artists. Just as there are amazing rock artists and country artists. These guys are a great example of rock talent. I remember when it was released. Some people were saying how they were amazed at a "black metal band". But I reminded them of Jimi Hendrix. And many others . Music is just music. Intelligent music is the best. The kind that makes you think. Love the reaction bro.
"...only you can set you free...", what a great lyric...!!! By the way, I absolutely cannot disagree with you when you say "...one of the best rock songs I have ever heard..." GREAT tune, GREAT reaction! 👍👍
You were not wrong. This is one of the best rock songs ever made. Check out anything else from this album. You will love it.
I saw them around 30 years ago when they opened for the Rolling Stones. They were great live.
Me too! I went to see The Rolling Stones in Atlanta. They were great. I was blown away by Living Colour.
I also used this song teaching the concept of the cult of personality in my high school history classes. The song resonated with students in a way the textbook never could… and I got cool points for knowing this band. 😎
Pretty heavy duty then and now and the message still resonates!! Stand Up and VOTE!
I was a teen when this song came out and am psyched that I'll be seeing them open for Extreme in less than a month! I'm taking my teen son with me to that concert and am sure it'll create a fond lasting memory for both of us.
This started my day off the right way.
Love this song and the video.
The riff is brain worm worthy; very sticky.
I saw them 1985 at Columbia University, NY. AWESOME!!
Vernon Reid, guitarist/magician 🤘🏻 💥
one of the great rock songs
Living Colour RULES!!! Check out "Open Letter to a Landlord"!! AWESOME tune!
It's startling how little the truth of this piece was actually absorbed by the rock audience at large at the time of its initial release.
There is nothing about this song that doesn't, in some way, kick tons of ass or tell several shocking truths.
This band deserves far more love and attention than they've ever gotten. All of the musicians are awesome. The singer has a great set of pipes on him.
I believe they're still active, and/or they were for a long time. They're well worth checking further into.
Thank you for watching this.
If you are a fan of Pro-Wrestling you have heard this song many times over the past 23 years as the entrance music for Phillip Jack Brooks, better known by the ring name "C.M. Punk" Thousands of fans scream out the lyrics each week at events Punk appears at. They ROCK.
Awesomeness!! Rock out !! Phenomenal riff and vocals are 🔥🔥!! It was huge when it came out !! That solo is soo freakin crazy good!! Always in my playlist !!!
The message is still relevant today....
Vernon Reed doesn't get enough credit for being a badass guitar player!! He actually tours and i saw him a few years ago in Houston.
One of the all time GREAT songs! Masterful
The wonderful time in America when racism was basically nonexistent...We respected each other and embraced our differences...Our music all joined together; Pre hip hop, pre rap...The destroyers of worlds...
I miss some of the greatest music ever created from the late 50;s though the mid 80's with MOTOWN and R&B artist that will never be duplicated. We were the luckiest generation.
@@AliasMark69 I see these young guys who don't know Stevie Wonder or Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye or Earth Wind and Fire...So many great artist with profound lyrics about everyone being together. The late 60's early 70's seemed to change the world...Sadly; the social engineers couldn't have us loving one another...They want us divided. Never thought it would come to that.
Great Song !!! I remember seeing this on a late night show. It blew me away !!! 🎸🔥
Your comments about this song would make me want to say.... We Agree Totally about every aspect of your analysis, but that's true with all your reactions. Just sayin'
I saw these boys in college in concert. They just leveled the building.
New sub, old hippie. One of our first all black rock groups, which was an amazing break thru at the time. They werent how ever, the first black rockers. Such a great song with tons of meaning no matter what time period were in. Love the vocalist Corey Glover's and guitarist Vernon Reid's energy. Thanx so much, take care, Peace
Basically every album of theirs is fire, and they’re still touring & sound just as good today.
I liked your thoughtful reaction. Subscribed.
Three iconic videos from "That Little Ol' Band From Texas" - ZZ Top. All three songs have their 1932 Ford Coupe and Babes....you want to add - "Legs"... "Under Pressure".... ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
ua-cam.com/video/7wRHBLwpASw/v-deo.html
I concur, sir!
Every girl’s crazy for a sharp dressed man. 😉 🥁👋👉🎸🎸
JM will enjoy the videos they made for those iconic songs@@DeAnne1233
Vernon Reid criminally underrated guitar player
Every time i hear this song, I’m impressed by Vernon tearing it up.
I was amazed the first time I heard this song, too. Right? It's fantastic! Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't that many black metal bands or guitarists. This guy is unbelievable! It leaves you feeling drained, doesn't it? Me too
I’m surprised that opening riff has never been sampled. It’s so stellar!
Singer Corey Glover is also an excellent actor- he had a big role in “ Platoon”.
LETTER TO A LANDLORD is another great song from them
You are not wrong. these guys rock
A great reaction to this great classic from this old New York City band! Loved it!
The lead singer was in the movie Platoon!!
Was it me who urged you to listen to this? I hope so. It is on my must-react-to list. The freakin drumming is insanely good on this track (on top of everything else). And the message is actually more relevant now than when it came out. You may be young, but it is actually one of the finer rock songs of the era. You aren't wrong.
It just goes to show you you can be any culture and rock and roll
Rock and Roll was invented by Robert Johnson, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Big Mama Thornton and dozens of other black musicians. White people don't hear it until people like Elvis and Bill Haley ripped it off.
Such a phenomenal guitar performance! Amazing song!!! 😃
Oh wow,the memories this brings back.Im an old woman now,but as a young teen,Corey Glover was the first man of color I ever had a massive crush on
It is an awesome song. My brother got to see them in concert in SLC, UT.
You win best reaction award!! In my opinion. I have so many things to say but I think everyone knows what I'm thinking.. that was awesome!!
Their only other big hit is a song called "Open Letter to a landlord." It's worth a listen.
No. Glamour boys
Glad you loved it, man. I thought I remembered how hard it rocked, but it rocks harder than that. And you're right - it's awesome in so many aspects. I think they should've been much more big-time (although they did do well, as far as I know).
I'm glad you understand the words!
One of my favorites, I love Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Korn, Tool, Slipknot, and I still to this day watch Living Colour,I always come back to this, And Sevendust brings it back, check out Sevendust
They desired a lot more recognition for sure I'm glad they're getting some recognition again
I mean deserved
They opened for the Stones on the Steel Wheels tour and were amazing. Great choice and reaction.
One of your best reviews!!...and you're always brilliant, so that's saying something.
Fun fact: The producer promised to give Vernon Reid $500 if he could play a solo that hit every single note on the fretboard at least seven times, regardless of song key. I expect he earned that $500 and then some. 😂
I remember seeing tis the first time it was ever on MTV. Blew me away. Amazing song.
This is such a great song! That guitar 🎸 solo will melt your face off ❤ Great reaction
Corey Glover, the singer is also an actor. He was in the movie "Platoon"
Saw these guys open for the Rolling Stones (1989 I think), and they blew the Stones out of the water.
You right bro! Off the top of my head, I'd place this in the top 20 EVER. But,PLEASE,dig deeper! These guys have a Wide range of songs,covering all sorts of topics. Well worth a deep dive❤
Vernon tears that guitar up in this one.
Great reaction yeh! What a great band found them 10years ago
I was a senior in high school when this came out and this album was one that affected me most at that time.
They are still together and are touring right now. JMBoy check them out live if they come your way. I've seen them open for The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels tour and i've seen them in some small clubs. They kick ass straight up.
Cosign. I caught them on the Steel Wheels tour also. They're so good live.
@@laraismyname821 Have you heard Corey Glovers solo album Hymns ? Its like AL Green R&B , you really get to hear just how good his range is.
Changed my ENTIRE life! 💯
cm punk...
cm punk...
cm punk...
its clobberin time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I saw them in concert with seven dust 😁😆👍👌
Great band
They are actually touring again
Outstanding musicians!!! ❤❤
Great reaction and perfectly evaluated. I'm subscribing now!
It is a great song and a message that we should be paying attention to today
Saw Corey Glover play Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar on stage, Phenomenal
You are soooo right !
Seen them live multiple times, always great
I saw them in 1987 opening for G n R and The Stones.
Still love this song that my daughter turned me on to back in the `80`s.I like your reaction videos partly because you respect the artists enough to NOT break into the song with comments. I would like your reaction to Kool and the Gang doing Open Sesame at the House of Blues in Chicago, Ridin`High by Faze-O. and Ain`t given`up no Love by the Isley brothers
They are a very good band. I saw them ages ago when they were touring as the opening act for The Rolling Stones (yeah...they are 100% 'opening for THE Stones' good).
Such a huge piece of Rock history, and so very, very important to listen to. As another commenter said it's as poignant today as ever. "You gave me power in your God's name!" Some people get elected on this even though every inch of them says they're lying. Still people eat shit every day.
Next up “Open letter to a landlord “ great song from LC, video is great too!!!
Same band. Open letter to a landlord is a really good song.