By 1993 Living Colour had gone through a few changes. Original bassist Muzz Skillings stepped out. Only for the incredible Doug Wimbish to come into the fold. Their sound had become progressively darker. And with the musical changes happening in the early 90’s, Living Colour decided it was time to strike with their magnum opus ‘Stain.’
Without question Living Colour’s heaviest album, ‘Stain’ makes it’s immediate statement with the opening ‘Go Away.’ The break down and guitar solo are truly one for the ages. The two follow up tracks bring in the heavy funk: ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’ and ‘Leave It Alone.’ Just absolute monster hard rock excellence. ‘Bi’ also follows in the same veign. With subject material that seems twenty years ahead of its time.
‘Mind Your Own Business’ is a perfect blend of blues and metal. The introduction is simply slammin.’ Displaying the knarliest of what Living Colour has to offer. ‘Everything That You Got’ changes gears with its punk energy. But there’s also a phat, thrash element happening. The groove of ‘Never Satisfied’ is simply addictive. The nearly entire pinch harmonic riff earworms itself into the listeners head. The Will Chalhoun penned ‘Nothingness’ may be one of the most underrated songs of the entire 90’s decade.
Living Colour’s cover of ‘Nobody Knows’ is a truly killer experience. A throw down massive groove metal riff that gets any fan on their feet. ‘This Little Pig’ is without question the best example of how Living Colour were really on the pulse of social issues. The LA Riots inspired song seems more relevant than ever. While ‘Wall’ closes things out in timeless fashion. The song remains a Living Colour staple to this day. One of most bitchin’ bass lines ever. With a great message to boot.
Upon its release, ‘Stain’ performed well. Although not as well as the bands previous two records. However, despite the musical landscape changes, Living Colour proved that they were fore runners of the coming heavy music for the 90’s. Unfortuneatly, they didn’t really get the credit they deserved from ‘Stain.’ Which would go on to influence everyone from Prong to Korn to Linkin Park. The band would break up for a few years in 1995. Coming back in 2003 with the excellent ‘Collidoscope.’ But, ‘Stain’ will forever remain a legendary album within the community. Crank it, live it, love it. Turn up Living Colour’s ‘Stain.’
