On a blistering version of the chunky heavy pessimistic gem “Ignorance Is Bliss,” the only song taken from the under-appreciated and super-heavy 1993 CD Stain, Living Colour show how they, like few others during the early 90s – King’s X, Biohazard, etc. – were a bit ahead of its time in being among the first American hard rock bands to detune its guitars and basses at least two full steps below standard E-tuning. Thus, the ultra-heavy sound.
The set also included some of the angriest and most political songs in Living Colour’s discography. Two songs written earlier in this decade, the unreleased “Terrorism” and “In Your Name,” both aimed at the Bush administration, brought out the vicious side of Glover, who screams about how President Bush “lied in our name” about the case of war in Iraq. And of course, the political “Cult of Personality,” Living Colour’s best-known tune (from Vivid), brought the house down (even if a highly energized Vernon Reid was slightly imperfect with a couple of riffs). Glover then ends the show by saying a simple truth: “CBGB’s will never die.” Amen to that, brother.
Overall, the CBGB OMFUG Masters CD is full of exhilarating performances, for what was included. I say that because some fans online who claim they went to this show say a few songs are missing from this CD, including (alleged) actual show opener “Memories Can’t Wait,” “Go Away,” and “Flying.” If this is true - and it might just be, since just 12 songs are on here, totaling 78 high-flying minutes – then that’s a little disappointing. If this is such a memorable show, why not release the whole thing as it happened?
But I won’t let such alleged omissions ruin my enjoyment of a CD and a phenomenal band that sounded truly inspired this night. So enjoy Living Colour’s 2005 CBGB show for what it is, not for what it is not.
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