October 8th, 2015 - Vivid, Tropical, And Tart!

Good evening my friends!  The Meista here tonight pairing "Vivid" (2002 CD Reissue with Bonus Tracks), the debut album of Living Colour and a Liliko'i Kepolo from Avery Brewing Company!  This paring goes out to my old friend and fellow rocker Wookie... cheers buddy!!

Album Info:

• Artist: Living Colour
• Title: "Vivid" (2002 CD Reissue with Bonus Tracks)
• Recorded: 1987 through 1988 at Skyline, Sound On Sound, and Right Track Studios in New York City, New York
  Release date: May 2nd, 1988 (debut album of Living Colour)
• Record company: Epic Records
• Production: Ed Stasium, Paul Hamingson, and Mick Jagger
• Album cover art: Drew Carolan
• Personnel: Will Calhoun (drums), Corey Glover, (vocals), "Burnin'" Vernon Reid (guitars), and Muzz Skillings (bass)
• Additional musicians: Chuck D (rapping), Dennis Diamond (carnival barker), Flavor Flav (social commentary), The Fowler Family (additional backing vocals), and Mick Jagger (harmonica and backing vocals)
• Musical style: Heavy metal/hard rock, funk rock/metal, neo-psychedelia, alternative rock
• Sound: Blending the power of hard rock and metal, the groove of funk and R&B, Hendrix inspired psychedelia, and hip-hop, "Vivid" is a completely original, fully engaging, and rockin' album!  Reid's very underrated guitar work is passionate, fiery, and soulful, Glover's vocal range is awe-inspiring, and the rhythm section of Calhoun and Skillings is steeped in the legacy of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, James Brown's band, and Led Zeppelin!
• Major themes: The themes on "Vivid" mostly examine social issues and criticism including injustice, inequality, poverty, race relations, violence, drug abuse, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Cult Of Personality"
2. "I Want To Know"
3. "Middle Man"
4. "Desperate People"
5. "Open Letter (To A Landlord)"
6. "Funny Vibe"
7. "Memories Can't Wait" (Talking Heads cover)
8. "Broken Hearts"
9. "Glamour Boys"
10. "What's Your Favorite Color? (Theme Song)"
11. "Which Way To America"
12. "Funky Vibe" (Funky Vibe Mix)
13. "Should I Stay Or Should I Go (Clash cover)
14. "What's Your Favorite Color? (Theme Song)" (Leblanc Remix)
15. "Middle Man" (Live)
16. "Cult Of Personality" (Live)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Avery Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado)
• Website: http://averybrewing.com
• Brew: Liliko'i Kepolo
• Style: Belgian Wit brewed with Passion Fruit
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV:5.6 %
• Pour: Densely cloudy golden-yellow with a frothy 1-2 finger head that leave good lacing.
• Nose: The nose is characterized by tropical fruits, citrus, and light grains, spices, and biscuit.  There are big notes of passion fruit, pears, pineapple, papaya, guava, mango, orange, lemon, biscuit, and wet grains.
• Taste: The taste is a wonderful blend of tart, fruity, spicy, zesty, and wheaty.  There are big notes of passion fruit, lemon, coriander, orange peel, light clove, soft banana, and Belgian yeast.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied and well-carbonated, the Liliko'i Kepolo is frothy and exceptionally refreshing with a clean finish.

Overall pairing: Like the Liliko'i Kepolo from Avery Brewing Company, Living Colour's "Vivid" is an amazing and fantastically engaging work of art!  Those tart and zesty flavor work great with the overall heaviness of the album, while the sweeter and fruity notes go great with the more soulful elements of the album!

Cheers!!