1989's 'Open Letter (to a Landlord)' remains the most compelling track from Living Colour's smash 'Vivid,' the last platinum album from a predominantly black rock band. Often lost in the swirl of Vernon Reid's chaotic guitar solos were the songs themselves (most of which he at least co-wrote), which were frequently political though not quite revolutionary. Written as Hell's Kitchen and other areas were being gentrified, 'Open Letter' was Reid's anthem, a call-to-arms for ghetto residents to take control of their lives and neighborhoods before they wound up with no place to go.

Backed by an underrated rhythm section and fronted by Corey Glover (the rare hard rock singer that could use a pitch pipe), Living Colour was the last great band of New York's resurgence of the "black rock" (which is a misnomer, since rock is black by definition). Reid's Black Rock Movement hoped to create an outlet for black musicians that were neither crooners nor rappers, but it opened a door that only Living Colour was able to slip through. While they had their chance, though, the group crafted a brilliant, Funkadelic-inspired album, and 'Open Letter' is its emotional centerpiece.

'Vivid' was clearly the best avenue for Reid's open letter. Had he mailed it, it would have likely wound up in a shredder. And just as gentrification is still around, so is Living Colour; the group reunited three years ago after an eight-year hiatus.

About the Author

Bomani Jones is certified BV blogger that you can find everyday all day at For Myself & Others, The Blog.