you are thinking too much... Take a look at this [i think this is what you wanted - if not let me know]
css
.even{background: red; color:white;}
.odd{background: darkred; color:white;}
html
<div class="container">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li class="col-md-6 odd">Dumby Content</li>
<li class="col-md-6 odd">Dumby Content</li>
<li class="col-md-6 even">Dumby Content</li>
<li class="col-md-6 even">Dumby Content</li>
<li class="col-md-6 odd">Dumby Content</li>
<li class="col-md-6 odd">Dumby Content</li>
</ul>
</div>