Sinsemilla

Sinsemilla by Black Uhuru

Until internal conflicts tore Uhuru apart, group founder Duckie Simpson, lead vocalist Michael Rose, and the late Puma Jones--backed by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare--were closing in on Bob Marley in the international pop crossover sweepstakes right up to the early 1980s. Rose's snarling "me vex bad" lyrical attack, as framed by Simpson and Jones's African-like harmonies and backed by the band's fierce riddim contagion, produced some of Rasta-reggae's greatest anthems--like this set's "Happiness," "World Is Africa," "Push Push," and the title track. Sinsemilla showcases Uhuru at their most intoxicating, working rock & roll's crazed catharsis edged by roots reggae's rebel threat. --Elena Oumano