The cover speaks to the harmony within. Here, we have the three lead singers of the dynamic reggae group The Might Diamonds, naked, proud, black, and fierce. Their certain focus, blemished skin, and unkempt hair show that they are defiantly opposite of the type of appearance that the upper crust wanted for the good proper Jamaican. They have instead set their gaze on the prospect of African repatriation and reparations for the oppressed and the poor on their own island home, the ultimate Rastafarian credo (albeit on a major label like Virgin) I first heard the title jam on a documentary called Roots Rock Reggae and the molasses rich group singing instantly got me open. Indeed, The Diamonds were one of the front runners of the militant three part harmony craze of the late 70’s roots reggae scene and creators of many sublime hits, the best of which are included in this collection. There was many an afternoon my friends and I would vibe out hard on “Poor Marcus”, a tribute to the great revolutionary Marcus Garvey (this song encouraged me to learn more about him) and “Why Me Black Brother” and dig the groovy militarism. The voices are amazing, the music unstoppable, every song a classic. This stuff was recorded at such a perfect time in Reggae music and is certainly in my top 5 of the genre. Besides that is there a more badass picture of any band? The definition of rough and rugged, a true band of the people speaking the language of the suffering. Love….. (Taken with Instagram)
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