Pure Roots

Reggae really reached its sweet spot somewhere between the mid-'70s and the mid-'80s. A lot of the bands were mixing the different budding subgenres, like dub and dancehall, and creating a lively, spiritual sound. Santa Cruz's Pure Roots reflects that reggae and does it right with a large ensemble featuring horns and percussion. Lead singer Andrew "Blood" Rein is the son of legendary Jamaican reggae artist Junior Reid (who has lent some vocals to Pure Roots). Junior Reid recorded his first album in 1980, right when it was all coming together.