The 1980s saw the formation of quite a few reggae bands in U.S. cities. None of them became as big as Black Uhuru, and the vast majority of reggae stars still came out of Jamaica, and to a lesser degree, England. But many of America's reggae artists have been impressive, a fine example being Michael E. Johnson & the Killer Bees. On this live West German date of 1988, the Austin, Texas unit shows itself to be quite meaty on such originals as "Botha" (an angry attack on South African dictator P.W. Botha), "Rude Boy" (which describes a criminal's dangerous lifestyle), and the disturbing "Mad Minute." Johnson is as strong a singer as he is a composer, and Live In Berlin proves that his band is one of substance and integrity. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
