The multi-ethnic reggae group Common Sense formed in San Diego in 1987, eventually settling on a line-up comprising singer Nick Hernandez, guitarists/keyboardists Billy Sherman and Jai Vatuk, bassist Larry Young and drummer Chuck Morris. After debuting in 1992 with Live at the Belly Up, in 1996 Common Sense returned with Psychedelic Surf Groove; originally released on Surfdog, the disc was reissued by major label Virgin a year later. State of the Nation followed in mid-1999 to coincide with the band's appearance on that summer's Vans Warped Tour. ~ Jason Ankeny