Dubroom Review

Israel Vibration was originally a Jamaican vocal trio, just like there are many more: Culture, Black Uhuru, Abyssinians, to name but three. The vibes have a very original sound, and unlike many other trio's, each of the members are perfectly able to sing lead and backing vocals. They have released many, many albums, under which "Why You So Craven"
This album has not received the credits that it should have, in my opinnion. The fact that it is produced by Henry "Junjo" Lawes has certainly contributed to this stance. Junjo has produced nomerous earlier dancehall music, just remember Barrington Levy, the Scientist Greensleeves series and so on. This rub a dub touch maybe didn't fall good in the ears of some critics, but I can't really tell you why, because Craven certainly belongs to Israel Vibration's top albums.

The basslines and the bass drums are perfectly mixed, the voices from the vibes on top of it, and most of the tracks contain special spiritual lyrics that will move many to tears and give them power and strength to continue living in a Babylon. Tracks like Universal Father, Jah is the Way and Jah Solid Rock are true gems and I can't see how these tracks wouldn't cater to roots fans and conscious dreadlocks.

I mentioned earlier the works of Junjo Lawes. Please don't think, that this album is not roots reggae, because it is. It is roots reggae that is easily accesable, the grooves are nice and sweet so it will move your dancing feet. The instrumentation is impressive, and despite of many musicians, the music isn't complicated.

ISRAEL VIBRATION...THE THIRD TIME AROUND

"WHY YOU SO CRAVEN" IS ISRAEL VIBRATION'S THIRD RELEASE. IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ALBUM, YOU WOULD REALIZE THAT THEY DON'T DO THE BACKGROUND VOCALS ON EVERY SONG. THAT IS BECAUSE THEY NEVER GOT TO FINISH THE ALBUM. PERSONAL ISSUES WITHIN THE GROUP CAUSED THEM TO WALK OUT OF THE STUDIO SESSIONS. IT IS SAID THAT THE TAMLINS CAME IN AND COMPLETED THE BACKGROUND VOCALS. DESPITE THIS INCIDENT, THIS ALBUM STILL RANKS AMONG THEIR CLASSICS. EVERY SONG IS SURE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION, BUT THE ABSOLUTE STANDOUTS ARE "UNIVERSAL FATHER", WHICH OPENS THE ALBUM IN A POSITIVE WAY, "JAH IS THE WAY", THIS SONG IS BEAUTIFULLY SOLID. THERE ARE NO BACKGROUND VOCALS ON THIS ONE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER. THE SONG IS GREAT. ANOTHER STANDOUT IS "HIGHWAY ROBBERY." THE OTHER SONGS ARE GREAT ALSO. THIS ALBUM WAS ORIGINALLY RECORDED IN THE EARLY 1980'S, BUT WAS LATER REISSUED BY RAS RECORDS IN 1991. THERE REALLY ISN'T MUCH MORE TO SAY, SINCE ISRAEL VIBRATION IS SO CONSISTENT WITH THEIR MUSIC. SO, IF YOU LOVE ISRAEL VIBRATION, OR JUST STRICTLY ROOTS REGGAE, THEN THIS ALBUM IS SURE TO SATISFY YOU. OF COURSE, I SAY THAT ABOUT ALL ISRAEL VIBRATION ALBUMS BECAUSE IT IS THE TRUTH.

The Bottom Line

You can't go wrong with any IV recording. I pretty much have all of 'em. This is up there with Same Song and Strength. Another great addition to any collection.