IV

Album review

Now on to their fourth album with backing band the Roots Radics, the members of Israel Vibration are confident enough to take some musical chances, making IV their most daring album to date. While their previous set, Forever, was steeped in celebration, here the group decides to have some fun. It arrives, like a bat out of hell, with "Reggae Rock and Roll," which ships the reggae party straight back to the '50s. Cecil Spence's delivery is a revelation, re-creating the pinched and pained vocals of the early rock stars to a T. Not content with that, he offers up "Run But You Can't Hide," moving the festivities to Stax and the early R&B/soul scene. Lyrically, "Run" is an extortionate demand for money, garbed, tongue in cheek, in sufferer's clothes, with the brass section acting as the heavyweight enforcers. Then again, the trio wouldn't be the first to be driven to desperate measures by the depredations of the IRS. And as extortion apparently didn't solve his money problems, Lascelle Bulgin now determinedly confronts the grasping taxmen, bravely vowing "Nah Give Up the Fight," while overhead a symbolic hawk circles in search of errant returns and unpaid tax bills. The song is set to a fabulous deep roots arrangement, which makes it all the more ominous -- and amusing. With the IRS honing in for the kill, the intrepid trio heads back onto the road, with guide Albert Craig giving listeners a tour of "Babylon By Bus." This suave unity song is sure to raise a smile, its infectious melody and sleek '60s arrangement a pure delight, making it a highlight of an album packed with standouts. However, IV isn't all fun and games; there are "Hard Times" and "Racial Injustice" to overcome, but by the end of this magnificent set you'll be saying "Thank You Jah" for the Vibes, the Radics, and this magnificent album.

© Jo-Ann Greene /TiVo