Crazy Flower: A Collection

Chava Alberstein, arguably the premier female Israeli musician (aside from perhaps Ofra Haza), here releases a collection of songs on Shanachie for wider market release. The songs are partially traditional Jewish works, but more often contemporary works. Her voice is rather thick, and, as such, works well to accompany the largely Middle Eastern sound that her music embraces. The songs are all in Hebrew, for the purpose (paraphrasing Alberstein) of exposing the mostly English-speaking audience of the CDs to another language in song than they are generally used to hearing. She attempts to make use of the ancient and holy language in describing more mundane and secular occurrences. It works well, the throaty sound only helping. For someone wishing to look into contemporary Israeli music, this album wouldn't be a bad place to start, with one of the major forces.