My copy arrived yesterday and I am LOVING this album.

it's something else, isn't it?

Absolutely Amazing. I received my copy on the 15th.

yes.

when did you guys order it...I've yet to get my copy. I received my confirmation email but nothing else...I ordered it on 2/10/05

I ordered in January and it arrived on the 16th... but i'm not in the states... probably will take just a little longer for CA. worth the wait!

ich liebe es (c) mcDs

Wow…

For me this is simply one of the most beautifully subtle and quietly (and almost deceptively powerful) records I’ve ever heard. It’s haunting…and in a good way. It’ll get ya’ if you give it a chance…

Some of it’s beauty is easy and clear to hear and even a casual listener will experience that right away…quite simply just wonderful and pretty stuff…no other way around it. So there’s that instant element of beauty, and then there are other beautiful elements that are woven in so very delicately above, behind and between the obvious beauty…and these inspired elements reveal themselves in the fullest when you really give the entire album the attention it deserves…the full attentiveness it deserves. (break out the headphones people . This is NOT to imply that this is one of those records that are ‘hard listens’ that require intense concentration in order to enjoy…no, no, no… that’s NOT what I’m saying at all. Quite the opposite actually. Believe me, is a very easy listen…you can slip right into this one with no ‘work’ at all…and it will show you some sonic musical love instantly. All I’m saying is that to experience the fullest in reciprocation you’ll want to be attentive to this one…and just allow yourself the moments to focus on it without distraction, and trust me it will love you back like nobody’s business. That’s when you’ll really get the FULL experience of the big picture…and I tell ya’, if you’re like me you will end up with a joyful smile…a warm good feeling in your chest…and a breathless “wow” coming from your lips…

This music, man I don’t know where to begin…I wanna’ break each song down in detail, but I always hate to do that because it could take some of the joy of discovery for anyone who hasn’t heard the record yet. Dang.

Ok I know…SPOILER ALERT…even though I wont get into every nook and cranny of each tune, DON’T READ ANY FURTHER if you are one of those who likes to experience music first without any preconceived notions. (I know that’s how I am ). Just go get the record. But if you are ok with having some details spilled in advance of actually listening then you wont mind reading on…

Some highlights…(there are no lowlights on this one for me)

•1• “MU-MIN”
Very cool short but funky little groove… like those always intriguing ‘welcome to the record’ introduction jams that Meshell often opens her albums with. A perfect mix of modern and natural sounds. Great horn runs on this one…and I love the sound of the earthy raw horn solo that rips in at about 54 seconds into it.

•2• “AL-FALAQ 113”
The percussion intro on this is a thing of glory in itself the first full minute of the tune. Some may recognize this gem of a groove from the Spirit Music live shows. Love the way this one builds up from the initial bass-line to full-blown group powerhouse of sonic screams…then back down into the quiet soothing mode. Chasing the spirits indeed.

•3• “AQUARIUM”
This one will haunt you. Both the lyrical theme and the wonderful vocals by an artist named Sabina. The Aquarium metaphor works on so many levels…depending on your own perspective and mood you could feel sad, angry or even inspired to act. Again, great metaphor, a great and very unique sounding song. And the groove is niiiiice. And Meshell’s nice little ‘falling’ bass lines that show up about 4:11 into the song…very cool. I really love this tune all by itself but also love the way it blends perfectly into what could be my favorite track on the record, the next one which is…

•4• “PAPILLON”
Like I said, this is one of my favorites on the record at this point… yeah, I’m listening to it now and I think it has to be THE favorite for me. I can’t get enough of the bass line in this one. I know its simple but it’s just absolutely sublime to me. It instantly puts me in a meditative state of mind. The melodic bass, with the wonderful horn melody…and, the welcome welcome welcome return of one of my favorite things to listen to…the keyboards of the GREAT Federico Gonzalez Pena. Wow. THAT is some beautiful stuff. This guy just has the most emotive playing…the dude just somehow gets ‘connected’ to the feeling of songs. And his choice of various sounds both natural and synthesized are always absolutely appropriate and create the perfect atmosphere. Federico is THE man. I guess overlooked his name on the credits when they were posted on the FMH site so it was a very nice surprise for me to see his name on the credits when I opened my actual cd. I tell you…I just will never get tired of listening to this whole track. The way the keys and the horns play off of each other, trading parts of the main melody, the loose & free drumming accents, and again… that bass. This one left me pretty much speechless…

•5• “DANCE OF THE INFIDEL”
This one is another favorite, probably running close behind the preceding tune. This one reminds me of some of the sessions for “Cookie” (specifically “Criterion” & “Jabril”.) It has such a full, rich, powerful sound. Love all of the melodies & phrases…the ebb and flow change ups…the tones…the dash of organ… I love the EVERYTHING… like I said another personal favorite.

•6• “THE CHOSEN”
Ahhh Cassandra Wilson…(I confess I’ve always kinda’ had a thing for her since their first time I saw & heard her, but I’ll try not to let that bias my opinion Over the years I’ve been quietly wondering if she and Meshell would ever work on some music together. (this is the first time together on record right?) I mean when you think about it, while different, their voices do have a similar tone to each other and both are notoriously under-appreciated (commercially under-appreciated anyway) artists within their own ‘genres’. So glad to hear them finally doing something wonderful together on a project like this that, while on the surface seems like its a step out from each ones own ‘genre’, it actually fits very well right in either’s “normal” catalogue. They’re both the real deal…

•7• “LUQUAMAN”
Man this one sounds like it doesn’t want to end…and I don’t want it to end either. One of the most memorable bass-lines ever. It percolates. (I find myself randomly humming and ‘air-playing’ that line at work ever since I first heard it). What can you say…this just grooves. Head nodding and fun, and funky, and lyrical. Hard to resist, and why would you wanna? And this one KILLS live too…very explosive. If I remember correctly they closed the show with this tune when I saw them here in Richmond and it had people up grooving their asses off. It’s a jam in every good sense of the word.

•8• “WHEN DID YOU LEAVE HEAVEN”
A great end to this album. This feels like it would have also fit well (both lyrically and style-wise) with the ‘Lackawanna Blues’ movie that Meshell did the score for. (loved the movie by the way). This song is a remake I think, right? Doesn’t really matter if it is or not, its as pretty as you want it to be…and I love the way that just when you think the song has built to the appropriate crescendo and has come to its logical end…then they ‘take you there’ on the floating harmonies of the also beautiful Layla Hathaway…lovely way to end, that’s just some serious loveliness there…


So there’s some of the most beautiful music I’ve heard in a while folks. Its just too damn pretty ya’ll, really. You know you need to get this and listen for yourselves. And, as always, if you have the opportunity you need to go see them live because their live experiences ALWAYS bring different energy & approaches to the recorded tunes. Depending on the vibe of the night you might get the jazz vibe, or maybe a more heavy afro rhythm thing, you may get a quiet soothing experience, or a get up and jam vibe, some funk, some rocking out…or you may get it ALL in one evening. At any rate I’m willing to bet it’ll be one of the most satisfying musical experiences you will ever get.

BTW I gotta’ say that, along with the MUSIC of this record being beautiful, the packaging and artwork are ALSO exquisite and mirror the feeling of the sounds. According to the liner notes Rebecca Meek is the artist responsible with Meshell as co Art Director. Beautiful work (I know, i know…can I possibly use that word ‘beautiful’ ANY more than I already have? Sorry, but it’s the word that feels most applicable to this entire project.)

Again a sincere thanks to all of you all here at Freemyheart.com for the forum and for providing the worldwide info that allows us all to be aware of what’s out there and how to get it…its really something special when you think about it. Kinda’ makes the big world a whole lot smaller and makes it a little easier to share the love ya know? So thanks ya’ll.

And of course thanks to Spirit Music Jamia and our girl Meshell…for doing it yet AGAIN!!

Ok enough of me babbling, and gettin’ all sappy and crap…I cant help it man, this record makes me feel all ‘gushy’ inside, ya know? heheh…

Alrighty then, I’m off to listen to mine…

…again…

Later ya’ll…

derek

This message has been edited. Last edited by: derek,

nice review derek thank you for taking the time to do that...

looking forward to tasha's too...

Are you folks getting it via the french amazon site ?

yes

I believe this is "THE" most beautiful record I have ever heard. Well worth the 40$. If you have some herb, no lights just candles,incense, and of course is record, you will see what i mean.
Remember in EVERYTHING,The test is on you.Shalom.

I'm new to MeShelle as of last year. I heard her one day while visiting my then "lover." After leaving I couldn't get the sound out of my head...it was mezmerizing. I have only three of the CDs and my collection is continuing to grow. Checking the site and seeing the "Dance..." I knew I would have to have it as well. My question is this, since I can't order CDs online (due to my pledge not to use credit cards) is there a place where I can send it my money to have the CDs sent to me? My collection will not be complete until I have EVERY CD in my possession....Help me out here, people

at this time it is only available as an import. you might try contacting your local record stores and see if they do special orders. at least, that's what i used to do before the internets.

I see on Amazon.com you can pre-order Dance of the Infidel, but I have to wait until the end of this month. I guess I am on the late bus.

Love and Peace
Michelle

that and it's currently $42 on amazon.com... until the price drops to something more reasonable, i'll continue to link to the current reasonable price at amazon.fr

I just read on Okayplayer that Meshell is ranked #6 out of 75 women who have changed the face of R&B. The list is comprised of female artists/groups who have contributed to taking rhythm and blues music to the next level during their reign of success.

I just Googled Spirit Music Jamia and came across this website - membres.lycos.fr and they have another magazine that mentions Meshell and Dance of the Infidel called Recording No 42 with Tori Amos on the cover.

www.dustygroove.com, out of Chicago, is selling "Dance of the Infidel." It's 24.99

just in case anyone is wondering...

that comes out to $3 less than the amazon.fr link on the news page of freemyheart. i'll still wait for either the price of the import to go down at amazon.com or amazon.ca, or a north american release becoming available before changing the link.

why do i link to amazon? because the link on amazon.fr also helps to keep freemyheart.com online by paying the site 5% per sale (not including shipping/tax/etc)...

being that my income doesn't afford me the luxury of $275 a year in hosting fees (mostly for this message board), along with hosting a large portion of the site on my personal account elsewhere so that i don't continually go over my bandwidth limit, i have no choice but to count on help elsewhere financially... and i've managed to do this off and on for 9 years without adding popups or banners or other annoying ways of generating income to pay for the site...

as soon as the price lowers at either amazon.ca or amazon.com, i'll change the link... i think i have a good record of passing on savings so more people will support meshell by purchasing her music

actually amazon.fr just lowered their price to 13,49 euros... so now their total price matches dusty groove's total price... (the 13,49 doesn't show up until the final page before you submit your order.)

the difference between the two stores now is that by purchasing through the link on the news page, people are supporting both meshell and keeping freemyheart.com online (which is another way to support meshell). thanks

You can also buy the album @ one of the concerts.. I bought mine in Amsterdam.
PS I love it !!!

The Spirit Music Jamia

Has simply left me suspended within the silence of my emotions. For my spirit is overwhelmed.

Thank u Suhaila.
And to all who gave of their spirit.
All praise IS for the Creator and I am grateful.

Hi Matthew,

1st post here. I sent you the Manchester Boardwalk ticket back in the days... Been a fan since before then! Then I read about all the grief you had with His Purpleness... Nuttier than squirrel doodoo...

Anyway, the album. #2 on my Me'Shell list, 2nd only to Plantation Lullabies. Which is probably one of my top 3 discs ever. Works on so many levels. Glad she is still able to make the music she wants and we get to hear it.

Donation on the way, bud.

yes, i remember when you sent that ticket... thank you again Jim

I wandered into a local CD store here in Toronto, and sure enough there were the french versions of this album in a pile on the counter. I recognized them from afar and pounced— o