I was listening to a BlogTalkRadio show the other day with Me'Shell N'Degeo'cello, and through a contest the host had, I won a free Meshell CD. It was supposed to be Comfort Woman, but I got Devil's Halo today instead. No biggie. I'm missing a few Meshell CDs. I had downloaded them, but somewhere along the way got behind on my CD buying, and they are part of a few that have slipped through the cracks in purchasing over the years.

I've not listened to it yet. I've only listened to pieces here and there, even though I have the mp3s. Sunday I will give it a proper listen. Free and legal music is always good!

I tried to win a Dianne Reeves CD today, but I don't know if I've won or not. I'm waiting to hear.

Anyone have thoughts on this CD? Love it? Hate it? Do tell.

It's a solid album -- not earth-moving, but solid. Marks a bit of a turn from the stream-of-consciousness free jazz she's dabbled in to a more rocky vibe and more conventionally-structured songs. Best stuff is the opening of "Tie One On," "White Girl, the end of "Love You Down," "Devil's Halo," and "Crying in Your Beer."

[Edited 8/14/10 21:08pm]

Love it, but it took a few spins to grow on me.

I love this album. It's produced by Wendy & Lisa mainstay Chris Bruce and IMHO he brings a warmth to her sound that's been lacking from her previous work. I actually prefer this to The World Has Made Me...

A must get.

Love this one tremendously! No it's not on the level of albums like Plantation Lullabies, Cookie, Peace Beyond Passion or Bitter, but it shows a more rockier, warm and tightly-constructed sound I haven't heard in any other Me'Shell recording. "White Girl" and "Crying In Your Beer" are the ones I have on repeat the most. She does Ready For The World's "Love You Down" much justice as well. I prefer The World Has Made Me The Man of My Dreams to this, but it's a solid album.

[Edited 8/15/10 11:24am]

^^^ For me, it's all about Bright Shining Morning.

"If you think I owe you something...get it line. Get in line!"

sosgemini said:

^^^ For me, it's all about Bright Shining Morning.

"If you think I owe you something...get it line. Get in line!"

Yeah I love that one too. The way those dreamy guitar licks balance out the drums is just spellbounding and that unapologetic line you mentioned gets me everytime too, as it perfectly describes Me'Shell musical evolution! "Tie One On" is another gem too, but I only wish it was longer. It just has that easy going Sunday vibe that makes it a winner in my book.

"Are you here....Are you here...ALONE!"

i haven't listened to the whole album since it first came out. i remember liking it though. i need to revisit it.

her cover of "love you down"... it's so good.

Bree8016 said:

i haven't listened to the whole album since it first came out. i remember liking it though. i need to revisit it.

her cover of "love you down"... it's so good.

I actually could do without the first 2/3 of Love You Down. When she dispensed with the amazing bass riff of the original song, I was ready to write the whole attempt off. But around 3:20, she begins to flirt with what sounds almost like a chopped-and-screwed version of the original, complete with that classic synth line. I honestly had to catch myself from visibly grinding on the bus as I cranked the song through my headphones (which, for anyone who knows my square butt, is an extraordinary turn of events)!

[Edited 8/16/10 14:55pm]

Lammastide said:

Bree8016 said:

i haven't listened to the whole album since it first came out. i remember liking it though. i need to revisit it.

her cover of "love you down"... it's so good.

I actually could do without the first 2/3 of it. When she dispensed with the amazing bass riff of the original song, I was ready to write the whole attempt off. But around 3:20, she begins to flirt with what sounds almost like a chopped-and-screwed version of the original, complete with that classic synth line. I honestly had to catch myself from visibly grinding on the bus as I cranked the song through my headphones (which, for anyone who knows my square butt, is an extraordinary turn of events)!

marking down the time

It's actually my favorite cd of hers. I love all her cds in different ways 4 different reasons, but there is something about "Devil's Halo" that sets it apart from her other efforts. The standouts 2 me are 'Tie One On', 'Mass Transit', 'Die Young', and 'Crying In Your Beer' which at the moment is my favorite Meshell song. It took a few spins 4 me 2 really appreciate it but it is her crowning achievement in my book.

Lammastide said:

Bree8016 said:

i haven't listened to the whole album since it first came out. i remember liking it though. i need to revisit it.

her cover of "love you down"... it's so good.

I actually could do without the first 2/3 of Love You Down. When she dispensed with the amazing bass riff of the original song, I was ready to write the whole attempt off. But around 3:20, she begins to flirt with what sounds almost like a chopped-and-screwed version of the original, complete with that classic synth line. I honestly had to catch myself from visibly grinding on the bus as I cranked the song through my headphones (which, for anyone who knows my square butt, is an extraordinary turn of events)!

Haha! You're right though, from 3:20 forward the song goes to the next level.

Other than being way 2 short.......I dig it.

I finally listened to it this weekend. REALLY enjoyed it.