The Best of Nina Simone

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There's a little bit of everything on this eclectic 1970 collection from the High Priestess of Soul--blues, gospel, jazz, rock, you name it. Live tracks, studio tracks, intimate combos, big orchestras, gospel choirs--and music by Bob Dylan, Barry Gibb, Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Webb, and George Gershwin! The only constant, of course, is Simone's resonating voice--mother to the likes of Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. It's an impressive survey of sounds, although it doesn't make for a cohesive listening experience; you're more likely to want to sample a track here and a track there, depending on your mood. Still, when you want a little sugar in your bowl, you'll know where to find it. --Jim Emerson --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

The Best of Nina Simone, Music, Nina Simone, Jazz, Jazz Music, Pop, Standards, Vocal Jazz
Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • World Class Music from a World Class Talent
  • SOME THE BEST THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER
  • Musical Gumbo from a Class Act
  • Excellent Choice
  • Fantastic!
 Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone
Nina Simone
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
  2. The Blues
  3. Nina: The Essential Nina Simone
  4. After Hours
  5. The Best of Nina Simone

ASIN: B000026LUP
Release Date: 2004-03-29

Tracks:

  1. Feeling Good
  2. My Baby Just Cares for Me
  3. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
  4. Ne Me Quitte Pas (If You Go Away)
  5. Take Me to the Water
  6. I Put a Spell on You
  7. Don't Explain
  8. Mississippi Goddam
  9. Don't Smoke in Bed
  10. I Loves You, Porgy
  11. Work Song
  12. Love Me or Leave Me
  13. Strange Fruit
  14. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
  15. I'm Going Back Home
  16. Other Woman
  17. Sinner Man
  18. Mood Indigo
  19. I'm Gonna Leave You
  20. See Line Women

Album Description

Fantastic collection from Universal featuring 20 of her most memorable tunes. Highlights include, 'I Put A Spell On You', 'See Line Woman', 'My Baby Just Cares For Me', 'Feeling Good', 'I Love You Porgy' and many more. Polygram International/Universal. 1994.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars World Class Music from a World Class Talent.......2007-05-29


The great author James Baldwin once stated that "the artist has always been a disturber of the peace in some way." When we hear Nina Simone sing with composed outrage such songs as "Mississippi Goddam," and "Work Song," in protest against the overt racism practiced during the 1960s in the southern U.S., we know that hers was indeed a politically charged consciousness. The singer's recording of "Mississippi Goddam" was so controversial when first released that Simone would come to attribute the decline of her career in the U.S., and her relocation to France, to the fallout that followed. However, the 20 songs gathered here on FEELING GOOD, THE VERY BEST OF NINA SIMONE, demonstrate that the greater range of her musical talents went far beyond social or political protest.

Trained as a classical pianist at the famed Juilliard School of Music, Simone was an extraordinary interpreter of song lyrics as well as of musical genres. In the title track of this CD, she draws listeners into an inspired celebration of life with a song that dozens of artists are now covering in 2007 (please note review of Randy Crawford's "Feeling Good.") She can croon seductively and vulnerably in songs like "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Ne Me Quitte Pas," and "I Put a Spell on You." And yet she can also go straight to church on the gospel presentations "Take Me to the Water" and "I'm Going Back Home." Talent of such amazing caliber doesn't pop up every decade. This generous sampling of Simone's genius makes one very glad she came along and gave the world as much as she could when she did.

By Author-Poet Aberjhani
Author of I Made My Boy Out of Poetry
And Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (Facts on File Library of American History)

5 out of 5 stars SOME THE BEST THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.......2007-05-13

AIN'T MUCH ANYMORE THAT PUTS A CHILL DOWN MY SPINE. THIS LADY DOES. SHEER PLEASURE TO HEAR THIS VOICE! COME ON FLUSH THE C**P OUT OF YOUR HEAD. POP THIS CD INTO YOUR PLAYER AND JUST LISTEN...

4 out of 5 stars Musical Gumbo from a Class Act.......2007-04-06

I bought this CD right after seeing the Doolittle girl (American Idol 2007 favorite) perform "Feeling Good". That song hooked me! "Feeling Good" (soul), "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (pop), "I Put a Spell on You" (blues), "Love Me or Leave Me" (jazz) are my favorites and worth the price of this CD. "Mississippi Goddam" (awful) is the low point of this "disjointed" compilation disc. This CD is also interesting for Simone's excellent interpretations of Billie Holliday's classics, "Don't Explain" and "Strange Fruit". Stir in a little French a' la Edith Piaf, "Ne Me Quitte Pas", and gospel, "Take Me to the Water", and the listener has musical gumbo from one classy lady that defied all catagories.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Choice.......2006-11-10

Trying to get to know Nina's music more and this was an excellent choice.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......2005-02-04

My father was given this cd as a gift; not his cup of tea... I'll forgive him that, but this album changed my outlook on soul. More sophisticated than motown, more alive than Loussier. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "Love Me or Leave Me" utterly gutting!
The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • She Touches Your Soul...
  • Favorite CDs of my collection
  • A great Artist
  • WOW!!
  • the most melodic voice ever
 The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
Nina Simone
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Nina: The Essential Nina Simone
  2. Anthology
  3. Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone
  4. The Blues
  5. The Best of Nina Simone

ASIN: B000009HRC
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

  1. My Man's Gone Now
  2. Since I Fell For You
  3. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
  4. Do I Move You (Version II)
  5. Blues For Mama
  6. Backlash Blues
  7. In The Dark
  8. Consummation
  9. Go To Hell
  10. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
  11. Turning Point
  12. Turn Me On
  13. The Look Of Love
  14. To Love Somebody
  15. I Can't See Nobody
  16. In The Morning
  17. Do What You Gotta Do
  18. Ain't Got No - I Got Life
  19. Please Read Me
  20. Martin Luther King Suite: Sunday In Savannah
  21. Martin Luther King Suite: Why (The King Of Love Is Dead)
  22. Martin Luther King Suite: Mississippi Goddam

Tracks:

  1. I Think It's Going To Rain Today
  2. I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)
  3. Nobody's Fault But Mine
  4. Another Spring
  5. Compassion
  6. Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You
  7. I Shall Be Released
  8. To Be Young, Gifted And Black
  9. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
  10. Suzanne (Previously Unreleased)
  11. My Father/Dialog (Previously Unreleased)
  12. Jelly Roll (Previously Unreleased)
  13. Tell It Like It Is (Previously Unreleased)
  14. Mr. Bojangles
  15. Here Comes The Sun
  16. Ooh Child
  17. Poppies
  18. 22nd Century (Previously Unreleased)

Amazon.com essential recording

With characteristic willfulness, Nina Simone plunged into a range of songbooks and styles between 1966 and 1973, when she recorded nine LPs for RCA. This two-disc overview demonstrates just how unpredictable and headstrong the seething songstress was during a period that was tumultuous for Simone personally and for society in general. Top 40 covers ("Mr. Bojangles," "To Love Somebody") mix with rock (Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues," George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun") and pop standards ("Since I Fell for You," "My Man's Gone Now"). An increasingly politicized perspective informed Simone's late-'60s work. Her friends included Black Power firebrands H. Rap Brown and Stokely Carmichael, and she made no attempt to disguise her militancy. "The King of Peace is dead. I ain't about to be nonviolent, honey!" she announces on this collection's "Martin Luther King Suite," which was recorded live one day after the civil rights leader's assassination. While a number of selections included here can also be found on RCA's two volumes of Essentials, this lovingly assembled survey (which includes five previously unreleased recordings) captures the High Priestess of Soul in all her unshackled glory. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars She Touches Your Soul..........2006-06-20

I first heard Nina Simone in the movie "Point of No Return".. In it was Sugar In My Bowl and Here Comes the Sun. I was just blown away by how much emotion was put into each word, each note.. It's like she puts HERSELF into her singing- it's AMAZING. I am only 25, so I don't know all of the older music.. but Nina Simone really caught my attention. I can't think of any group or singer today that really captures the raw emotions in the songs like she does. I know this CD is a little costly, more than I would usually pay for a cd, but I LOVE it and I think it was well worth the price and more.

5 out of 5 stars Favorite CDs of my collection.......2003-09-19

This is the set of CDs you want in the car for long rides or on the radio while puttering around the house. Her voice is like warm brandy, something to soothe you after a long day.

5 out of 5 stars A great Artist.......2003-05-11

Nina Simone's 'I want some sugar in my bowl'is one of the greatest examples of how a song can transcend the musical element and become a political messanger, where the message becomes more thn the sum of its parts. There were better pianists that Nina Simone, and certainly prettier voices, but the selection in this CD show that there is no one with such an artistry. She basically invented what could be called the expressive bleat (with any other singer a major flaw). her cry is so direct, her sound so manly yet tender, this cd is a must.

5 out of 5 stars WOW!!.......2003-01-03

She's like an "April breeze". I first heard of her in a movie, "Point of No Return" which was a remake of some Brit film. Anywho, as soon as the movie was over, I ran to the computer to find out if "Nina Simone" was a real singer and not just a "prop" in a movie. Low and behold,,,found her!! Ordered her! Now, I listen to her very often and sit back and enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars the most melodic voice ever.......2002-06-08

I was not the biggest fan of blues but then I heard this
beautiful voice and I was converted and if you like blues
you will love this woman.Nina's voice is filled with felling
I almost cry when I hear strange fruit.Other songs like I
put a spell on you and black is the color of my true loves
hair make me feel like I'm part of a story and I love every second of it
The Best of Nina Simone
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • My Ode to Nina Simone
  • Excelent!
  • Better than music
  • Right up there with Tina Turner....
  • The Best of Nina Simone
 The Best of Nina Simone
Nina Simone
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Point Of No Return: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  2. The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
  3. Nina: The Essential Nina Simone
  4. The Thomas Crown Affair: Music From The MGM Motion Picture
  5. The Blues

ASIN: B0000046UW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. I Loves You Porgy
  2. Mississippi Goddam
  3. The Other Woman
  4. Sinnerman
  5. Ne Me Quitte Pas
  6. See Line Woman
  7. I Put A Spell On You
  8. Break Down And Let It All Out
  9. Four Women
  10. Wild is The Wind
  11. Pirate Jenny
  12. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My Ode to Nina Simone.......2007-06-06

The first time I heard of Nina Simone was from a movie called "Point of No Return," which is a remake of the french film called "La Femme Nikita." Anyway, in it the girl chooses the code name Nina, for Nina Simone, and I thought at the time, whoever Nina Simone is, she must be a pretty cool chick. A year later I meet a guy who's nuts 'bout Nina Simone and somewhere along the way, I became nuts about the guy and this cool chick named Nina Simone.

This is her most accessible album and quite frankly, her best, hence the "Best Of" but truly, hearing the 12 tracks will give you a glimpse of the voice and thoughts of an amazing artist and a courageous woman. I say a glimpse cos like myself after hearing this album will make you want to buy other Nina albums, if you're not already a fan, in hopes of catching more glimpses of this extraordinary woman and her music. Each song is a story, and a story within each song. Her voice is like no other, no one even close. Through her voice you will experience massive emotions, you will fall in love, feel heartbreak, live tragedy. She sings about life, and truth, blunt as it may. Nina Simone is the perfect storyteller and the jazz music that perfectly accompanies her magnificent voice makes for this incredible compilation.

"I Love Yous Porgy" I hear was a big hit for Ms. Simone back in the day and this slow wonder is the perfect preface for the rest of the album.

"The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddam! ...and I mean every word of it." This was (I imagine) the more political side of her and this song blew me away the first time I heard it. Despite the civil rights topic of the song, we also get to see a funnier side of Nina like when she says, "This is a show tune but the show hasn't been written for it, yet." haha! ...All jokes aside though, one can't help but relate to her lyrics, a cry for equality in a world of segregation. "Alabama's got me so upset, Tennessee made me lose my rest, and everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam...Lord have mercy on this land of mine, we're all gonna get it in due time...All I want is equality, for my sister, my brother, my people and me!..."

Every woman can relate to "The Other Woman." This song speaks to every woman, even if she's never been "the other woman." Imagine a song that begs us to ponder the lonliness of the mistress, "...the other woman will always cry herself to sleep, the other woman will never have his love to keep.." and the grief of the woman that's married, "..the other woman is perfect where her rival fails..." There is no voice quite like Nina's and on this song it is full of longing; dreamy and sad, it is not unlike the other woman.

Then we get to the epic 10-minute opus, "Sinnerman." This is her most popular song I think, and it's actually an early spiritual song but I swear hearing this powerful song makes me want to jump out of my seat and shout, "Lord have mercy!" It also brings me to my knees and makes me want to confess all my darkest sins, "Sinnerman where you gonna run to, where you gonna run to, all on that day... I ran to the river, it was bleedin, I ran to the sea, it was bleedin, all on that day..." This is the ultimate redemption song. Oh Nina, you dun outdone yo'self on this one, girl! What a great song.

"Ne Me Quitte Pas" roughly translates to "Don't leave me," and the original was by a French musician named Jacques Brel. This emotional song has been covered by many artists, including many versions in English called "If You Go Away." I don't speak french but a friend who does says Nina's version of this song is not very impressive, mostly due to her french being "amateur, at best." Since I don't speak the language, I don't care whether she pronounces her silent s's or not (haha) but I can tell it's a heartbreakingly sad song, judging by the emotions in her voice as she begs her lover to stay with her.

"See Line Woman" is a song one can't help but tap your foot to. It's reminisce of early dance music, almost disco-y, if you will, and very good.

"I Put a Spell on You" is another song that many other artists have covered but this version is my favorite. The combination of her desperate voice as she sings "I don't care if you don't want me, I'm yours right now.." and the mesmerizing saxophone that accompanies the song throughout is just incredible.

"Break Down and Let It All Out" is of course, every jilted lovers anthem. What to do when the other flees the coop? Yep, break down and let it all out. You'll feel better, and it's good for you.

One of my favorite Nina songs is "Four Women." It tells the stories of "Aunt Sarah," a slave whose back is strong enough to take the pain inflicted on her again and again, "Saffronia," a biracial with a rich white father who forced himself on her slave mother one night, "Sweet Thing," a prostitute with a mouth like wine, and "Peaches," the awfully bitter child whose parents were slaves. I can picture each woman in my mind as Nina's singing bout their sad lives. Her voice just brings these women to life, and one can't help but feel for them.

"Wild Is the Wind" is a very sad, sad love song. This song evokes all kinds of emotions in me, from the softness of the piano to Nina's almost tear-stricken voice, it is deeply melancholy. I love the lines, "Give me more than one caress, satisfy this hungriness...You touch me, I hear the sound of mandolins..."

"Pirate Jenny" is awesome! This song is told like a bed-time story, with suspense, excitement and intrigue. In fact, I often tell the story to my little cousins come bedtime and they get a great kick out of it. The wonder and anticipation on their faces as I'm relaying my rendition of the story to them is priceless.

The last song to round off the album is "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." This is a nice song, a happy song that's been covered by many bands since Nina's release of it back in the 60's and a great way to end this most awesome compilation of an album by the most awesome Nina Simone. And with that, I leave you with a quote by Mos Def:

"You may dig on the Rolling Stones, but they could never ever rock like Nina Simone."

Amen.

5 out of 5 stars Excelent!.......2006-08-28

Powerful, classy, jazz does not get any better than this, there are other excelent ones like Charly Parker, Bobby Darin, T. bennet, Diana Krall, even St Germain, etc... i agree, but not any better.

5 out of 5 stars Better than music.......2006-02-04

In this album you can touch and fill the essence of Nina Simone, one of the better early jazz american females you can listen to...

5 out of 5 stars Right up there with Tina Turner...........2005-12-03

This woman has an amazing voice! It is very brash, deep, and soulful! I have just discovered her, and already I think she is right up there with Tina Turner as one of the best soulstresses ever. "Sinner Man", "Mississippi Goddam", and "Four Women" are absolutely fabulous! The best lyric on the whole album: "MY NAME IS PEEAACCCHHEESS!" from FOUR WOMEN.

This is a must own for any serious music collection!

5 out of 5 stars The Best of Nina Simone.......2005-08-02

Nina Simone has been one of my favorite singers and performers for most of my life. To begin a collection of her material again has been a goal for along time. I'm certainly not disappointed with this CD. She's just superb!
Very Best of Nina Simone
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Very Best of Nina Simone
    Nina Simone
    Manufacturer: Music Brokers
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000I8NGGY
    Release Date: 2006-09-11

    Tracks:

    1. Solitutde
    2. Work Song
    3. My Baby Just Cares For Me
    4. Love Me Or Leave Me
    5. Central Park Blues
    6. I Loves You, Porgy
    7. He Was Too Good For Me
    8. Wild Is The Wind
    9. If He Changed My Name
    10. You Can Have Him
    11. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
    12. Other Woman
    13. Twelft Of Never
    14. Moon Indigo
    15. Forbidden Fruit
    16. For All We Know
    17. You'll Never Walk Alone
    18. Bye Bye Blackbird
    19. Gin House Blues
    20. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
    The Best Of Nina Simone: The Colpix Years
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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    • Excelent!
    • Better than music
    • Right up there with Tina Turner....
    • The Best of Nina Simone
    		 The Best Of Nina Simone: The Colpix Years
    Nina Simone
    Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Point Of No Return: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
    2. The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
    3. Nina: The Essential Nina Simone
    4. The Thomas Crown Affair: Music From The MGM Motion Picture
    5. The Blues

    ASIN: B000002V0X
    Release Date: 1993-02-09

    Tracks:

    1. Children Go Where I Send You
    2. It Might As Well Be Spring
    3. Willow Weep For Me
    4. The Other Woman
    5. Fine And Mellow
    6. Wild Is The Wind
    7. You Can Have Him
    8. (I Loves You) Porgy
    9. Forbidden Fruit
    10. Gin House Blues
    11. Work Song
    12. House Of The Rising Sun
    13. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
    14. Solitude
    15. It Don't Mean A Thing
    16. The Twelfth Of Never
    17. Baubles, Bangles And Beads
    18. Gimme A Pigfoot
    19. Everytime We Say Goodbye

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars My Ode to Nina Simone.......2007-06-06

    The first time I heard of Nina Simone was from a movie called "Point of No Return," which is a remake of the french film called "La Femme Nikita." Anyway, in it the girl chooses the code name Nina, for Nina Simone, and I thought at the time, whoever Nina Simone is, she must be a pretty cool chick. A year later I meet a guy who's nuts 'bout Nina Simone and somewhere along the way, I became nuts about the guy and this cool chick named Nina Simone.

    This is her most accessible album and quite frankly, her best, hence the "Best Of" but truly, hearing the 12 tracks will give you a glimpse of the voice and thoughts of an amazing artist and a courageous woman. I say a glimpse cos like myself after hearing this album will make you want to buy other Nina albums, if you're not already a fan, in hopes of catching more glimpses of this extraordinary woman and her music. Each song is a story, and a story within each song. Her voice is like no other, no one even close. Through her voice you will experience massive emotions, you will fall in love, feel heartbreak, live tragedy. She sings about life, and truth, blunt as it may. Nina Simone is the perfect storyteller and the jazz music that perfectly accompanies her magnificent voice makes for this incredible compilation.

    "I Love Yous Porgy" I hear was a big hit for Ms. Simone back in the day and this slow wonder is the perfect preface for the rest of the album.

    "The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddam! ...and I mean every word of it." This was (I imagine) the more political side of her and this song blew me away the first time I heard it. Despite the civil rights topic of the song, we also get to see a funnier side of Nina like when she says, "This is a show tune but the show hasn't been written for it, yet." haha! ...All jokes aside though, one can't help but relate to her lyrics, a cry for equality in a world of segregation. "Alabama's got me so upset, Tennessee made me lose my rest, and everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam...Lord have mercy on this land of mine, we're all gonna get it in due time...All I want is equality, for my sister, my brother, my people and me!..."

    Every woman can relate to "The Other Woman." This song speaks to every woman, even if she's never been "the other woman." Imagine a song that begs us to ponder the lonliness of the mistress, "...the other woman will always cry herself to sleep, the other woman will never have his love to keep.." and the grief of the woman that's married, "..the other woman is perfect where her rival fails..." There is no voice quite like Nina's and on this song it is full of longing; dreamy and sad, it is not unlike the other woman.

    Then we get to the epic 10-minute opus, "Sinnerman." This is her most popular song I think, and it's actually an early spiritual song but I swear hearing this powerful song makes me want to jump out of my seat and shout, "Lord have mercy!" It also brings me to my knees and makes me want to confess all my darkest sins, "Sinnerman where you gonna run to, where you gonna run to, all on that day... I ran to the river, it was bleedin, I ran to the sea, it was bleedin, all on that day..." This is the ultimate redemption song. Oh Nina, you dun outdone yo'self on this one, girl! What a great song.

    "Ne Me Quitte Pas" roughly translates to "Don't leave me," and the original was by a French musician named Jacques Brel. This emotional song has been covered by many artists, including many versions in English called "If You Go Away." I don't speak french but a friend who does says Nina's version of this song is not very impressive, mostly due to her french being "amateur, at best." Since I don't speak the language, I don't care whether she pronounces her silent s's or not (haha) but I can tell it's a heartbreakingly sad song, judging by the emotions in her voice as she begs her lover to stay with her.

    "See Line Woman" is a song one can't help but tap your foot to. It's reminisce of early dance music, almost disco-y, if you will, and very good.

    "I Put a Spell on You" is another song that many other artists have covered but this version is my favorite. The combination of her desperate voice as she sings "I don't care if you don't want me, I'm yours right now.." and the mesmerizing saxophone that accompanies the song throughout is just incredible.

    "Break Down and Let It All Out" is of course, every jilted lovers anthem. What to do when the other flees the coop? Yep, break down and let it all out. You'll feel better, and it's good for you.

    One of my favorite Nina songs is "Four Women." It tells the stories of "Aunt Sarah," a slave whose back is strong enough to take the pain inflicted on her again and again, "Saffronia," a biracial with a rich white father who forced himself on her slave mother one night, "Sweet Thing," a prostitute with a mouth like wine, and "Peaches," the awfully bitter child whose parents were slaves. I can picture each woman in my mind as Nina's singing bout their sad lives. Her voice just brings these women to life, and one can't help but feel for them.

    "Wild Is the Wind" is a very sad, sad love song. This song evokes all kinds of emotions in me, from the softness of the piano to Nina's almost tear-stricken voice, it is deeply melancholy. I love the lines, "Give me more than one caress, satisfy this hungriness...You touch me, I hear the sound of mandolins..."

    "Pirate Jenny" is awesome! This song is told like a bed-time story, with suspense, excitement and intrigue. In fact, I often tell the story to my little cousins come bedtime and they get a great kick out of it. The wonder and anticipation on their faces as I'm relaying my rendition of the story to them is priceless.

    The last song to round off the album is "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." This is a nice song, a happy song that's been covered by many bands since Nina's release of it back in the 60's and a great way to end this most awesome compilation of an album by the most awesome Nina Simone. And with that, I leave you with a quote by Mos Def:

    "You may dig on the Rolling Stones, but they could never ever rock like Nina Simone."

    Amen.

    5 out of 5 stars Excelent!.......2006-08-28

    Powerful, classy, jazz does not get any better than this, there are other excelent ones like Charly Parker, Bobby Darin, T. bennet, Diana Krall, even St Germain, etc... i agree, but not any better.

    5 out of 5 stars Better than music.......2006-02-04

    In this album you can touch and fill the essence of Nina Simone, one of the better early jazz american females you can listen to...

    5 out of 5 stars Right up there with Tina Turner...........2005-12-03

    This woman has an amazing voice! It is very brash, deep, and soulful! I have just discovered her, and already I think she is right up there with Tina Turner as one of the best soulstresses ever. "Sinner Man", "Mississippi Goddam", and "Four Women" are absolutely fabulous! The best lyric on the whole album: "MY NAME IS PEEAACCCHHEESS!" from FOUR WOMEN.

    This is a must own for any serious music collection!

    5 out of 5 stars The Best of Nina Simone.......2005-08-02

    Nina Simone has been one of my favorite singers and performers for most of my life. To begin a collection of her material again has been a goal for along time. I'm certainly not disappointed with this CD. She's just superb!
    Bittersweet: The Very Best of Nina Simone
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • This CD Has Been Bettered By Other Nina Simone Compilation CD's Elsewhere
    • Finally the True "Best of Nina Simone"
    • Good Overview
    • Nina Simone always the best.
    		 Bittersweet: The Very Best of Nina Simone
    Nina Simone
    Manufacturer: House of Hits
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00004ZBDI
    Release Date: 2000-10-24

    Tracks:

    1. My Baby Just Cares For Me
    2. Don't Smoke In Bed
    3. I Loves You, Porgy
    4. Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out
    5. Trouble In Mind
    6. Mississippi Goddam
    7. I Put A Spell On You
    8. Ne Me Quitte Pas
    9. My Man's Gone Now
    10. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
    11. Blues For Mama
    12. To Love Somebody
    13. Ain't Got No - I Got Life
    14. Do What You Gotta Do
    15. To Be Young, Gifted And Black
    16. Jelly Roll

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars This CD Has Been Bettered By Other Nina Simone Compilation CD's Elsewhere.......2006-05-26

    When "Bittersweet: Best of Nina Simone" was released in 2000, it was extraordinary for a major label like RCA to encompass recordings of a big-time artist like Nina Simone from all the labels she recorded (Bethlehem, Colpix, Philips, and RCA). At the time, it seemed almost revolutionary for a record label to do this.

    Since then an influx of newer, bigger, better Nina Simone Anthologies and "Best Of" series have glutted the market and this one really seems dated. And no compilation CD of Nina Simone really does her any justice by squeezing the songs onto only one CD, when a double-CD set is required. The producers didn't even bother to extend the number of songs beyond the minimal 16 selections. They could have at least try to go with 20 or 22 songs (one disc can fit that many). It is hard to fault the selections here, most if not all are signature songs by "The High Priestess of Soul". I would question the inclusion of "Jelly Roll" or maybe "Ain't Got No-I Got Life". Sound quality ranges from OK (RCA years) to Excellent (Colpix).

    If you are just discovering Nina Simone, I would suggest the great double-disc set "Nina Simone Anthology" with 31 songs, also released by RCA in 2003 (hmm....maybe RCA learned their lesson?). "Anthology" is an excellent intro and is a good place to start. It also covers her material from all four major different labels and gives you a better song selection and range of this remarkable woman's talents. The sound remaster quality has improved as well. It includes the remarkable track "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" not found on previous Nina Simone compilations.

    5 out of 5 stars Finally the True "Best of Nina Simone".......2003-02-04

    Like many artists who recorded for many labels there are as many "Best of Nina Simone" albums as there are labels she recorded for (Philips, Bethlehem, RCA, etc.....) Each album typically has the versions of the hits that she recorded for that label, plus remakes (often not so great) of hits she recorded for other labels.
    What RCA has cleverly done is to go back to all the companies that Ms. Simone recorded for and got rights to the original hits, so this is the only Simone collection of which I am aware that has the ORIGINAL version of the many hit recordings from the several different companies she recorded for over the last 40 or so years.

    3 out of 5 stars Good Overview.......2003-01-08

    I happen NOT to like late 60's/early 70's anthem-like, join-the-bandwagon-for-a-cause type music (and in fact, am not fond of any genre of that era), so I simply programme my player to skip tracks 12-15. The mark of a work of art is timelessness, and several of La Simone's pieces are extraordinary: My Man's Gone Now, Mississippi Gaddam, I Put a Spell on You, and Ne me quitte pas particularly. She is better in old school blues and songs of slow tempi, rather than pop-esque music as some vocal strain shows in a machine-gun vibrato. If you are unfamiliar with Nina Simone this is good place to start since this disque presents a compilation from a number of her periods of growth as an artist.

    4 out of 5 stars Nina Simone always the best........2000-11-29

    Different takes on some of her songs I liked it.
    The Best of Nina Simone
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Uneven, but the Highs are High Indeed
    • A Nina Novice
    • INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL
    • gush gush
    • A few I haven't heard
    		 The Best of Nina Simone
    Nina Simone
    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. The Best of Nina Simone
    2. The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl
    3. Nina: The Essential Nina Simone

    ASIN: B000002W6K
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. In The Morning
    2. I Shall Be Released
    3. Day And Night
    4. It Be's That Way Sometime
    5. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
    6. My Man's Gone Now
    7. Why? (The King Of Love Is Dead)
    8. Compensation
    9. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
    10. Go To Hell
    11. Do What You Gotta Do
    12. Suzanne

    Amazon.com

    There's a little bit of everything on this eclectic 1970 collection from the High Priestess of Soul--blues, gospel, jazz, rock, you name it. Live tracks, studio tracks, intimate combos, big orchestras, gospel choirs--and music by Bob Dylan, Barry Gibb, Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Webb, and George Gershwin! The only constant, of course, is Simone's resonating voice--mother to the likes of Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. It's an impressive survey of sounds, although it doesn't make for a cohesive listening experience; you're more likely to want to sample a track here and a track there, depending on your mood. Still, when you want a little sugar in your bowl, you'll know where to find it. --Jim Emerson

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Uneven, but the Highs are High Indeed.......2005-06-08

    I'm not a huge Nina Simone afficianado, and I think some of the cuts on this disk are almost throwaways (please don't hate me; I'm a philistine). But, that said, the best cuts are simply wonderful. Decide for yourself which they are for you. I'll just say that Simone's interpretation of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" might be the best cover of all time. Seriously.

    4 out of 5 stars A Nina Novice.......2003-04-28

    In my quest to be more diverse in my musical selections, I purchased this CD last year after reading about and studying Ms. Nina Simone. I'm happy "I got to know her" before her passing earlier this month.

    I love who see is and what she stood for even more than the music itself. The only disappointment w/this "Best Of" CD is that it does not have some of the songs that Nina is MOST known for including Mississippi Goddam.

    That's ok though. This is just the first of other purchases I intend to make. From what I've read on the internet, Nina's history is very diverse yet strong. In addition to her music, I will also be purchasing some books about this Soulful Diva! (Probably the 1st REAL DIVA)

    This Best of collection is just a good place to start but you do need some of the others to get the full essence of this amazing woman.

    5 out of 5 stars INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.......2000-08-28

    This is a stunning collection with strong material giving her voice every opportunity to shine. My favourite tracks are In The Morning, Why (The King Of Love Is Dead), the heartbreaking gospel of Compensation and her compelling rendition of Cohen's Suzanne. (This last ought to have been on one of the two Leonard Cohen tribute albums). With one of the most ditinctive voices in popular music, Simone can't really go wrong, but the song selection here is so right and the songs so well interpreted, that I would recommend this album as a perfect starting point for those who want to investigate her work. A very uplifting listening experience.

    5 out of 5 stars gush gush.......2000-07-21

    This was the first Simone CD I ever bought so perhaps this review is tainted with sentimentality. Nevertheless, I have to sing my praise for it. I adore her. Her voice is not only magnificent, bursting with soul, passion and raw emotion but she is angry, which I love in a woman. I encourage you to read about her and find transcripts of her interviews.

    Anyway, back to the album. Firstly, her vesion of "Suzanne" is fantastic. Lord knows I love Cohen but, after I heard this, his version of his own song is a thing to pity. "Why?" her tribute to Martin Luther King is deeply touching and if "Go To Hell" doesn't get your toes atappin' there has to be something wrong with you. Her version, too, of "I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl" is very sensual and lucious, a song to seduce by. No song on this a disappoinment. You should love it all.

    5 out of 5 stars A few I haven't heard.......2000-02-02

    This album had a few I had not heard but I am a novice Nina Simone fan. I adore "Children Go where I Send You" and "Forbidden Fruit" with their upbeat tempos and gospel swing. But the slow ones calm my pets as well as I; one is which a potbelly pig- which is why "Gimme A Pigfoot" is my favorite of the 3 songs "previously unreleased" . I didn't like "it dont mean a thing" because the background voices were too harsh but I could be an idiot.
    Very Best of-Vol. 2
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Very Best of-Vol. 2

      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000JU8FY4
      Release Date: 2006-12-05

      Album Description

      Second volume of great cuts by the extremely versatile Jazz vocalist. Simone would often tackle other forms of music like Soul and Pop, but she is best known for natural ability to wrap her voice around a great Jazz tune and make it her own, as this second compilation shows. 19 tracks including 'Baltimore', 'I Shall Be Released', 'How Long Must I Wander', 'Save Me' and more. Sony/BMG. 2006.
      My Baby Just Cares For Me: The Best Of Nina Simone
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • It puts a spell on you..
      • All her beauty.
      • all about heart and soul
      		 My Baby Just Cares For Me: The Best Of Nina Simone
      Nina Simone
      Manufacturer: Crimson (DNA)
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000007P28
      Release Date: 1998-06-23

      Tracks:

      1. My Baby Just Cares For Me
      2. I Loves You Porgy
      3. Mood Indigo
      4. He Needs Me
      5. Love Me Or Leave Me
      6. Central Park Blues
      7. Plain Gold Ring
      8. African Mailman
      9. Little Girl Blue
      10. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
      11. For All We Know
      12. Don't Smoke In Bed
      13. You'll Never Walk Alone
      14. Good Bait
      15. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
      16. Ain't No Use
      17. Do What You Gotta Do
      18. Mississippi Goddam
      19. Four Women
      20. My Baby Just Cares For Me (Special Extended Version)

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars It puts a spell on you.........2005-06-24

      This CD gives an excellent overview of the extraordinarily talented Nina Simone. She covered all bases; soul, blues, jazz, classical, folk, gospel, protest songs - you name it. A beautiful musical tapestry.

      With a rich, elastic and beautiful voice with excellent phrasing, she weaves her magic into these 19 (the last track is an extended version) different songs. An excellent pianist, and very afrocentric, paving the way for people like Erykah Badu.

      From the jazzy `My baby just cares for me' (which became a big UK top 10 hit all over again in 1987), the tender `I loves you porgy' (a US top 20 hit), the swinging upbeat `Mood indigo' which really displays her amazing piano skills, the mournful shuffle of `Plain gold ring', the upbeat instrumental `African mailman', the hymnal `Little girl blue' (featuring some operatic vocal acrobatics), the gospel `He's got the whole world in his hands', the classical `For all we know' (where she really stretches her pipes), the civil rights statement of `Mississippi goddam', the moving `Don't let me be misunderstood' (featured here as a live version), every song here is a gem.

      This CD is a magical experience, vital to any true music collection.

      5 out of 5 stars All her beauty........2001-08-14

      This album gives you the full range of Nina's talents.

      5 out of 5 stars all about heart and soul.......2001-01-09

      This recording will make you feel your chest fill up and heart sink. As is her usual style, she freely travels between notes but ever so perfectly as well. The album encompasses a wide range of songs, including the most heartfelt ballads and the most political protests. If you're already a fan of Simone, you'll enjoy this underpriced addition, if not, you'll become a fan of hers soon.
      The Best of Nina Simone
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Sublime songs, divine voice
      		 The Best of Nina Simone
      Nina Simone
      Manufacturer: Tomato Music
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B00009YXFH
      Release Date: 2003-09-09

      Tracks:

      1. Porgy
      2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
      3. Young, Gifted and Black
      4. Hey, Buddy Bolden
      5. Ne Me Quitte Pas
      6. One More Sunday in Savannah
      7. Cottom Eyed Joe
      8. When I Was in My Prime
      9. Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair
      10. I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl
      11. Backlash Blues
      12. Laziest Girl in Town
      13. Zungo
      14. Satin Doll

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Sublime songs, divine voice.......2004-03-23

      This rather obscure album reveals the beauty of Nina Simone's voice like no other. Not being a jazz fan, I am not moved by all the tracks but where she does ballads and soul, the effects are sublime. There are at least four timeless songs here that will send shivers down your spine.

      One More Sunday In Savannah with its gospel feel and the poignant Cotton Eyed Joe are exquisite interpretations, bittersweet and evocative. When I Was In My Prime is in the same league, a tender and moving song that is amongst the highlights of her entire recorded output.

      My fourth favorite is the great Zungo, a mantra-like song with a magical, hypnotic feel. The backing music on the aforementioned masterpieces is as exquisite as her voice. Other superb songs include I Loves You Porgy (her Top 20 hit from 1959), Young, Gifted and Black (this was later covered by Aretha Franklin) and her version of Jacques Brel's Ne Me Quitte Pas.

      For those who like vocal jazz, this is a must have album. If you're a Nina Simone fan, this album is essential as it includes many hard-to-find tracks. There is another Best Of Nina Simone album on the RCA label that is also great, with beautiful songs like Compensation, Why (The King Of Love Is Dead), Dylan's I Shall Be Released and Cohen's Suzanne. But this one on the Tomato label has the edge as it showcases her atmospheric voice in all its pristine glory.

      Full track listing: Porgy/I Got It Bad And That Aint No Good/Young Gifted And Black/Hey Buddy Bolden/Ne Me Quitte Pas/One More Sunday In Savannah/Cotton Eyed Joe/When I Was In My Prime/Black Is The Color/I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl/Backlash Blues/The Laziest Girl In Town/Zungo/Satin Doll.

      Music:

      1. The Collection
      2. The Complete Doris Day with Les Brown
      3. The Dinah Shore TV Show [Import]
      4. The Gold Collection: 14 Great Hits
      5. The Greatest Hits of Petula Clark
      6. Time for Love
      7. Touch of Class
      8. Unforgettable: With Love
      9. Unmistakably Lou/When You Hear Lou, You've Heard It All [Import]
      10. Very Best of-Original Recordin

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