The Best of Nina Simone

Songs not in original order. (the original Vinyl is worth 10 out of 5 stars)If you never had the vinyl, you probably won't care, but 'extra' songs were added, and for some reason the idiots who put the CD together, thought it was great idea to interrupt the rhythm and flow of a great album. Most people buying this have probably lost their original vinyl or worn it out... and if you're like me, your hears have a flow they expect over decades of listening.If you had the original, the order will sound 'wrong'.(and the 'added versions' aren't her best either, though they are OK. If you know of Nina's unevenness problem, you'll know that's not such a great thing).It's like having someone put a plaid pattern into a formal rich brocade... it is an aural mismatch. YMMV.

I wanted to like this more than I did, but I got this album because I saw a play called "Holler Sessions" that was about a guy doing a Jazz radio program from his basement. I heard one snip-it of one song by Nina Simone, and I was hooked, or at least thought I was. A lot of the music on this album seems a bit slow for Jazz, but who am I to critique, I'm no Jazz expert, just know what I like.

Nina Simone has been a favorite of mine since the '60's. I've loved her voice, her ability to make each song her own and admired her courage to stand up for herself and others. But as I no longer have a stereo to play my vinyl, I am slowly adding CDs of my favorites artists, including my latest addition, the Best of Nina Simone. While I have each of these in some form or another on one album or another, this is a nice complilation of her music, including some nice live recordings. Don't say she is a Jazz Musician, she was so much more than that, rather, I think of her as a Jazzy singer, or maybe a Bluesy singer, or wait, Broadway...pop...folk...gospel...Well hopefully you get the idea. What she was, and continues to be through her recordings, is a spot on, Great Singer. Her best recordings are still on vinyl, but rather than missing out on Nina, buy the CD, sit back and wonder at her power and her voice.

Nina Simone entered my life by sheer coincidence. Her music happened to pop up in the soundtracks of so many movies that I loved that I figured it could not be coincidence. Pedro Almodovar's "Viva La Tristeza" (music that inspired him to write 'Talk To Her'), "Any Given Sunday" and, more recently, "Before Sunset". So I decided to purchase this 12-song compilation of The Best of Nina Simone. Not only was I not dissapointed. I found Nina's music to touch my soul in multiple ways: she can be romantic, but then she can be a rebel and protest against the system; she can be charming, yet she can be explosive and in-your-face. Her voice carries something sad yet irresistible that you cannot help but fall in love with. Nina is like a diamond with a million faces, and all of them shine to make her music, no matter when or where you run into it, one of life's nice little surprises.For a sample of her romantic side, listen to "Wild Is The Wind" or the French "Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Don't Leave Me). For some more Nina, check out the extended "Sinnerman".

This is the first Nina SImone I purchased and I have to say she is something of an acquired taste. The first time or two through this album I was left somewhat confused by her style. But the more I listen and realize that she was a product of her times I can appreciate the courage and the toughness it took to make these recordings. I do like these more each time I listen, but I can imagine this is not going to be everyone's cup of tea.

Just to hear Nina Simone sing "Sinner Man" is worth the price of the album. For an even better effect, watch the updated version of the movie "The Thomas Crowne Affair." Nina Simone sings Sinner Man while the Metropolitan Museum of New York is being robbed. Wow!!!

"Best!" it is. Gifted she is! You want to play this CD over and over because each note, each pause, each interpretation with her voice and accompaniment make you realize how much is there!... and you want to savor it all.

Nina Simone's Best of Nina Simone was recommended by a friend originally because of the lyrics. I had never heard of her before basically because I am actually listening mostly to classical music. I am a new fan of both now, lyrics AND music And voice. Regarding Customer Service - not only is the cd in perfect condition, it was also send post efficiently and promptly. I highly recommend the dealer for quality assurance and promptness in delivery and complement Amazone's choice of dealers as the well as its assurance of customer privacy.

They loved it and enjoy it often.

Queen of soul

Nina Simone, cant say more, fabulous

Very good compilation of her works

I bought this for the song sinnerman. Very glad I did. Love Nina Simon. Now have all her songs.